5 Pet Peeves

Just laughing at the asshats of the world.
(Yep... that's a cheese-hat on my head.)

Sometimes, we just need to vent... about everything -- and nothing.
Today feels like a damn-good day to me.

So... here goes... a short list of 5 pet peeves (just a few thoughts we all have, at times):

1) Entitlement

I can't stand entitlement. You know... those ridiculous people who act as if you owe them something.

Actually... they act as if the world owes them something.

It's funny... these always seem to be the very people who do nothing for others.

From a personal standpoint, they've never done anything to help me. Yet, somehow, I owe them all of my help, my time, and my energy.

Do what now??

In reality, I owe them nothing. You owe them nothing. The world owes them nothing.

Of course, the "entitled" disagree.
They're "special."

Sure... it's okay to need help. We all need help.
It's okay to ask for help. We could all use a helping hand.

But expecting help... not so much.
Demanding help... um, no.
Getting pissed when help isn't provided... come on, man...

Ask and you shall receive.
Demand... and you'll get exactly what you contribute to the world: Nothing.

2) Disrespect

Blatant disrespect is just rude and unnecessary. We should all try to treat others with a basic level of respect. It's not always easy, but it's the right thing to do.
It's just common courtesy.

You won't like everyone you meet, and that's okay.
When it comes to certain people, you may struggle to be nice, and that's fine, too.
You may even avoid the biggest jerks, and that's probably for the best.

Just don't be an asshole... especially for no good reason... especially to people you don't even freaking know.

Maybe you think that you're better than others. Well... you aren't.
Rude isn't cute.
Jerks aren't cool.
Status ain't everything, boo.

No matter who you are... you're human... just like the rest of us.
Act like it.

(PS- If someone is blatantly disrespectful to you --on multiple occasions-- then all bets are off. Do your thing, girl.)

3) Slander

If you don't know someone on any personal level, then maybe... just maybe... you shouldn't bash them to others.

Because maybe... just maybe... what you "heard" about them... is not true.

So... you should either find out the truth for yourself, or maybe... just maybe... you should shut your damn mouth.

Then again, if you know someone --yet... you openly hate them-- well... that sounds like a personal problem to me.

Regardless, it's ridiculous and immature for you to make up lies about them... just to get others to hate them with you. This isn't 4th friggin grade.
And even back then... it wasn't that cool, dude.

Find something better to do. Or maybe... just maybe... go away.

4) Lying

Lying is for liars.
Stop it.

5) Greed

Greed is gross.

It's okay to be frugal and smart with your money. Most of us have to be that way, and there's nothing wrong with it. It's simply how we survive.

Frugal is one thing...
Greed takes it to another level.
A selfish level.
A ridiculous level.
An embarassing level.

Yep. That's right. I said it.
If you're greedy... then you should be downright-embarassed.
Because I'm embarassed for you...
We all are.

My 2 biggest issues with greedy-meanies are: denying payment, & denying help.

First-- it's just plain wrong to withhold payment from those you owe. If you promised to pay someone, then pay them. Don't haggle, don't argue, don't belittle. Just freaking pay them already. 
Is your greed really worth more than your integrity? Your word? Your pride?

I mean... you love to flaunt your wealth, right? Well damn... then pay your f-ing bills.

Second-- if you have a little (or a lot) left over, it would be really amazing if you used those funds to help others. Seriously... if you could truly make a difference, by sharing just a little of what you have, wouldn't that feel incredible to you?

Oops. Nevermind. Probably not. 
Silly me... I forgot...
You're a greedy bastard.

*I could go on forever with this, but I'll leave it there for today.
If you'd like to give just a little something to my amazing dogs, please click below to donate today. Even $5, $10, or $20 would be life-changing for my babies.
And in advance... thanks for not being greedy bastards :) Love y'all! -Ash

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No More Drama

I'll be honest. I'm not a huge fan of the "politics" within the animal welfare community. Well, really... I'd prefer to just avoid politics altogether.

If you aren't that heavily involved in animal rescue or advocacy, then you may not realize just how political things can get. But trust me... even within a charitable cause such as this, there are distinct, opposing sides... with very different opinions on the problem, its cause(s), and the solution(s).

And sadly... it seems that no one is willing to meet in the middle. But I'd really like to change that.

Before I go any further, let me just say this: controversy, arguments, and drama are not my goals. While I'm sure that today's post will somehow drive these things, that's certainly not my mission, and I really want no part in it.

I only decided to write about this topic today, because I'm tired of the endless fighting between so many members of the animal community. I've witnessed so much of it lately, and it's just so counterproductive.

For the most part, I try to stay out of the drama as much as possible... I'd rather focus on doing the right thing and making a difference. But obviously, I care about this cause, so I feel the need to take a stand against all of this useless, back-and-forth attacking that's been going around. So, here goes...

