Yes, it’s true, October is Adopt- a- Shelter/Rescue- Dog Month, but in my mind every month is adopt -a shelter/rescue- animal month because every year millions of once-beloved pets lose their lives because no one has given them a second chance. Now wait, let me take that back. The truth of the matter is the OWNERS who once had these pets no longer wanted them for one reason or another and relinquished them to shelters. I will admit there were few who did have legitimate reasons to surreneder their pets but in my honest opinion they were few and far between. And believe me, I’ve heard many, many excuses firsthand.
The truth vs. myth- People believe, for whatever reason, shelter pets are inferior. I wish somene could explain the rationale to me. Where do people think these pets came from? Up to 50 % may be purebreds and may have AKC papers, which by the way, doesn’t hold much weight with me since the AKC also hands out these papers to puppymill dogs. And many also do come from pet stores and reputable breeders, believe it or not.
These animals in shelters were also once beloved pets. So many are well-mannered, groomed, loving, smart and want to be given a second chance. How can anyone see them as second-rate? To me, they are absolutely first-rate. I should know. I not only adopted my dogs from shelters but I worked in a shelter for years and had gotten close to so many dogs, cats, birds, ducks and more. And all BS aside, the majority were first-rate!!
When they are in their kennels, their true personalities aren’t always present to the occasional observer. Imagine being taken out of your loving home and dumped and placed in a shelter with other barking dogs, not knowing why you are there and not knowing what is going to happen to you. I would be scared to death, too!
Take the dog out for a walk. Get to know the dog. Ask the staff about the dog. Ask volunteers who walk the dogs. These people have seen their true personalities.
Shelter dogs make the greatests companions. These animals are not inferior by any means. Some people do abuse their dogs and some shelters simply do not have the resources to work with them to save their lives. Plus too many people relinquish their pets without making that lifetime commitment to them.
Think about this before you decide to surrender your dog. This may be your pet dog or cat (pictured below) who wasn’t able to find another home.
I have seen this up close and personal – the killing of young, healthy, vibrant dogs, cats etc. .because they needed to make room for the next batch of animals arriving or no one would give a second glance at a dog. I have been with the animals when they have taken their last breath too many times. I held them as others injected them with the lethal dose to end their short lives. I have shed tears so often because it was so unfair. I shed tears knowing they were never given another chance but deserved it. I wanted them to know they were loved. I was and am not alone in these thoughts.
I’ve held puppies and kitttens as they die in my hands. Do you have any idea what that is like? They didn’t deserve to die because their owners were selfish and made a conscious decision NOT to make a lifetime commitment!!!
Millions of pets die each year in shelters all across the states. This needs to stop!
Think before you adopt from an animal shelter or breeder. Whatever you do, don’t buy your puppy from a pet store. These puppies come straight from puppymills. DO NOT BELIEVE what the staff tells you at a pet store that sells puppies. If you are told they come from a beautiful kennel and not a puppymill, do not believe them. It simply isn’t true.
Save a life- ADOPT!