Fighting cruelty

Friday, December 2, 2011

We can’t count the number of times the name of Maureen Prendergast has appeared in one of our four newspapers, but there it was again in last week’s issue of the Bedford Journal.

Now, the appearance of her name is a good thing. But it is also an unfortunate thing, and that is because of the nature of Prendergast’s work: she is the animal cruelty investigator for the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire, located in Bedford.

It’s good when Prendergast’s name appears in a story in one of our three Journals, or in The Cabinet, because it brings attention and much-needed publicity to the Rescue League which needs all the help it can get, given the number of abandoned cats and dogs it must take in every year. But often, her name appears in an unfortunate context: in a story about animal abuse, or neglect, or cruelty. That is sad, and a sad commentary on our times.

We don’t envy Prendergast’s work because it must be, at times, disheartening, to say the least. But as she said in our “Up Close” feature last week, it has its positives and its negatives, to wit: “Best part of the job is making a difference in or improving an animal’s life. Worst part is knowing there are sometimes animals and people that you just cannot help.”

How frustrating the latter must be to someone who’s clearly as caring as Predergast. Still, she perseveres: She’s been working with the Animal Rescue League for 15 years, and that takes a great deal of fortitude and commitment.

Were it not for people like Prendergast, the world would be a much sorrier place. We need more like her.

The Maureen Prendergasts of this world are to be admired and applauded, but what she might appreciate more – indeed, we’re convinced she would – is a few donations to the Animal Rescue League. How to donate, and what is needed, can be found at www.rescueleague.org, or you can call 472-3647.