Depression Talk

If there’s one thing that sets me off, it’s puppy mills. This subject not only gets me angry, but extremely depressed, even for days on end. You probably have such a “pet peeve”, too. So, whenever I write “puppy mill” here, feel free to mentally substitute whatever burns you up. Pet peeves and big problems can smash down a person with clinical depression, making them believe that they are completely helpless.

Dog Fancy Sucks

I subscribed to Dog Fancy for a few months, foolishly thinking that the magazine would care about dogs. Silly me. It only cares about putting money in the pockets of dog breeders (both ethical breeders and unethical breeders). An editorial in the October issue where the editor denounced the Humane Society of the United States over proposed microchipping and neutering legislation (and then would not say which bill or law they were referring to). It ignored all the good that HSUS has done for dogs in the past and continues to do in its fight against puppy mills.

Then I looked in the ads in the back of Dog Fancy and quite a few look like they were from puppy mills, because they promoted shipping a young puppy anywhere in the world. The magazine also promotes ear cropping and tail docking (which I personally find sick). I sent an interesting email to the editor and she responded with another interesting email. Sufffice to say, we are not going to be on each other’s Christmas card lists.

Down Spiral

Anyway, my depression worsened. I didn’t want to leave the house, I couldn’t sleep, forgot to eat and designed all kinds of original tortures for puppy mill owners and breeders who only think of money and not about breeding a healthy pet. This is not a good thing to do if you want to keep good mental health.

Good Deeds

So, I went online to look at all of the people who help take in abandoned animals, feed hungry animals and even start their own non-profit animal shelters. The Cat House on the Kings is a shining example, as well as the work of the HSUS and the ASPCA.

When you get hammered by a huge problem and feel helpless, try to list out all of the things you do to help your chosen cause. For example, in fighting against puppy mills, I:

• Don’t buy from any store that sells puppies
• My dog is a rescue mongrel
• Give the money from my cancelled Dog Fancy subscription to the HSUS
• Slip in my anti-puppy mill message where ever I can get away with it in my job as a freelance writer

So, when you look at your list, you see that you are not so powerless after all. You are doing something.