The Power Of Words
I was thinking about the power of words the other day and the Asian Dog Meat Markets came to my mind. I remembered this poem from school days. It made me pause for a moment and send a quiet prayer to all the frightened, unfortunate souls who are caught up in this heinous trade.
NOTE: Some Pictures or Content May be Graphic or Disturbing To Younger or Sensitive Readers
There are hundreds of thousands of feral dogs, street dogs, pregnant dogs, dogs with new puppies and countless stolen pets – who are rounded up and stuffed into ghastly wire cages – and then driven for days – without food or water – to the Asian meat markets.
They often arrive with broken legs and damaged bodies. They are then offered for sale to eager consumers who stroll through the markets and pick their dog of choice for dinner. The dogs are then wrapped up alive to be taken home, skinned alive or cooked alive, beaten, tortured and broken. The Asian belief that fear and adrenaline during death make the meat “tastier” fuels this vile, barbaric treatment of these doomed animals.
I watched an undercover video awhile ago of a beautiful, terrified dog who was dragged from a cage, hung until he had almost stopped struggling, thrown to the ground, kicked and beaten with clubs and then tossed alive onto a cooking grill. The owner of the meat market and the customer doubled over in laughter when they spoke to the dog and poked him with a stick. As he lay there broken and dying – he wagged his tail. I cannot get this image out of my mind!
So this poem is for every dog who ends up in one of these hell holes – we are trying to help you through creating awareness. If a dog is not to have a home – then at least this poem reflects what his life should be like – however long or short. We will not forget these lost souls.
Humans need to be better and to do better. No dog should die this way!
Lone Dog
by Irene Rutherford McLeod
I’m a lean dog, a keen dog, a wild dog, and lone;
I’m a rough dog, a tough dog, hunting on my own.
I’m a bad dog, a mad dog, teasing silly sheep
I love to sit and bay the moon, to keep fat souls from sleep.
I’ll never be a lap dog, licking dirty feet
A sleek dog, a meek dog, cringing for my meat.
Not for me the fireside, the well-filled plate
But shut door, and sharp stone, and cuff and kick, and hate.
Not for me the other dogs, running by my side
Some have run a short while, but none of them would bide.
O mine is still the lone trail, the hard trail, the best
Wide wind, and wild stars, and hunger of the quest!
The power of words is mighty. You have a voice – don’t be one of the “silent” consenting majority. Stand up and speak for those who cannot.
Soi Dog in Thailand is a major champion for wild dogs and street dogs. You can also adopt rescued dogs from them.
Visit Soi Dog at www.soidog.org – you can help in so many simple ways!
