Similar to the compassion I felt for the stray animals I encountered in Iraq, I have grown fond of the helpless cats and dogs wandering around Afghanistan. Unfortunately, the residents of Kabul are no different in their treatment
of animals than most Muslim societies that consider cats and dogs dirty
and unworthy of being pets. Here, there are stray dogs and cats wandering
the city in large numbers. Many appear injured and malnourished,
often limping and sometimes missing legs or ears. Both children and adults alike ignore the animals or throw rocks at the strays. It's horrible
to watch such maltreatment of man's best friend.
One
of the agents living at my compound is deeply concerned with the
rescue of these wonderful animals. Amazingly, he found a local
shelter situated deep within the city called the Afghan Stray Animal
League (http://www.afghanstrayanimals.org/mission_1.html). The shelter
is known locally as the Tigger House and is operated by an American who
solicits private donations and adoption fees in order to keep the
shelter running. She has a small but dedicated local staff who care for the animals that
are brought into the shelter until such time that they can be adopted by
American service members or other willing families.
Although the shelter appears disheveled and dirty compared to
our own standards, the dogs and cats brought to the shelter are safe and cared for until a home is found for them. The shelter has saved dozens of
animals from cruel abuse and worse, from being sold to locals who purchase them for the sport of dog fighting.
Yesterday, Brandon, Michelle and I brought a litter of 7 pups to the
shelter. The pups were born just outside of our compound and were fed by
Brandon and some of the other residents until they were weaned.
Unfortunately, they had grown to the point that local Afghans were
taking interest in them for dog fighting, so Brandon asked if I would
ride shotgun as we drove into the city to the Tigger House. Driving
through the pothole-lined streets of Kabul while trying to keep 7 puppies from
throwing up in your lap was challenging but worthwhile knowing that these dogs have a future ahead of them that is not filled with violence and hunger.
6 comments:
I am delighted to hear that there is an animal shelter in Kabul. Having lived in the Middle East for a few years, I understand the pain and frustration of seeing helpless animals mistreated by those who should know better. I brought 3 Jordanian street cats home to Canada with me, but I wished I could have helped more. The unnecessary suffering is heartbreaking. I am sending you, Tigger House staff, and the Afghan animals my love.
Michelle from Canada.
nice and cutie puppy love it
Afghanistan is like Vietnam with snow. The US should win there because we bring hope to both people and animals over there.
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