This negative behavior only hurts my cause --OUR cause. It's nothing more than a distraction from the real issues, and honestly, it only hinders our ability to take the positive actions needed to resolve those issues. And further... let's just be honest... people already think that we "animal freaks" are crazy enough as it is. Should we really prove them right??

No matter what you believe, or which "side" you're on... if you truly care about the animals, then you should care to end their suffering. Period.

So... even when you don't completely agree with the way that another person/group does things... if they're trying to make things better for animals, then you should at least be thankful for that! Maybe they don't always do things "your way," but that doesn't mean that they aren't doing the very best they can with what they have. "Your way" may not work for everyone... and your way isn't the ONLY way. I don't care who you are.

But that's the problem here. Too many people stand firmly at one extreme or the other, and so few are actually willing to acknowledge that their way isn't the only way. 

A lot of people have asked for my opinions on the following questions: What is the problem? What is the solution? Well, in short, here's my general view: There isn't just one problem to blame. There isn't just one solution to claim. And there isn't just one way to win this game.

Obviously, I could get much more specific on each of those topics. But no matter what, I'd never claim that my views represent the animal community as a whole. I'd never claim that my view of any issue is the only way that issue can be viewed. I'd never state that my perception of the solution is the only perception that matters. 

If that were true... if I really had all the answers, then I can promise you this much: I'd have this whole thing fixed... by noon tomorrow. Just in time for lunch.

And if you had all the answers, wouldn't you do the same?

That's why we need each other. That's why I won't simply dismiss everyone else's input, and only value my own. Because regardless of what I believe to be true, I'm not trying to solve this problem alone. I want help. I need help.

I try my very best to see all sides. I try to acknowledge each and every factor that contributes toward the problem, while appreciating each and every effort that contributes toward the solution.

That's why I refuse to take the approach of blaming just one group for this entire animal crisis, because common sense tells me that multiple parties must be responsible for a problem this large.

If you ask me who's to blame, here's my opinion: Is society to blame? Yep, society absolutely plays a very big role in the animal crisis. Are the shelters to blame? Well, the shelters have a very significant role as well. Are breeders to blame? Yep, breeders also provide a nice-big-honking contribution to this massive, heartbreaking problem.

I try to acknowledge each component, because the problem can't be solved unless all of the underlying issues are considered and remedied. A problem this complex just can't be simplified into one single contributing factor.

For example, simply blaming the shelters... well... that'll get you nowhere fast. Sure, there are some terrible shelters out there, but it's very easy to simply judge and blame the shelters for their actions, when you have such little understanding of the unique struggles they face... or why they face those things.

But here's the real kicker: when you boldly (and in my opinion, wrongfully) blame only the shelters (or anyone) for the entire problem, then you can be certain of at least one thing: those shelters won't be willing to hear anything else that you have to say. And there went your chance... to actually help them fix it.

The same goes for the solution, or should I say solutions (plural). There are many different ways to reach the ultimate goal here, and no single component can possibly fix everything. But each and every positive factor can play a necessary and critical role in getting us that much closer to (what should be) a shared goal. And each and every one of those factors is needed, in order to truly make a difference.

Another example: some people will argue that spay/neuter isn't necessary in reaching the goal of ending euthanasia. Well, in my opinion, it's senseless and reckless to deny the importance of this critical piece of the solution. But regardless, do I believe that spay/neuter the only solution? Of course not! There are so many other factors needed here: education, legislation, regulation, and so forth.

We all need to acknowledge and accept that there are many causes of this problem, and then... we must work toward the achievable solutions... together. There isn't just one problem. There isn't just one solution. There isn't just one person who has all the answers.

I think it's important that we all try to step outside of our own thoughts and feelings... and attempt to meet somewhere in the middle. This all-or-nothing attitude just isn't benefiting our cause in any way. I certainly don't have all the answers. Neither do you. That's why we need each other. That's why all of these animals... need ALL of us.

One final note, there's a BIG difference between choosing to respectfully accept differences of opinion... and quietly accepting injustice. If any organization is NOT actively helping to end the problem or contribute toward the solution, then no-- that's not okay, and NONE of us should stand for it.

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I Need A Break

Today is just “one of those days.” I’m exhausted. I’m sad. I’m flat-broke. And I’m broken.

I need a break… and I DON’T mean a break from rescue.

I need a break from PEOPLE… people who demand of me, take advantage of me, and lack respect for me. I need a break from those who make false promises… who tell me that I can depend on them… and then constantly let me down.

I need a break from people who think that their own commitments, families, and lives are more important than mine. I need a break from people who take from my life... so that they can live stress-free. I need a break from people who believe I must be obligated… just because I care…

I need a break from expectations of help, when I have no more help to give. I need a break from those who always need me, but turn their heads when I need them. I need a break from those who say they support me… but in truth, are never there for me.

