I Too Have A Dream

I copied the above picture and following post from Facebook. 


“Never, never be afraid to do what's right, especially if the well-being of a person or animal is at stake. Society's punishments are small compared to the wounds we inflict on our soul when we look the other way.” ― Martin Luther King Jr.

Krista Magnifico shared One Voice for Animal Rights's photo.

As I continue to struggle with the state of my profession, the hypocrisy we tout, and the belief that we are all human beings capable and responsible for each other, I am deeply touched by the events of 50 years ago, the words that were spoken, and the change that they brought forth. Dr. King's words ring true today, the miracle of equality and freedom, and the understanding that there remains a road ahead of us with an ultimate Utopia called peace.

The post has compelled me to not stay silent any longer...

I am mounting my own protest against the veterinary profession who still stands by the premise that "pets are property". We as a profession WANT you to spend endless amounts of money on your pet, (we have after all become a profession with ample specialists), BUT, we don't want you to sue us or have to address the liability should the chips not fall where you desire them to. We want to say to you, "I'm sorry but we will only provide you with replacement value." 

I love my pets as if they were my children, further, I have no children except for them. My clients expect me to treat their pets as if they were my own. They also expect that I will not treat them like property; an emotionless piece of office equipment, like a stapler. 

To hold on to this ancient out-dated tenant that a dog = a cow = a plow = a soulless emotionally devoid being at our disposal to treat however we wish.  

How can we be a profession of today's society advocating responsibility, welfare, compassion and deny our fellow clients, brothers, sisters, parents and children the bond, loyalty, and life saving partnerships that our pets bring us?

So, I proclaim that I too have a dream..

that someday we will all live in a world of peace and compassion that is not defined by what species we are, but instead by what humanitarians we have become.

"and if you ever have to choose between being right and being kind..

Always be kind." Wayne Dyer.

For Chelsea and Sadie.

(Note of Thanks to Pete the Vet, for pointing out my significant spelling error..and note to self: don't write a blog after 9 pm AND post it..sleep on it and proof-read when awake..)