If you have a great animal shelter in your community, let them know you appreciate the work they do. If your shelter is not so great, maybe you can help to make it better, not just for the animals but for everyone.
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This week has been Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, a time to consider the benefit of an animal shelter to any community. Whether it’s a modern state-of-the-art facility or maybe in need of a little repair the truth is that for thousands of animals, shelters are the only alternative to being homeless, hungry and scared. Here are a few things I appreciate about animal shelters.
Many of the animals who go to shelters are the ones who need shelter the most. Homeless, helpless, with no protection from the elements, at risk of contracting a virus or being attacked by another animal, at least in a shelter an animal can find refuge and food and a chance for a new home.
Some of the animals who end up in animal shelters are lost. They ran away from home during a storm or a fireworks display, or wandered off and can’t find their way back. I like the fact that a shelter gives hope to people who are searching for their pets, and helps reunite best friends.
Folks who want to adopt a new pet can visit their local animal shelter and usually find a wide variety to choose from, whether it’s the big Shepherd-mix or the little Chihuahua-type dog or a playful cat that is eager to get someone’s attention. Many adopters say that shelter pets seem especially grateful for a second chance to be a great pet.
One criticism I often hear about animal shelters is that they euthanize so many pets. The sad fact is that there are too many dogs and cats and not enough homes, because too many of us don’t have our own pets spayed and neutered to reduce the number of puppies and kittens born every year. So I appreciate the fact that shelters take on the dirty job that is our responsibility, and they do it humanely. If you want to end euthanasia of pets, start by having your own pet spayed or neutered.
Do you have an animal shelter in your community? If so, let them know you appreciate their hard work and dedication, which often goes unnoticed. And consider adopting one of their residents, because they all love happy endings, especially when they’re speaking of pets.
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