Comments about ‘Utahn raising money to save pets in Haiti’

People are starving and homeless, and we're worried about saving pets? C'mon!

Here's a better idea: take those pets, skin 'em, and cook 'em up to help feed a few of those starving people.

Yes, I know. How hideous of me. How dare I think of a human life before that of an animal. Where are my priorities?

I would concur with the first comment.

Eat and live.

If you actually take the time to READ the article, you'll learn that in ADDITION to helping the people, this gentleman is working to help the animals as well. Nothing wrong with that. I am donating to help!

WOW, what a slap in the face 200k dead 1.5 million homeless but by all means lets take care of sparky and his friends, where are peoples priorities. Please DO NOT GIVE THESE PEOPLE MONEY send it to the homeless people and there families....

The magnitude of the disater in Haiti is almost incomprehensible. First we must focus on saving as many people as possible from the aftermath, before we consider pets in the equation.

Art,

Good for you! My family lived in Granite before moving to Houston in 1997, we knew you and Gail then. I was in Houston during Katrina, and spent weekends going to N.O. to help clean up. Yes, the first priority is people, but the animals need to be taken care of too. Helping to save the pets and other animals was and is a critical piece of recovery.

CLR

I think it is commendable to raise money for the animals. People think they are the center of the universe and that if you help a pet, you are harming a human. How narcissistic is that?! Let's see, there are 5000 agencies helping people over there. This guy wants to make a dent in helping animals that humans domesticated and he gets slammed? Not ready for the celestial kingdom with that attitude.

worry more on the
Disease outbreak that bring more
Illness then they need money money money))

Animals,pets are sentimental but
People are more IMPORTANT!!!!!

Would you feed your pet before your child? NO!
The people come first people. THINK a little.

I agree with the first post. Those animals can be used to relieve the hunger.

He is not putting pets above human needs; he is raising money for the people but also sees the big picture. Have you forgotten the tragic animals left behind after Katrina? I've donated to Medical Teams International but also think people should contribute to support this caring mans effort.

I applaud Arthur Benjamin's humanitarian efforts to help BOTH the tragedy-stricken people of Haiti AND their pets/animals. He's certainly not saying that animal-care comes first but that along with all the people-care efforts being mounted, concern for animal welfare may be forgotten - it is important too. In my opinion, he reflects the best of man's humanity to man AND animals.

Animals are suffering too. Man has domesticated them to a point that few can fend for themselves in the wild. Someone needs to also protect the innocent animals living thru this disaster.

No argument that people, children come first, but it doesnt mean that the animal lovers of this world cant help the animals,,they are the '2nd most important things that God created on this earth. As far as raising money for the animals, I would have to make sure that there wasnt a shortage of money for the children/people first, and Im not sure that is the case. So, it doesnt hurt to also raise some for the animals. Another way that wont take away from the people, is to get dog food companies to donate dog/cat food,etc. Im sure that has already been asked, just saying there shouldnt be a conflict with that. As long as it doesnt interfere with helping the people,then why not help the pets also?

The most absolute ridiculous thing that I have heard of regarding the devistation in Haiti -- raising money to save animals. Come on. With all of the dead, dying, and severely injured human beings, we are trying to save dogs and cats. Amazing what society has become.

It's bad enough that so many Uthans have their tax dollars spent in ways they don't condone, while others fail to contribute to the services a civilized society demands. But when it comes to contributions to a worthy cause, it is entirely up to the individual how they spend their money. Donations will go where the donor sees fit. it will go where the person's heart and conscience dictate.

To anyone who doesn't like the fact that I am donating to help rescue and care for animals in Haiti: Tough! Along with contributing what I can to help needy Haitians, I will contribute to help rescue other distressed, injured, and helpless sentient beings - the animals.

You may be able to decide where my tax dollars go, but my remaining personal funds are off-limits for you to tell me when, where, and how to spend them.

I applaud the effort to reach out to all those in need. Those throwing stones at animal rescue probably aren't contributing anything to human beings either.

I agree with Bonnie. No one can object where personal funds should go.

Caring for both humans AND pets is easy for those with unlimited capacity for love. It only becomes impossible/ridiculous/offensive if your love is finite.

My money, I will donate as I see fit and while my family and I have contributed significantly to the relief of human suffering in Haiti, I am also going to contribute to help animals who are also suffering. A pet can be a source of great comfort to someone who has lost loved ones and are suffering tremendous grief. So mind your own business and let me and others spend their money as they see fit.

i've read reports that state there are very few pets in haiti, that so many people are already struggling for food, and to house and feed a pet would mean a death sentence for a family member. i wondered myself about any pets after the earthquake. i've been watching the coverage continuously and have yet to see one stray dog or cat. it was also noted in the article that the 4 hurricanes in the last decade wiped out much of the population. if you're going to donate, make sure it's a legitimate charity.

Animals are an important part of us and the circle of life. They are definantly worth saving and the people of Haiti most likely agree. Putting myself in they're shoes, the most important thing to me is my family and pets are apart of ones family. If one organization is trying to help these innocent lives, than hurray for them - I totally support this.