No Pet For You

“People who rescue animals can be reluctant to believe anyone deserves the furry creatures. Some rescue groups think potential owners shouldn’t have full-time jobs. Others reject families with children. Some rescuers think apartment dwelling is OK for humans but not for dogs, or object to a cat’s litter box being placed in a basement. Some say no to people who would let a dog run around the fenced backyard “unsupervised,” or allow a cat outside, ever.” As bad as dealing with animal rescuers can be, you ain't seen nothin' until you've dealt with people rescuers. I find the parallels in attitude and behavior between the two groups quite fascinating, especially when you consider the history of both groups. Both came into being during the Progressive Era, when the eugenics movement was very big, and forced sterilization in the name of protecting the gene pool was common and strongly supported by the people rescuers for the lower (human, though thought of as sub-human by the rescuers) classes.