Public Domain
7 Days, July 22:
Poor Taste
I was chagrined to see the comment in the "7 Days" section of the Reporter about trading in the "cats we have for shiny new kittens." As an animal rights activist and as someone also dedicated to the cause of animal welfare, I found the comment to be in extremely poor taste. I have worked in animal shelters; I've been part of an organization that managed off-site pet adoptions for an animal shelter; and I have worked in tandem with animal services officers on hoarding cases and the like. I know how difficult it is to place older cats (adult cats over two years old, and senior cats) in a loving home when everyone wants "cute" kittens. I know, personally, the heartbreak when you arrive at the shelter and find that the painful decision was made to euthanize that animal because there weren't enough homes for all the incoming pets.
So, it was upsetting to read your comment, no matter how in jest it was meant to be, that condones and cultivates the mindset that "shiny new kittens" are the only pets worth having.
I adopted several older cats, and they have been the most loving, wonderful cats, and I would not trade them for any so-called "shiny new kittens." Also, I believe that such a comment works to undo the progress made locally in raising awareness about pet overpopulation and the importance of having your pet spayed/neutered so there is not a flood of those "shiny new kittens" entering into local shelters throughout the year.
Kirsten Barger
Santa Fe
Editor's note: We're sorry our joke fell flat for you. Two of the six people in our newsroom have families of senior cats that are 3 and 4 deep. We love them dearly and we wouldn't trade the cats for all the tuna on the high seas.
Online, Aug. 5: “Rudolfo Anaya describió el Oeste como nadie más”
¡Muy Bien!
Muy buen articulo!! Me da gusto que The Santa Fe Reporter= El Reportero de Santa Fe comparta un artículo en su página en español, FELICIDADES !!
Joaquin Torres
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