I donate regularly cash/supplies to our local SPCA and both my girls are rescues. I even take my class yearly to the SPCA for a program they do about animals and how to care for them. When we've gone to Turks and Caicos they have a program called Potcake Place which is trying to help with their stray dog population. They do spay the animals, even allow tourists to do foster for a day in order to help socialize the dogs, as well as have an international adoption program.
I went to Greece with my brother a few years ago and there were stray dogs everywhere. It broke my heart:( we ended up walking from one town to another (took forever, we were really way off reading the map) and this dog walked with us the entire way, and stuck with us while we toured the other town. Of course with that kind of attention we shared some food and water. We were a bit smarter on the way back and took a bus, I felt bad leaving the dog behind. But at the same time what could we do for a stray dog in Greece when we had to go back to VA in a day?
I'm a total animal lover...but when it comes to stays in areas where resources are spread so thin, I just can't get worked up. Not really knowing the cultural feeling towards the animals, combined with concern about other issues would prevent me from doing much to alleviate the problem.
I guess I would want you to tell me why I should care. That sounds heartless, but why should I put my limited resources towards caring for animals when there are human issues that are far more pressing in my mind? What does saving a stray do to improve the community and lives of those people? Do they even want help with their animal population?
I live in an area where there are no stray dogs, and very few stray cats. BUT I do work with a local rescue that helps take puppy's in from owner surrenders, and also brings in dogs from places like Mexico and the LA area. (I'm in Canada)
Our laws here are much different when it comes to dogs then the laws in some (if not most) states. (Kill shelters are illegal here.)
The organization specializes in bringing in pups that are on the list to be killed at shelters.
And I just wanted to say that I didn't want to come off as critical...I think it is awesome when someone supports and pursues their passion...if helping strays around the world is yours, then rock on. It seems like it would be a tough sell to the "average American"...but give people a reason to care and you will get their support.
It bothers me, but often these places also have a high level of poverty, and I am usually more concerned by that. If/when I take action for a cause, it's directed at alleviating the human suffering rather than that of the strays.
I totally understand!
If there were readily available options that were available to you (i.e. - supporting on social media, donating towards education and training, purchasing artwork in support of orgs working towards alleviating the issue) would you be interested in any of the above?
I am just trying to gauge where those that are more drawn to human causes may still be interested in getting involved.
Honestly, I'm usually very wary of efforts to change things in other countries. Often the most well-meaning efforts/intentions go horribly astray with unforeseen consequences. In the case of humans, the UN's policies on adoption is a perfect example, or you could look at the role the World Health Organization played in unintentionally spreading HIV. As an outsider, I'm very hesitant to provide support through organizations I don't know much about or without being very involved.
With human causes, I prefer to give to proven organizations and earmark funds, or even better yet, to give directly to small, in-country organizations that I have personally witnessed in action.
i don't want to sound like an asshole, but there are limited funds, and if I'm calling someone's attention to an issue in an effort to alleviate suffering, it's going to be concerning humans.