|
|
|
"The animals have no voice but ours..." |
|
We've come a long way, baby
My most recent book club selection was entitled, “A Short History of Progress,” which basically traced the ebb and flow of civilizations all the way back to Mesopotamia (great read, FYI). And do you know what I realized? Those who came before us would never be able to wrap their frontal lobes around today’s technology. Think about it. Beyond the radios and televisions (which would clearly blow their minds), we’ve actually got hand held little gizmos that not only allow us to speak directly to others, but can also receive written messages with just the click of the tiny little screen. And have you seen these cell phones that stay on a person’s ear? I swear the first time I noticed one, I thought the fellow might have been a Borg drone. No, really, that thingamabob attached to the head really looks like something from Star Trek. Seriously, watch Voyager some afternoon. Seven of Nine has something that looks pretty much exactly like that over her eye. We’re all going to be interconnected someday. I just know it. I’m telling you, the day my mom can pop into my head without a hint of warning, things are going to get ugly. I’m just saying, ma, knock first. I must admit, though, the one way technology has seriously helped better the world is finding animals homes. With emails and websites and cell phones, we’re able to make arrangements, see and describe adoptable animals, set up meetings and contact folks who aren’t necessarily close by. This shelter alone has adopted animals as far south as Florida, as far north as Maine and as far west as Utah. Many times, the people saw the four-legged friend online, filled out an application, we got it, approved them, they came to us, met the animals and headed back home. The folks in the caves making the paintings so many eons ago wouldn’t have been able to comprehend something like that. Even only twenty years ago, that really couldn’t have happened. It’s truly amazing and it’s helped save animals. We also have an email system at the shelter that we use for alerts when we really need help or as a way for folks to support us. It’s a service that has let people know how they can help the four-legged souls in our kennels and it’s fantastic. If you’d be interested in receiving email alerts from CVAS, please let me know by emailing cvasoc@innernet.net. Our website is packed full of information about upcoming events, our history, organizations who’ve supported us recently and it even has a way for people to donate online. I simply adore this feature. We have some supporters who move out of the area, but are still able to keep in contact with us via our website and even provide yearly financial support. Check out www.cvas-pets.org when you get a chance. We’ve come a long way, baby. People back in Mesopotamia had no idea what was coming. Makes me wonder what we’ll see next. The mind boggles. Even as technology gets us closer and closer to sci-fi creatures, the part I like best is how it can help save the lives of countless animals the world over. There really are some aspects of the scientific age that are a true benefit to mankind and mankind’s best friends. ***** Jennifer Vanderau is the Director of Communications for the Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter and can be reached at cvasoc@innernet.net. The shelter accepts both monetary and pet supply donations. For more information, call the shelter at 263-5791 or visit the website www.cvas-pets.org. Animals available for adoption can be viewed at www.petfinder.org. CVAS also operates thrift stores in Chambersburg and Shippensburg. Help support the animals at the shelter by donating to or shopping at the stores.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |
|
|
CVAS, Inc.