I’m not sure if it is a southern Oregon thing, a statewide thing or a nationwide thing, but there is a commercial that comes on frequently around here lately. The SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) sponsors it.

Let me say up front – I like animals. I grew up around animals. Dogs, cats, chickens, sheep, cows, a horse, guinea pigs and more. I bathed them, fed them, shoveled their messes. I petted them, hugged them, let them get up on my bed.

I like animals. It’s just that I like children more. Not just differently, but more. And what I don’t get is this…

Why are we putting commercials of homeless animals all over the television screens across America and yet, I haven’t seen any commercials of orphans who yearn, dream and wish for a family – as these animals are depicted? How many children asked for a family this Christmas only to awake in the same group or foster home, orphanage and what seems as worse – on Christmas morning? Why are we not trying to find homes for these kids more fervently than for a mutt with an adorable face?

I don’t get it.