A couple of days ago, I started volunteering at my local animal shelter and the first dog I walked was a sweetheart that looked like mop. He was adorable, got along well with other dogs, and did well on a leash. The next day I went back to spend time with my newfound friend, however, the kennel was empty. Therefore, I asked a man if he had been adopted and the response I got was “sure”…WHAT THE HECK..WHAT DO YOU MEAN “SURE”? I suppose the woman next to him saw my puzzled look and explained that the animals sometimes are at the vet overnight, are adopted, or are put to sleep. I am sure I could feel my heart crumbling to a million pieces in my chest. She explained that whenever they notice a dog is gone they just tell themselves that they I have found a new home and move on to the next kennel. The man elaborated, explaining how he use to run an animal shelter, and that sometimes it is just better for them to be put to sleep opposed to never finding a home. He also explained what a luxury it is to be a no kill shelter….yea at that point tears were building up in my eyes..
I was too scared to ask an employee what happened to him.. I guess I’ll pray that he is there tomorrow or found the loving home he deserves.
This past week I have had a poll asking what your favorite animal companion is, and after the votes were cast these are the results:
18 for K9s
12 for Cats
2 for Reptiles/Amphibians
2 for Horses
4 for Exotic Animals
2 for Birds
I realize that this is an elementary question but where I am going with this is no matter what species of friend you are looking for there is one in need of a home. There is no need to buy from a breeder when there is already the perfect companion waiting for you in a shelter. Petfinder.com is a helpful resource to help you find the friend you want. Word of advice, I would never recommend that you base choosing the new member of your family off a preferred breed, color, gender, ect. Base it off what personality is right for your home, obviously this can be swayed by their breed but when you contact a shelter tell them your preferred personality qualities and they can help you determined which cutie would be right for your family. Consider..
· If you have adequate amount of space in your home.
· If you can provide exercise.
· If you can financially support them.
· Children.
· Your other companion animals.
· Most importantly, if you really have time to dedicate to another being and if your intentions are sincere.
(Mini Rant- It infuriates me to no end when I see dogs tied up in a nasty yard!! "Friends Don't Chain Friends" is a campaign put on by PETA <3 Think about it, this nonhuman companion depends on you for everything- water, food, and love. Is leaving him or her outside chained up at all what they deserve. Here is how you can help --> http://www.unchainyourdog.org/WaystoHelp.htm) Anyway back to adopting instead of buying, not only does it help an animal it helps you!! They are current on their shots, spayed or nurtured, if you ask the employee’s opinion you are more likely to find the critter that is right for you, the dog is more likely to be house trained, its cheaper, plus it makes you a cooler personJ
Not really into the traditional pets? You can still save animals!! Like I said, petfinder.com has it all!! Rodents, birds, snakes, lizards, farm animals, and anything else you can think of!! So question, why would you go to petsmart or somewhere to buy a pet and support breeding when you can go get one that needs you!! That’s how I got my baby boy Rafiki <3 A sweetheart of an Kenyan Sand Boa. Actually, I got him from craigslist but same situation; I took him out a situation where he was not wanted. However, make sure you do NOT buy from a breeder on there!!
Now go out there and add a new addition to your family, if you can provide them with all they need. They are not toys, they are beings.J