I had an interesting conversation not too long ago with a friend of mine. She's not one to engage in small talk. She's brutally honest. One of my best critics. And, she asks the most peculiar questions. The topic of my Facebook wall came up. She asked if I knew the "former owners" of our kids. I asked her to define "former owners."
"The person or people who had them prior to being rescued or surrendered."
I told her yes. Two.
"Do any of them see your Facebook posts?"
I told her yes. Two. Possibly three. I also explained that Sophie is an exception. Our Sophie, along with dozens of other pups, were rescued by a phenomenal woman who's an ACO. Sophie lived at the shelter with this woman for over a year before she joined our family as a foster. Almost a year later, and once the cruelty case was settled, we were able to sign the adoption papers. Sophie was well taken care of, spoiled, and she absolutely adores this woman.
In fact, we consider this woman our friend and on occasion, we visit.
I knew another question was brewing. I can read my friend like the back of my hand sometimes.
"Is it weird for you that they may or may not see your posts? Do you ever feel like they might be offended by your posts? By offended I mean your posts being misconstrued. As in...you're trying to rub (insert kid's name) life now, versus then, in their face?"
I have to admit, this was one of the oddest question I've ever been asked. I'm almost tempted to say it is the oddest question I've ever been asked.
It's not something I think, or have, thought about.
The majority of my Facebook photos and status updates are about the kids. The rest are random. Food. Wine. Foul mouthed memes. The occasional rant. And whatever else I find funny or interesting or vulgar.
I post photos and updates about our kids because I'm proud of them. I love to post about their progress, adorable moments, funny mishaps, candid photos, and even those outdoor photos that would never make the front page of any magazine or sales ad.
I never gave thought to anyone being offended by that, but, like with anything, someone is always offended or takes things out of context or makes assumptions.
We're living in an age where everything has to be watered down.
All of our kids are rescues. Each one has a unique story.
My posts aren't meant to drag their former owner's through the mud.
The photos I post of our kids. Their stories. Their accomplishments. Their tiny steps towards coming out of their shells and trusting humans again. I post those updates because I'm a proud Dog and Piggy Mom. I want to share my story. Our story. Their story. With any rescue animal, their story unfolds in the months after adoption.
I'm not going to lie and say, "I don't judge."
A more honest statement would be, "I do my best not to judge."
I get frustrated, angry, and disgusted, but I try not to judge.
At times, it's extremely difficult not to.
On occasion, I've been known to share a news story on my Facebook wall about humans who have failed as pet parents or dog boarders or groomers or rescue groups. These stories have been posted and shared by people I know. I always attach my opinion.
Since the launch of bodacious biscuit love, over 3 years ago, we've visited with many pups who have been abused, neglected, and abandoned.
A tiny handful of pups and pets have been surrendered to shelters as a last resort because their mom or dad got sick or passed away.
I have shed many tears during visits and especially after hearing the stories.
All of this has changed me. It's changed us.
My take on this is simple. I'm only responsible for what I say, NOT for what you understand or how you process it.
If you're the former "owner" of any of our fur-kids, and by "former" I mean the owner when they were, or had to be rescued, surrendered, or you simply just decided you didn't want to have or take care of your animal any longer, and you take offense to anything I say or post, well...that's not my problem.
It's yours.
The life our kids have is the life they should have and the life they deserve.
Our kid's stories and happy endings are just a few of millions out there.
The decision to get a dog, kitty, guinea pig, ferret, snake, lizard, etc. is a big one and shouldn't be taken lightly. Every animal has specific habitat requirements, health issues, health care needs, a determined lifespan, dietary needs, and they require daily care and maintenance. That's just the tip of the iceberg.
Do your research. Get informed. Learn all that you can, including the expenses, before you get an animal.
Animals aren't a novelty item nor are they disposable. You can't just ignore them because the novelty wore off or you lost interest and no longer want to care for them. Isolating them and providing the bare necessities, when you remember to, isn't acceptable.
My friend and I discussed all of this in depth.
And, we both agreed, if the shoe fits, wear it.
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