What’s with all the do-gooders always crying about cruelty to animals, anyway?

There are too many people, and too few human beings. - Robert Zend

I keep stumbling into these pitiful cries for assistance, all over the ‘net:

“Help stop pet abuse” – “Please save Beto (or, Paco, or Spot, or whoever)” -

“My Tico neighbors leave their dogs tied up in the back yard all week…..” and like that.  Oh, and, then there is evidently a monthly ‘election’ to see what animal shelter (operated by more do-gooders) gets a donation, right here in Costa Rica (take a look at CRL).

And, I have a short message for the people who seem to obsess over the fate of various dumb animals:  Hey!  Get a life!  We have so many other important things to worry about in this small, little, teeny, tiny corner of the world………..if y’all have the time and the resources to waste on someone else’s pets, or worse, on strays, then maybe you need to re-evaluate your life.

It is not bad enough that some folks waste their time worrying over things like the evil machinations of Monsanto, or the importance of Organic Food (and only Organic Food), or the pressing need for food supplements, or the questionable efficacy of homeopathic medicine (is that an oxymoron, or something?).  No, they also have to get themselves all worked up over the status of domestic animals…….or, in Costa Rica, non-domesticated animals.  It is actually funny to listen to some gringos go on and on about how animal abuse is so bad.  But, they lack all understanding of certain facts of life.

This is Costa Rica.  They have different laws.  They have different traditions.  They have a different culture.  They have a different language.  And, hey!  Guess what?  It is their country!  So, along with all of those differences, here’s another heads up for ya:  They have a very different attitude towards pets!  For one thing, their word for a pet is ‘mascota.’  And, that translates directly as ‘mascot.’  Look it up!  (Oh, well, here you go:  “A person, animal, or object believed to bring good luck, especially one kept as the symbol of an organization such as a sports team”).  Now, that is not quite the same idea that comes to mind, in English, when talking about the family dog, is it?

So, let’s get to the point of this little rant.  Gringos who go around declaiming and decrying the abuse of animals here are seen as meddlers, ‘Metiches.’  Now, here in CR they may say instead ‘entromedio’’ because metiche is not really a Spanish word, but comes from one of the many Indian dialects that are native to the Americas.  But, basically the idea remains: a nosy person, one who is butting in where they are not only not welcome, but not needed.

I have to wonder about people who can find so much time to devote to the welfare of animals.  I suppose it is a very altruistic thing to do, and I’m sure the animals appreciate it, but it just seems to me that with all the trouble in this world between people, and all the things that people do to each other, maybe, just maybe y’all could spend a bit of time trying to help your fellow man.  At least maybe find ways to prevent human abuse.  How about all the little kids that are hungry?  Maybe some time could be found for the ones who lack decent clothing.  What about the ones who are denied an education? 

And, here’s another surprise for you.  You do not have to go any great distance to find kids that need your help.  They are right there, next door, down the street, or on the next block.  And, by the way…………….?  That statement applies equally back in the States as it does here in Costa Rica.