I need a break from the 6 a.m. rude phone calls, and the ones at half past midnight. I need a break from the assumption that I get paid to help them, when I don’t make a dime. I need a break from paying out of pocket, when my bank account is empty. I need a break from the perception that I’ve got help, when it’s honestly just me.

I need a break from the hatred of the world, and the ignorance of society. I need a break from awful animal abusers, and those who just don’t care. I need a break from irresponsible owners, and the suffering they create. I need a break from authorities that could help them, but just don’t see the need.

I need a break from the indifference of owner surrenders, and the resulting euthanasia. I need a break from the public blaming shelters, for an obvious societal problem. I need a break from so-called “rescue supporters,” who buy their dogs from breeders. I need a break from people who don’t spay/neuter, then expect me to take the offspring.

I need a break from puppies being born… and innocent puppies dying. I need a break from Senior dogs on death row, and little dogs in cages. I need a break from the sea of black dogs waiting... for a home that will never come. I need a break from shelters packed with Pit Bulls, who never stand a chance. I need a break from Breed Specific Legislation (BSL), and the idiots who support it. I need a break from a government that takes my money, but never helps my cause.

I need a break from a world that doesn’t get me… and the loneliness I feel.
I need a break from the constant daily struggle... and a battle that's all uphill.
I need a break from people who think I’m crazy… and all the tears I cry.
I need a break from feeling like a failure… because I even try...

Of course, I’m just venting… and tomorrow will be better. Because when I feel like this, I take the break I need from people, and focus on the ones who keep me going… the dogs.

And honestly... that’s all the break I need.

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Hello Haters

Hello Haters. I know you’re reading this… as you always do. There are 2 of you in particular, who have the same hateful, useless goal in common: putting all of your energy into ruining my life. Well hey there, non-friends.
Welcome to MY blog, AGAIN.

One of you is reading this at your office, as you do every single freaking day. You bitch to your co-workers (who inform me of this) about how much you hate my blog… AS YOU SIT THERE READING IT. I’d like to provide you with this shocking piece of information: No one makes you come here. I’d actually prefer if you’d go away. Don’t you understand that by purposely coming to my blog... then complaining about how much you despise me and my posts... you seem pretty ridiculous? But I guess you’re used to that???

The other hater is reading from home, where you sit and obsess about every single thing I do, all day, every day. You’ve been blocked from my facebook page, but you still study my every move on my blog and my fan pages, and write hateful comments. Then, you use all of the hatred in your soul to try and TAKE FROM ME. How’s that working out for you? Have you gained more supporters from your negative behavior? Remember this: Hatred rarely works in one’s favor. Why don’t you try, just for ONCE in your life, to do something positive that doesn’t hurt someone else?

I’m going to let you haters in on a little secret: Good-hearted, successful people DO NOT take from others to get where they are in life. Good people GIVE. When you try to gain by taking from others, you end up with no friends, no respect, and no life. Maybe you’ve both been very effective here??

Anything I’ve accomplished in my life has been a direct result of me busting my ass to get there. I didn’t TAKE FROM OTHERS to get where I am… I gave of myself, time and time again. Maybe you should try that. If both of you put even half of the worthless energy you waste on ruining me ... toward something more positive, maybe you wouldn’t be so miserable… and the world just might be a better place.

You each spend enormous amounts of time slandering my reputation, my business, and my rescue dogs. You wanna take from me? Fine. But you take from my dogs… I’ve got a real freaking problem with you. Those dogs have been through enough, and they've done NOTHING to you. Get a life, and stop taking from their’s. How dare you.

In addition, you continue to contact my best friends to try and bash me?! And you seriously think they aren’t going to tell me about this?! Why don’t you just call my freaking mom and talk crap about me? I’m sure she can’t wait to hear from you. She'd be ever-so touched.

Here’s some advice for all the haters: If you want something to happen for you, MAKE IT HAPPEN. Trying to take from others for your own gain will get you nowhere. I have never tried to take from anyone for my own benefit, and I never will. While you haters put all of your energy into plotting my demise, I put my energy toward saving lives.

And please, DO keep bashing me. The last time you berated me on MY blog, American Dog Magazine saw your ridiculous words... and gave me a freaking 2-page spread in the summer issue! Wow! Thank you, haters! You’re negativity seems to bring even more good things into my life... because I am a GOOD PERSON.

                                                                                                                        

One last note: My life is MY life. Your life, is apparently so boring, that your jealousy drives you to live through me. From now on, focus on yourself. You should write that on your hand and look at it every day. Yet, I doubt it would change much.

You're just mean people... and mean people suck.

This is the last bit of energy I will waste on you. GOODBYE.