This month is the 140th anniversary of the ASPCA; the first organization for animal welfare.
I am one of the lucky ones, and all because one man 140 years ago had a conscience. So for me, this month is cause for hoorays and yippees. Many don’t know or understand how my life was or could have ended up before I was let go from racing. It was exciting, and I love to run, but read this from the ASPCA to see what I did and how I lived. West Palm Beach society is not all it is cracked up to be; I looove riding in cars so race them not dogs!
History says, in 1866 a New York City cart driver was whipping his poor, withered horse when an elegant man stepped in and defended the horse. A Mr. Henry Bergh was this gallant man who then went on to petition NY for a charter to protect all animals in the state naming it the American Society of Prevention and Cruelty to Animals. And on April 10, 1866 the law passed, along with the right to enforce it. It was begun for working animals but soon graduated to help us all, in any area where animals live and work. There are no real federal laws regarding us; I think there should be.Their logo was created about Mr. Bergh’s meddling, showing a guardian angel helping a cart horse. I think that is the best. April licensing of pets today even stems from their mantra of responsible pet ownership.
Just so you know….the ASPCA today works to:
- Fight tirelessly on state and national levels to pass laws that protect animals. Or rather, doggedly!
- Provide the latest medical care at the ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital.
- Offer a 24/7 resource for animal poison-related emergencies through their Animal Poison Control Center.
- Operate an 8,000-square-foot state-of-the-art adoption facility. Wow-that is big!
- Help at-risk horses with the ASPCA Equine Fund.
- Offer expert advice on common dog, cat and horse behavior issues. I got over that, but so many of my friends are confused still.
- Send out the ASPCA Disaster Response Team to help animals in times of emergency. We get so lost in emergencies-especially when we lose our parents and home.
- Employ a Humane Law Enforcement department to uphold New York City’s animal cruelty laws. These people rock!
- Provide a fleet of ASPCA mobile spay/neuter clinics to serve low-income communities throughout New York City. There are sooo many puppies in the streets.
Cruelty is when an animal is intentionally harmed or not given food, water, and medical care. Unfortunately we speak a different language and can’t really call for help when we need it-but you can. Always keep an eye out for all animals in the human world-check out my friend’s video. I told him the English language was tougher than rawhide!
The main headquarters are still in New York City and operate entirely on donations and private funding from people just like my Lynn. So please, please call your local ASPCA or police department if you ever see anything mean spirited. For all my friends, xxoo Willow
Visit their website at www.aspca.org
