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Animals of War

© Joy Butler

I watched the sights and sounds outside my window that were, eerily, like those images over Baghdad broadcast from my television. Vibrating booms signaled flashes of light in the night sky and then rumbled into the distance. The big difference was that the flashes and rumbles outside my window were only a thunderstorm moving through and soon the soft patters of rain on the roof would soothe me into a restful sleep. Not so in Baghdad.

I know nothing of what it's like to go to war but, with all the embedded reporters keeping us updated, I see images that are very disturbing. I get caught up watching and then when I've seen all the fear and fatigue, the suffering and mourning I can take, I'm fortunate enough to be able to switch it off. Those at the scene do not have that luxury.

We, who sit comfortably at our computers, with drink in hand, and a snoozing pet nearby, must not forget to be thankful for our comfort and for those who are not so comfortable right now in order that we might stay comfortable. Please pray for our leaders, our troops and their families, and the innocent victims of war.

War seems to touch every life, everywhere in one way or another and not even animals are exempt from the results of our disagreements. Many pampered pets are finding themselves homeless when their guardians are called up to serve. Shelters report enormous numbers of pets being relinquished by soldiers who have no other alternative. How sad! The human/pet bond can be quite strong and the stress of abandoning a best friend surely adds to the stress of going to war. A few lucky ones have taken advantage of foster programs set up for them. If you would like to foster a soldier's pet, please contact foster@netpets.org and put "your state, foster home application" in the subject. If you are in the military and need a temporary home for your pet, call 843-249-5262.

On the other side of the world, beasts of burden, undernourished and lacking medical care, struggle under tremendous loads through the streets of war torn countries. Their work is necessary to the survival of citizens and they are afforded little rest.

Zoo animals of Baghdad wait in their cages without proper food or medical care and tremble in fear with every bomb explosion. Recently a British member of Parliament asked military leaders to ensure that these animals are safeguarded and that veterinarian care is provided as soon as hostilities are over.

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