Our country has some serious problems these days. Families are struggling with job loss, gas and utility increases, food costs that continue to rise, and the threat of foreclosure and/or bankruptcy. Caught in the middle of this, very often, are the family pets. When trying to choose between feeding your family or feeding the pet, it’s pretty obvious who’s going to win. Many people face the difficult decision of giving up a pet that may have been a member of the family for years or being able to pay the monthly bills. where do you turn? What do you do for a living? In many cases, the first thought that crosses the minds of those faced with making this decision is to hand the animal over to the local Animal Control Center. However, it is important to note that shelters are also suffering.
They are being inundated with pets that people can no longer afford. More abandoned pets means more mouths to feed, the need for more space to house the animals, and the need for more people to care for them. Donations, on which so many rescue groups depend, have been reduced, forcing those groups to make decisions to accept fewer animals or shorten the time they keep the animal before facing the inevitable. Animals that once would have had a good chance of being adopted face increased competition, and as a result, many face the possibility of being euthanized.
An even sadder fact is that the animals that find their way to rescue organizations are the lucky ones. Sometimes people, out of desperation, release their animal thinking that “someone will find it and take care of it”. They reason that “at least he’ll have a chance.” A more likely scenario is that the pet faces a long and painful death from starvation or is hit by a car. As depressing as all of this is, there are steps we can take to help alleviate the problem.
If you are in a stable financial situation, you can help by:
- Make monetary donations to rescue groups.
- Donate bags of dog or cat food
- donate used blankets
- Volunteer at a rescue center
- Provide toys or treats for the animals.
- If you are involved with an organization or club, start a “Help Animals” campaign.
- Consider fostering a pet until you can find a permanent home
- If you are looking for a pet, adopt. There are thousands of wonderful mixed breed pets out there, all looking for a home. If you are determined to have a purebred animal, there are numerous opportunities to adopt purebred dogs by consulting with rescue groups of the breed you are interested in.
If you find yourself in a situation where you are concerned about how to care for your pet or that you may have to give it up, assistance is available:
- Search online for low-cost immunization clinics in your area or check with your local humane association
- Affordable spay and neuter clinics are available. Check with your local Humane Association or veterinarian.
- Look for discount coupons online to help pay for spay and neuter surgery in your community
- Consider placing your pet in foster care with a friend or relative until you can afford to care for it again.
If you feel like you can no longer care for your pet, abandonment is not the answer! Your pet has come to depend on you for food and shelter. He lacks the skills to take care of himself and will inevitably meet an infinite end if left to fend for himself. Your responsibility as a pet owner is to care for it throughout its life. If you are unable to do so, it is your responsibility to give your pet every possible opportunity to find a safe, new forever home.
If you must give up your pet, you can increase your chances of adoption by:
- is spayed or neutered
- it’s broken house
- He has basic obedience training.
- You provide a detailed history of the pet’s medical records.
- Provide your age
- Tell the rescue agency about his temperament.
- Let the agency know how you get along with children, other animals, etc.
- Let the rescue agency know of any special needs you may have.
These are certainly difficult times. We all must do the things we feel we have to do to survive. However, the pets we have chosen to bring into our lives deserve to have responsible evaluations done on their behalf. Take the time to do the best you can for your pet, no matter what. You’ll feel better about the choices you make for your family and your pet, and your pet will benefit from thoughtful choices.
“The average dog has a request for all mankind. Love me.” -Helen Exley
