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Claire Cuthrell

November 16, 2010

Honors English 1103

CG Rothwell

The Study of Homeless Lives within a Humane Society

Perhaps it is the reasons of my childhood, and growing up on my father’s farm that my love for

animals formed. Whatever the reason be, I have always tried to bestow this love for animals onto

others. Ever since I was a little girl, I can remember cats roaming throughout the barn and having a dog

to lie with at night, and to let out for play during the day. My home was never bare of animals; in fact,

pets were a major focal point in each of my family member’s lives. As a child I was much like Dr.

Doolittle, and in balance the animals were my friends. I have no intentions of bragging, but I must add in

that my home was a popular place amongst my friends. As I reflect back upon my childhood, I realize

people I have known or grown to know have shared this same passion for animals. Now one may argue

that this penchant and love for animals is a natural fondness associated with amazement to children,

and that the attraction does not always remain permanent. However, for me this love for animals has

only grown. Personally, love for animals is a quality one must possess in order for me to be able to

connect with them. On the opposite side of all of this, I become sickened when I hear of animal

homelessness or cruelty. It is something my mind cannot seem to even fathom. I believe that it is our

responsibility as humans to provide and become concerned with these innocent, homeless, lives!

My summary is the major reason why I chose to profile the Human Society of Charlotte.

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When I began my research on the society itself, the first sentence on the organizations website read as

followsed, “The Humane Society of Charlotte is working with you to create a world where there are no

more homeless and unwanted animals”(Mission and History). Reflecting on this brief summary, I

thought if this be true, great; however, I want proof. Do humane societies actually work toward

providing benefits for animals and our community?

I contacted Cat Belteau, the volunteer coordinator of

the Humane Society of Charlotte for an interview. I made her

aware of what I was researching and its purpose. During our

first meeting her firm handshake and eye contextual skills

made it evident to me how passionate she was about her

job, and concerned she was with the animals of our community. She seated me in a holiday

decorated room, which for me only emphasized the lively spirits of the organization. Belteau

had me pause before I began, and returned with a small, black, puppy, chuckling saying she

thought she would bring a friend. After my introduction to the pup, I found it appropriate to

began by asking what traits she finds essential in working within the society. With confidence

Belteau deemed flexibility, passion, and stress and noise tolerance as the essentials. Belteau

began with stating, “The Mecklenburg community tends to bury their heads in the sand about

the issues of our homeless pets. People are unaware of the issue, so it is our job as a humane

society to inform them.” In relation to my belief Belteau makes her point clear, that being

concerned for the health and safety of animals is simply the human thing to do. The Humane

Society of Charlotte itself can facilitate up to 100-120 dogs and 65-75 cats. However, these

numbers do not serve justice compared to the 19,000 animals picked up and the 12,000 of

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them who become euthanized (Belteau). “These numbers not only represent the issue we have,

but also why it is important to adopt, so the shelter can continue to have space to provide for

these pets,” states Belteau. This no-kill humane society

provides for these animals with its abundance of caring

services until the animals are given a home. All of this is

possible because of the society’s Society’s staff, vet, and the

over 100 volunteers (Belteau). It became clear to me that

society’s such as this one are necessary because they work toward making the community

aware of the problem, and ways of which we can go about fixing it. Provided by the help of Cat

Belteau, I was able to visualize that the society’s essentiality of life is indeed in need.

What are the reasons for these homeless lives of these innocent pets?

Amy Green, publisher in People, and the New York Times magazine, digs deep into the realm of

the issue. Green endowed to me from her article, the mortgage crisis of low income families.

This human problem has suffered innocent animals, leaving them on streets, released into

nature, tied up and abandoned in yards (Green). Sadly, I learned this to be true. Belteau offered

that whatever the reason, the truth is, it is just the inhumane acts of our society. She informed

me that when she moved to North Carolina from Crofton, Maryland, she had never heard of the

so called ‘backyard dog.’ She then followed through with stating animal laws are different all

over, and unfortunately our area exhibits weak laws concerning the issue. Perhaps this is the

reason she focused more on suggesting that the outrageous numbers of homeless animals is

contributed by not sterilizing the animal. In comparison, these so called ‘backyard animals’ are

obviously unwanted, which should never be the case (Belteau).

