What Could Happen?

By

Kimberly Deiser

Being in the middle of an unrelenting winter, many of you can probably relate to this. Fifteen years ago, I was living where I’d spent most of my life, the Jersey Shore. Now before you go thinking I’m one of those booger-pickin morons on that stupid show giving my hometown a bad name, let me just say those people are NOT from the Jersey Shore and don’t get me started!

The latest nor’easter had snowed me in. Unable to get out either the front or back door, I climbed out the window and fell about 8’. My poor dogs crossed their legs in anticipation as I shoveled snow and conjugated the “F” word. “This is so effed up. I’m never effin’ doing this again.” But lets face it, the dogs had to go out and like any animal lover, I had to do my part on their behalf. That said, first thaw I took off with my two dogs, Isaac and Gladys and crossed the country to California. With nary any money, and knowing how difficult it is to find an apartment that takes pets, many suggested I lighten the burden and get rid of my dogs, but I couldn’t have made the trip without them. Having said that, Isaac and Gladys were never in harm’s way. If for one minute I ever thought the trip would be too much on them, I would have gladly, painfully found them happy homes. My love for animals is relentless, probably something else many of you can relate to and why your heads are about to explode.

The Elephant in the Living Room is the crusade of one man who takes matters into his own hands and out of necessity has become one of the countries leading experts on the rescue of exotic animals. With the United States having slim-to-none laws regarding the forced captivity of exotics such as deadly snakes, bears, lions, tigers … just to name a few, many ‘owners’ are eventually overcome by the overwhelming demands of such animals and the final result is never a good one.

The film primarily follows the story of two men, Tim and Terry. Terry has health issues so significant he decided to get a lion to lift his spirits. Not for nothing, but I’ve battled depression most of my life, without drugs, and it never occurred to me to get a lion cub of my very own. Eventually Terry acquires a female lion from a woman whose grown tired of having her. What could happen?

The living conditions alone for these animals gives living on the wrong side of the tracks new meaning and are such that your heart breaks every time the camera returns to the scene of the crime. Because it’s the opinion of this writer that forcing such animals to be captive is simply criminal.

Tim, the other guy, the voice of reason guy, has been rescuing animals for almost thirty years but now says that the problem is far reaching and getting so out of control laws must be passed in order to keep both the animals and the public safe. Given the lack of education and experience of most of these ‘pet owners,’ Tim has been virtually forced into the role of “leading expert” trying to figure out a happy ending for all involved. Yeah Tim, good luck with that.