Animal Shelters Need More Money, Teachers Do Not

I have often said that if I ever win a lottery, one of the first things that I would do is open a huge no kill shelter in my area.  A sanctuary that would take care of the strays, cats, dogs, small mammals, lizards, birds, whatever.  I think about one hundred acres would do the trick, probably fifteen buildings and a clinic.  I have imagined the place many times, it is a pleasant fantasy for passing time.  I don't understand people who raise dogs or cats.  Especially the ones who keep cranking out designer mutts or kittens for any reason.  Millions of animals are destroyed every year.  We don't need more of them.  We need people to take care of the ones that they have, that would be kind of cool.  While I don't like the idea of more taxes, I think that they would curb the people who get a pedigreed animal and immediately see dollar signs.
Almost every dog I have ever had has been one with some sort of pedigree.  I'm not a dog snob, I just like basset hounds and Great Danes.  But I have never bred any of my animals, mostly because of the overpopulation of dogs, but also because I know people who raise and sell dogs.  Those people are not making the killing that some would envision.  When you factor in the costs of the veterinarian, the food, the time, and the medicines, there isn't much of a profit.
The bane of my Mother's experience with breeding was the people who were looking for a bargain.  Out of a litter of six, she sold three of them.  I got one, and she ended up keeping the other two. Trust me, she didn't make a profit.
When some people buy a dog, they have expectations that are not realistic.  Other times, they have to get rid of the dog for other reasons. The up shot is that animal shelters are full of registered dogs, and most of them will be euthanized before they can find a home.  If you want a good pet that will love you for years, go to your local animal shelter.  You will save someone's life, and they will repay you with love and adoration for a long time.
On the other hand, some folks in Wisconsin are still trying to recall Scott Walker-the genius who got their fiscal house in order.  It's hard to feel sorry for a teacher who is asked to kick in another twenty dollars toward their health insurance when I am paying for mine one hundred percent.
While I appreciate that teachers have the important job of educating our children, I don't think that most of them are doing a very good job of it.  In fact, I think that most of them are more worried about their own job security than they are concerned with our children being prepared to learn the skills they will need to get a job that will support them.
If you can get involved in your child's school, I would suggest that you do it. You'll thank me later.