The 1st Step

Hi - I've never blogged before, in fact, up until a week or so ago I wasn't even sure what a blog was. I certainly never thought I would have one. So, what am I doing here, you may ask. I moved to Guam in Nov. 2009. The island is beautiful, the diving is world class and the people are hospitable. But there is one thing that I can't stomach on this island. It is the blatant abuse of animals. I've seen poor, pitiful animals before in the states - but nothing to this degree. It is common place to drive up to a house and see 3 - 6 dogs tied on 3ft long leashes, with no food, no water and with every bone protruding from their weak bodies! The locals I've questioned about the matter have given me varying explanations, such as that people see animals as just property, nothing more, so they can treat them as they please. Another excuse is that even if the food is available they don't know or care that animals have to be fed more then once a week. I've started carrying dog and cat food in my car to try to help them. I don't like to see dogs tied up but my problem isn't with that. My problem is, if your going to tie the dog up and prevent him from finding food then feed him well! People have told me that if I get to concerned with feeding the animals I'll drive myself crazy - they're probably right, after all, I'm starting a blog on it! I've tried going to the authorities but they don't care. There is 1 animal shelter on the island and it is under funded and over run. I honestly believe that if Guam got bad publicity from the States about this issue it would improve. But out in the middle of the ocean it's hard not to feel isolated from the US. What happens on Guam, seems to stay on Guam. But it's time for this matter to be public knowledge, every week I will feature an abused animal. All you have to do is follow my blog and pass it on to any other animal loving friends you may have!