The numbers can be daunting: 5 MILLION - that's the estimated number of cats and dogs killed in US animal shelters each year according to the
Humane Society of the US. This is mainly due to the lack of space for animals in a lot of shelters. As a result, pet overpopulation has become a huge problem not only in the US, but also in a lot of countries around the world. It's a cold hard fact that there are just too many unwanted animals. Most of these poor creatures end up being homeless from reasons beyond their control or shortcomings, but mostly due to irresponsible pet ownership.
One of the ways you can help is to consider adoption when getting a new furry friend. Adopting a rescued animal from your local shelter goes a long way of helping not just the pet you've just adopted, but also providing accommodations for another animal requiring care and attention in a "forever home." When you get a dog or a cat from the shelter, most likely they have already been vaccinated, dewormed, and neutered/spayed. In fact, in the shelter where I volunteer, dogs and cats are also micro-chipped!
Contrary to what a lot of people think, animals from shelters can also make equally, or even better, pets like those from pet stores. They can also be as loyal, loving and very good companions. Thus, they deserve equitable treatment and rights given to "regular" pets.
It's no doubt that we get "cuteness attack" when we see puppies in pet shops, and they are just too difficult to resist. But if you're seriously thinking of buying one, then please hold that thought and consider instead, adopting a dog from an animal shelter. Not only will you gain a new best friend, but you could also help save lives of a lot of dogs.
Who says old dogs can't rock? Leave it to Lucy, a black and white female Beagle mix, to show you that even a senior dog like her still knows how to have fun. Little Lucy may already be 10 years old, but she still has a lot of spunk and so much love to give. She is friendly, sociable and totally sweet!
