Dear Abuser,

I want to first start off by saying that being an abuser does not always mean physically harming someone or something. Being an abuser can mean you verbally harm or neglect them. One thing that I am extremely passionate about is the treatment of animals. It's people like you that sadden me and make me lose hope in the human race. What comes over you that makes you want to physically harm your pet, or show them no love at all?

Animals know pain and sadness, because they feel it just as much as us humans do. They know when they are not wanted and they desperately want to feel love. Now I completely understand that not everyone has the love for animals as I do, and although I do not completely agree with it, I accept that. Not liking dogs or cats is completely fine and that is your choice and your opinion that you are entitled to. But all I ask is if you do not want an animal, or you do not particularly "like" them, then just do not get one---its as simple as that.

If you do not have the time to train your dog or the patience that having an animal requires, do not get one. Don't get angry and lash out when your cat pees on your carpet, or your dog poops on the kitchen floor because you didn't take the time to train them to do otherwise. Animals only know as much as you teach them, and screaming harsh words or hitting them will not help them understand you, it will only make them fear you. Don't lock your dog in a cage because you don't want to deal with the aggravation that comes along with having a new puppy. Neglecting an animal is almost has bad as physically abusing them. How would you like being locked in a cage all day everyday? This takes a toll on the animal and makes them fear people, because they fear you.

My family and I got our dog from a family who did not want him. They kept him in a cage in their garage 24/7 and finally made the decision to give him away. In my mind, they made the right decision for the dog. As a result of being kept in a cage, my dog was extremely nervous and anxious when we first got him. He was terrified of being left alone, because he was by himself for so long. A dog is not meant to be locked away. Dogs crave attention and compassion from their owners that people like you cannot give. If you have the desire to harm your pet, do the right thing and give them away to people who are able to love them in a way you are not able to. I could not be happier that my family was able to take my dog from those who did not want him, because now he lives in a home where people love him, and he is happy.

Animals lives matter too. If you have the desire to hurt an animal or just do not have the time to give to them, then you should not have one. People like me need to speak up for these animals, we need to be their voice. And people like you need to understand that abusing your animal does not make you any more powerful or bigger of a person. It only shows what kind of person you are, because only the smallest of people can harm a helpless animal who has done nothing to them. Rethink your actions, before your pet has to pay the price for them.

Sincerely,

The voice for animals