Last week I saw a young Chow mix wandering my neighborhood aimlessly, nose to the ground most likely following the promise of some scraps to appear. Along for the ride tied around his/her neck a 5 or 6 ft span of assorted speaker and cable wire serving as a homemade leash, which I am sure was used to keep him tied up in a back yard near by. The next day my partner saw him and by Friday we met again. Using my car as a horse (not literal) and my voice as a lasso I tried to get young friend to take a ride with me. Being that this is not my first time with this I know I can take him to 1 of 3 places (MHS, anti-cruelty, the pound) that houses uncared for animals. Chow goes deep into the park, I have no treats with me this time, and he still has his homemade leash (3 days later) tagging along behind him. I give up, after so long of me stalking him, and trying not to cause an accident. I assure myself next time I see him which I had a feeling would be soon, I would have food on hand and I would be able to take him into the appropriate facility. Saturday on I75 passing my home exit we met again, only this time he and his leash were lifeless.

I am a resident of Detroit (Southwest) and extremely passionate about both the city that I live in and the animals I share this city (earth) with. I have rescued my fair share of stray dogs (and cats) in Detroit. It is definitely a situation that is filled with emotion. Wondering if the dog will come to you, flee into a busy intersection, or even have a brighter outcome after the rescue.
I am only speaking about Detroit because this is what applies to me. I can’t imagine walking past a pregnant helpless stray in need and not doing or being able to do anything to help her. These issues of homeless rebel animals can be described as a big onion. With so many layers to peel back and chew on. Of course there is the financial layer. With the unemployment and foreclosure rate in this city being too high for a rictor scale. Families have to flee their homes leaving fido, and peppi behind to fend for themselves. The fact that family units or single person homes clearly are robbing Peter to pay Paul, of course if Peter has anything to take to begin with. How are they able to think about some “extra” money to support their four legged roomies. I understand all of this. Among many of these layers there is the aromatic one of education and culture. Some cultures believe that a dog is to stay outside and “protect” their property and the family that has heat, water and, food inside. Well ok that’s fine, I can understand that but what I can’t understand is the 50 lbs chain hanging from the neck of this dog. With no water, food, or appropriate shelter in sight. I wouldn’t really want to protect anyone who didn’t care about me. These dogs are left outside and unsocialized to humans and you wonder why they “take a bite out of crime” or people if they are to get free. Let’s not mention the pit bull, money hungry, dog fighting inhumane folks that exist in my city.
Lets start talking about spay and release as an option, lets spread the word on Michigan Humane Society coming to Clark Park once a year to do FREE vaccinations for these furry members. Let’s turn in dog fighters, and report them to authorities.
In conclusion, if you can’t take care of an animal DON’T GET ONE! Easter comes every year, that doesn’t mean that you have to actually buy a bunny for you child and then turn it into a facility within a month or two because all it was to begin with was a cute IDEA.