Opinion - On Space, Spacious and Spaciousness

As the world gears up for the Winter Olympics in Sochi, a global conversation around sexual orientation has developed. It is interesting if not entertaining. But perhaps the most important lesson from watching, is that conversations with those holding different values requires a special kind of 'Space'. Because of the passion involved, whether its sexual orientation, religion or animal welfare, the need for this 'Space' is evident.

Earlier this year, while working to bring attention to Bountiful Film’s documentary ‘Dog Dazed’, I observed elements of the pet experience involving the passion of those outside the Urban Animal Industry. They were not always pet owners and often not even recognized as stakeholders. However, they all were involved in a passionate fight for resources (investment, infrastructure, control, enforcement, etc.). Creating a more 'Spacious' environment where understanding and collaboration could thrive to create healthier communities for pets and people was not always the focus.

By this point you must wonder, what these observations have to do with pets, pet owners, the Urban Animal Program, or conversations about animal welfare, breeders, sources and evidence of the pet experience. Just this:

• Space - During the past eight years the Urban Animal Program has created a 'space' (vessel) that is dedicated to understand the pet experience in urban municipalities for the benefit of all.
• Spacious – Together we have learned, the Urban Animal Program Events must be 'spacious', drawing people from all experiences and values to conversations which add understanding to the Pet Experience Project.
• Spaciousness – Today, Urban Animal Affiliates, Advocates, Mentors, Alumni, Associates, Collaborators and Subscribers interact with their colleagues in a respectful, trustful and open manner to move conversations forward, to recast dilemmas into the opportunities of tomorrow. In 2014, we must work to add those outside the 'Space' such as researchers, academics, urban planners, social and community service providers, and others that bring perspective to the Pet Experience Project.

Now I’m just a country boy, but that’s how I see it.

Larry Evans, is a senior executive of PetLynx Corporation, the largest, fastest growing lifetime registry of pets and pet owners in North America.