Aug 11 2009
Dogs, Dogs, and More Dogs!
I periodically check the local shelters “just to look.” (But don’t tell my husband.) Sadly there are more and more dogs being left at the shelters all the time. They are being left in the night pens, sometimes three and four at a time. Often they are very young dogs. I don’t know if they are backyard breeders that just don’t want them anymore, or irresponsible owners that allowed their dog to get pregnant and now can’t find homes for them all. Sometimes the description will say that they were surrendered because their owner could no longer care for them. Why not just give your children up while you are at it!!!
It is so sad. The younger ones, and the smaller dogs, usually get adopted pretty quickly. But I often see large dogs, or those that are leaner towards becoming senior dogs, sitting there for weeks and months. And then one day they are gone. Sometimes a couple of them are gone at once. We all know what happened to them. It breaks my heart. Why didn’t they get a chance for a loving home?
There are even more cats at our local shelter and I find that it is generally true everywhere. But today I am addressing the dogs. I love all animals, but I keep seeing those poor sad dog eyes, imploring someone to take them home.
I urge you to check your local shelter if you are looking for a dog. Don’t buy one from a pet store, where most of their puppies are supplied by the awful puppy mills, where dogs are not treated properly and live in horrible conditions. Or go to www.petfinder.com or www.adoptapet.com and they will locate adoptable dogs in your area for you.
Dogs were not always pets. But we domesticated them, doggone it (pun intended), so we need to be responsible. Encourage others to adopt, report instances of neglect and cruelty, and educate your children to make them responsible adults when it comes to pets.
