Reflective Journal

It was really hard to leave the shelter on Tuesday night, having volunteered for two and a half hours, so I really couldn't wait to meet Mazzy and Rachel this morning! At the SPCA, I played with three cats- Dooney, Eethyl, and Kitty- and one puppy- Beans. I had to tear myself away from each individual, and it never got easier. I found myself secretly wishing they would all be there next time I came because I felt that I was now friends with each of them, although of course I wanted each kitty and puppy to find his or her "forever home". It sort of concerned me, especially because I thought I would be able to foster a bunch next year, but I guess we will see what happens!
I always look forward to our class because it is never intimidatingly formal or stressful, but also because each class is unique and interactive in different ways. My expectations were all lived up to and surpassed today! I was fascinated by Rachel's narrative-like recollection of the history of the animal welfare movement, beginning with the early 19th century Anti-vivisection and Anti-carriage horse abuse movements. I especially enjoyed learning that Philadelphia was our country's second oldest humane society city in the country! I love learning all of the cool things about our city because it is constantly given a bad rap, despite all of the amazingly positive things that take place here because they are never discussed.
Rachel also discussed how pets (and therefore strays) became more prevalent with the accessibility and availability of leisure time towards the later 19th century. Because the city and municipality dealt with the problem so horribly, individuals focused on opening shelters, but ended up killing millions of innocent animals as well. It wasn't until the 1980s that the No Kill Movement began, which promoted spaying and neutering, adoption, and other companion animal issues. Sadly, even No Kill shelters kill a small percentage of NHAs which are too problematic and/or sick.
Discussing the Pit Bull Problem, which I know a decent amount about at this point was also interesting as well, because it is so in-our-faces in Philly and at the PSPCA. Although we only touched upon her briefly towards the end, it was awesome to learn about Carolyn Earl White and her activism as a suffragette as well as an animal rights leader- she does sound pretty bad ass. Again- another thing I love learning more about women in history who intimidated the "leading men" in their fields!
Overall- an awesome class =) Can't wait to have more guest speakers and intimate class discussions.