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Before my interview, I was not exactly sure how to relate with Belteau on how

sterilization of animals could beneficially impact the issue. Surprisingly the proof of this act runs

broad. Spaying and neutering pets could decrease the surplus of animals left without a home or killed.

In the United States each year there are roughly three to four million cats and dogs killed within animal

shelters. Some reasons include the animals being accidentally bred, or simply the incapability of

ownership toward the animals (Spaying and Neutering). All of this results in a devastating suffering for

the animal, or saddening outcome for those like

Belteau at the Humane Society of Charlotte, who tries

to prevent the large numbers of euthanized animals.

Belteau agrees with this information, adding that

67,000 cats and dogs are born a year ; which could be

reduced with sterilization. Belteau also contributes that the ratio of the 12,000 euthanized animals is

nowhere near balanced to the 19,000 that are picked up. In the Humane Society of Charlotte, it is

reported that most of the time dogs are more prone to be rescued; revealing 80% of the cats rescued

become euthanized (Belteau). Most of these animals are in healthy and adoptable conditions; however,

they often end up in a shelter or euthanized (Spaying and Neutering). This is concerning for me and is an

act I do not support, because these animals are guilty of nothing. However, unlike some shelters the

Humane Society of Charlotte is a no-kill shelter. Unless the animal is diseased or incapable of living a

healthy life, the animals are allowed to stay until they are adopted (Belteau). Belteau shares that most

animals are adopted, but if there were to be a case where one wasn’t, the humane society would

forever remain its home. Belteau also contributes this being a main reason of the importance of

adoption.

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According to Belteau, the Humane Society of Charlotte has a goal of forming a 100% adoptable

community for animals. The society works in many ways not only looking out for its pets, but the

individuals who come in to adopt; assuring them of a happily, healthy friend (Belteau). Belteau quotes ,

“Adopt, don’t shop. The more animals we can adopt out the more animals we can bring in.” It is

essential to consider the adoption of animals instead of buying them, and finding ways in which to

prevent the splurge of the animal population (Spaying and Neutering). The Humane Society of Charlotte

also has an on campus sterilization clinic, in promotion ofpromoting the spaying and neutering acts

(Mission and History). This procedure has been widely accepted and implemented by shelters,

legislators and animal advocates. So far, legislation has passed in thirty states to make it a law of

sterilizing pets adopted from shelters. However, these laws are

stronger in certain regions. Along with these laws there are

affordable sterilization programs, education and outreach

programs, in which are all formed in attempt to be advocates of

this act. Interestingly enough when researching, I ran across the

statement that we spend millions in tax dollars on providing for these homeless animals. With this act of

prevention, costs will be reduced and enable animal shelters to use their limited space to its best extent

of the beneficial resource it is (Spaying and Neutering). Are you concerned yet? Belteau affirms

this research, but makes a point in adding that the Humane Society of Charlotte runs off a non-

profitable, charitable institution; raising their own money.

In the name Humane Society of Charlotte just like any humane society, there is the word human.

In my opinion we humans are responsible for these

creatures. If we go about purchasing or breeding animals

shouldn’t we become concerned? When I came across the

terrifying title of a puppy mill, the inhumane acts that

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defined it, followed after. An undercover investigator from the Humane Society of the United States

dubbed RCW Kennels located in Elk City, Kansas, a classic example of a puppy mill. Richard Weaver and

his wife, who have been operating the mill for 14 years, refuse to agree with the investigator. The

owners claim to love every dog and attentively show good care.

However, what was reported would leave many pondering what

the owner’s so called ‘affection’ actually means. Reported was the

finding of animals forced in hazardous metal cages, and the smell

of urine so strong it burned the nose and eyes of the investigator.

