Things are appalling for too many dogs in our community. They are losing their homes in seemingly record numbers and they are losing their lives. It's nowhere worse than here in Southern California, with its dense population of humans and sprawling urban and suburban communities. It feels overwhelming. Hopeless. So how do I dare talk about magic?
Because it’s going to take our collective imagination to bring about significant change. If we can’t envision better, we can’t do better. If we can’t imagine better, we can’t ask for, work for and achieve something better for the animals and the humans in relationships with them who are also impacted by this traumatic, unthinkable reality we have created.
So what can I do about it? you might ask. I have ideas about that.
I am freshly graduated from the University of Washington's Certificate in Applied Animal Behavior program and ready to put what I learned to work. I've studied the history of shelters at their inception (a tough legacy) and issues of animal welfare. Before the program, I've been on the front lines of building progressive shelter practices, helped write strategic plans and helped clear the shelter during the pandemic. Through this org, I help community members experiencing a variety of difficulties in order to help keep their dogs safely in their homes. I've witnessed the challenges and obstacles people and dogs face every day.
I see the enormity of the welfare issues facing our companion animals, and how they are entangled with societal issues like income and housing instability, governmental stall / bureaucracy, apathy and insufficient resources.
But nothing is more devastating to the state our our community animals than our lack of imagination. Because as desperately as we need more resources in the form of funds and staff for the shelters and for community outreach, we need creativity and imagination more. And we need community buy-in and participation. That's how real change is going to take hold.
So follow us as we detail a path forward through our posts and on this blog in a series titled Notes For Shelter Magic. Be a part of the movement to help transform our community by making our city reflect the care, concern and love we have for animals, and find out concrete ways you can contribute to the effort that are in your comfort zone and managable. We can! But only together.
(Image: Art inspired by adoptable Marilyn at City of Long Beach Animal Care, ID #A719433)
Excited to hear about the magical thoughts that can help make the positive change our dog’s need. Looking forward to learning more from your education too!