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As a pet owner I was ashamed of what I saw today.

I went to a local humane society for a meeting and I was a little early for my appointment. It was a well maintained, new facility with clean cages and it appeared that they were taking excellent care of the animals. I spent some time looking at the puppies and kittens out front. They are always cute and paw at you through the cage doors. What's not to love, right? I had a little more time so I went to the back room where the older dogs are kept. They also seemed to be very well fed and appeared to be well cared for. I noticed something different through as I made my way down the long rows of large gated stalls. All of these animals used to belong to someone. There were information sheets hanging here that were not on the cages near the cute puppies out front. The sheets had generic information like estimated ages, breed, name, but there was also information regarding the circumstances under which the animal came to reside at the shelter.

I was astounded at the reasons. “Family moved and couldn't keep dog.” “Family decided children didn't like dog.” “Decided upkeep was too expensive.” And my personal favorite, “Family decided dog was getting too big and they could not keep her.” Some were just dropped off. Others were found roaming neighborhoods. The director told me that each morning there are animals just left in the parking lot or tied to the building. The stories he told me would make you want to cry.

I know that I am preaching to the choir here but I just needed to rant for a moment. What I saw today was heartbreaking. If you have a moment, I would urge you to please find a place locally to volunteer. If you have an extra $20, carry a bag of food by. There is never an excuse for behavior like this. I worry even more about the lessons that people are teaching their children about loyalty and compassion when they act in this way. I know, it's just a dog. But, I can promise you that I like my two a lot more than most people I deal with each day.

Please...before you pick out that cute puppy, kitten, or even a baby rabbit for Easter (that is going to grow up and outgrow its cage), make the commitment to take on a heightened level of responsibility and have a plan. They deserve a lot better from us.

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May those that love us, love us. For those that don’t love us, may God turn their hearts. And if he doesn’t turn their hearts, may he turn their ankles, so we’ll know them by their limping.
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I was astounded at the reasons. “Family moved and couldn't keep dog.” “Family decided children didn't like dog.” “Decided upkeep was too expensive.” And my personal favorite, “Family decided dog was getting too big and they could not keep her.” Some were just dropped off. Others were found roaming neighborhoods. The director told me that each morning there are animals just left in the parking lot or tied to the building. The stories he told me would make you want to cry.


The sad truth is that many people get those cute furry puppies and kittens without giving it a further thought, never thinking of whether the breed is compatible to their situation. Yeah, that Dalmatian puppy is so cute, I just gotta have him. Oh, I live in an apartment - who cares, he's so cute.

At least the previous owners were sensible enough to bring them into the Humane Society and didn't just dump them on the side of the road.
For many people, it's akin to being a collector. I have seen some families adopt two or four or whatever number of animals within a short period of time--then six months later, give them away.

In a few months, the cycle starts again.

I've met individuals who can't fathom why I adopted a cat from a family who rescued and placed them. They say, "Oh, you mean you got a cat from someone getting rid of it."

I realize there are deaths, etc., but when you adopt, it's your responsibility; they become a member of your family.
animal shelters always need more help, i volunteer at one and enjoy it, and dont bring us food we would rather have the 20 dollars we have lots of food. perhaps the shelter in your area doesnt but let them decide that. and for the love of pete dont think you are doing us a favor by bringing us a new litter of puppies to "sell" every 10 weeks, we dont sell them! the money paid to the shelter goes to spay /neuter and for rabbies shots animal shelters dont make a penny on it.
I couldn't imagine just waking up one day and thinking to take one of my two precious babies to the pound because they got too big or became too much trouble. My Boxer has gotten bigger than expected, in fact, there are 2 other Boxers that live near by that we pass as we walk our dogs and ours is a lot bigger than those and they are older than mine. He is a great deal bigger than I thought he would get but I could NEVER get rid of him... I love him. He is like a child to me. Smiler I know that does sound silly to some, but I consider them my family. My little Boston Terrier is fiesty and has "little man syndrome" but I wouldn't dare get rid of that sweet angel baby! I have donated money to a local shelter before but after reading this I think I need to do it more often. The looks on those dogs and kittens faces makes me *so* sad!
Excellent post, Blackacre.

I am going to take this as another opportunity to promote PAWS of the Shoals, a nonprofit organization that finds foster homes for unwanted animals. They are an amazing group of people. They work with the local shelters to place the animals that are about to be put down. Link They can always use donations, as they often spend money out of their pockets to help with medical expenses and the like.

PLEASE don't take pets that you will not commit to for their lifetimes! They are NOT disposable. I'm going to repeat that. They are NOT disposable!!!

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