Although
this recent post on the
Found Animals.org blog, "The Water Bowl", focuses on the many reasons that family pets end up in shelters, it also provides some sage advice (from a 17+ year shelter volunteer), about what you can do to prevent this from happening, and what it takes to be a responsible pet owner. We know we're "preachin' to the choir" here, but we believe that passing on this kind of information is important-you never know whose heart we might reach.
Although we agree with the author that there are some legitimate reasons to turn your pet over to a shelter, the bottom line remains: animals are not disposable inanimate objects, like a worn out chair or outdated appliance. Yesterday, Parental Unit went on her first dog "transport" with a friend of ours who helps drive dogs to rescues and fosters in other states and Canada-she's just one link in a chain of amazing volunteers who spend their weekends saving lives.
(We'll be documenting this trip shortly!) But this friend told Parental Unit about another reason these dogs end up without a home that was news to us: once they get to a certain age, like seven or eight years old and start to slow down, the family just dumps them at the pound-they want a "new"rambunctious puppy. Apparently, older dogs just aren't as much fun for some folks, so they trade them in for a newer model. Hoo boy! Just hearing that drained Parental Unit for the rest of the day!
So on that cheery note, we wish you a peaceful Sunday...And for your next pet, we hope you consider a shelter or rescue as the place to choose your next forever family member-like that cutie pie, below!
Photo courtesy of
Found Animals.org