The inhumane people running these mills are only in it for a profit. Many are oblivious when adopting,

because most do not understand that if you buy a purebred dog it is probably from a puppy mill. The

conditions these animals are found in are horrifying. These animals live in conditions of no heat, air

condition, and some no shelter. Bleeding paws and filthy animals would send organizations like Humane

Society of Charlotte hay wire (Inside the Puppy Mills). Belteau contributes her input by stating she

believes a responsible breeder is fine. However, puppy mills are by far not humane (Belteau). Belteau

continues by describing the situation of one the Humane Society of Charlotte’s own residents. Rescued

from a puppy mill, when the dog was put in a much larger, safer pein than accustomed to, the dog did

not know what to do with the space. Belteau described that she has seen animals in conditions with

their teeth falling out and personalities that seem unsociably incapable. Unfortunately, societies like

Belteau’s have no control over rescuing these animals that is all under the control of police. She

explained that the animals within the society are brought in from surrender of an owner or by animal

care control (Belteau).

I support the Humane Society of Charlotte and its’ staff because it

represent my beliefs. I am a human and I choose to be humane. As Ddiscussed

with Belteau, there are signs all around us proving our help is in need. From

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the animals lying on the side of the roads, animals roaming the street, and shelters overly occupied, we

are being called upon for help (Belteau). Arriving at the Humane Society of Charlotte, the friendly

welcoming of the staff and well decorated theme, made me feel right in my comfort zone. The roaming

of cats and dogs of all sizes throughout the building provided me with even more evidence of an animal

friendly atmosphere. Although, I questioned the social status of these animals, it became evident to me

that the workers within the society provided their pets with much attention. Belteau explained that the

organization has programs that work to socialize the animals. With a quote Belteau added, “These cats

and dogs are forgiving creatures.”

The Humane Society of Charlotte studies the issues of these homeless animals, provides and

promotes sterilization and adoption. Their organization stands humane against the inhumane puppy

mills (Belteau). I believe that it is our responsibility as humans

to provide and become concerned with these innocent,

homeless, lives of animals! As I walked down the aisles of the

caged cats and dogs, I looked in these animals eyes and saw a

need; this need defined as a friend. Humane societies work

toward providing benefits for animals and our community. In comparison, I work to support the humane

societies and their efforts. I can now say I have found an organization I can comfortably connect with. As

I have gotten older my love for animals has grown; now, my love has grown in outreach. I have found an

organization that is established in my interest and within it is a

close clique of people who help the society run because they

withhold my same interests. Now I am tasked with deciding how

I can contribute to the society’s efforts, and I challenge all to

join my effort. So, now I ask how can you give back?

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Good essay, Claire

The intro and conclusion work well to tie the essay together. Your visit seems to have been quite productive. Organization also works.

The one area to consider is phrasing and using words that help smooth out the syntax of the sentences. Start by looking for opportunities to simplify the phrasings. Use active voice as much as possible.

Sources are used very well. Your claim is quite logical and credible.

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Bibliography:Works Cited

Belteau, Cat. Personal Interview. 29 October 2010.

Green, Amy. “Animals With No Kingdom.” News bank Access World News. Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2008.

Web. 28 Oct. 2010. < http://iw.newsbank.com/iw-

search/we/InfoWeb?

p_action=doc&p_theme=aggdocs&p_topdoc=1&p_docnum=1&p_sort=YMD_date:D&p_produ

ct=AWNB&p_docid=11F0D2E0D1E7D4F0&p_text_direct-

0=document_id=(%2011F0D2E0D1E7D4F0%20)&p_multi=NWEC&s_lang=en-

US&p_nbid=D56F60XUMTI4ODY1OTI5OC42MjU3MDA6MToxMDoxNTIuMTUuMC4w>.

Reno, Jamie. “Inside the Puppy Mills-Investigating Puppy Mills.” News bank Access World

News. Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2007. Web. 28 Oct. 2010. http://iw.newsbank.com/iw-

search/we/InfoWeb?

p_action=doc&p_theme=aggdocs&p_topdoc=1&p_docnum=1&p_sort=YMD_date:D&p

_product=AWNB&p_docid=11D86A7EA29418B8&p_text_direct-

0=document_id=(%2011D86A7EA29418B8%20)&p_multi=NWEC&s_lang=en-

US&p_nbid=Y68T5DGRMTI5MDQwNDM0Ni44MDM3NDE6MToxMDoxNTIuMTU

uMC4w>.

“Spaying and Neutering.” Spay/Neuter Ordinances Facts. Web. 1 Nov. 2010.<

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http://www.idausa.org/facts/spayneuter.html>.