I always thought the movie Pay It Forward had a powerful message.
Twelve-year-old pupils were told to think of an idea that would make the world a better place, then put the idea into action.
One student thought he would do a nice thing for three people. When they would ask how to pay him back, he told them to "pay it forward" to three people each.
That means nine people are helped. Those nine people have to do a good deed for three people each, which means 27 are helped. On and on the blessings spread.
I believe this type of giving, unselfish lifestyle could breathe fresh air into our society.
Our pets are our family, yet we allow them to be left out of the national dialogue. I have never heard a national political candidate mention animal rights.
Dogs are severely mistreated, with some living their entire lives in a small cage, having one litter of puppies after the other.
When they can no longer produce puppies, they are either sold at auction or killed.
Every day our rescue group and many others save and protect innocent animals who deserve a full, happy and healthy life.
We can do better than this.
ELAINE VAN DER LINDEN IS THE FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR OF MOLLY'S MILITIA.
If you have a question about pets or need pet advice, e-mail North Augusta Today editor Julia Sellers at julia.sellers@northaugustatoday.com. Submissions will be answered each month by area professionals.
Thanks Elaine for talking about a problem people want to ignore or sweep under the rug. We need to have more action in this area. Pets are not people but they are not here to be used and abused either. Pets should be respected for the love and joy they bring into our lives. We can do better and we SHOULD!