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by Suzyn Barron, President of Warwick Valley Humane Society, Inc.
Did you know it’s Adopt a Shelter Dog Month? Yes, shelter dogs have their own special month originally designated as Adopt a Dog Month by American Humane Association in 1981 to bring attention to the growing number of dogs entering shelters. According to the ASPCA, approximately 3.1 million dogs enter U.S. animal shelters each year. But only two-thirds of them will be adopted. That’s not to say that the remaining 1/3 of the dogs will be euthanized. That depends on the varying operations of all the different shelters. In the 1980’s and 1990’s No-kill was formed as a response to the overwhelming numbers of healthy animals being euthanized in shelters across the United States. The no-kill campaign asked for a commitment from communities to take proper measures to save all healthy and treatable pets from unnecessary euthanasia. This applies to animals that can be rehabilitated as well. Those pets that are beyond medical or behavioral intervention should have their suffering humanely ended with euthanasia and not be expected to simply exist living out their days confined to a cage. So the “NO KILL” language is deceiving. Its intentions are meritorious in that it certainly raised awareness about homeless pets but had absolutely no effect on the growing number of surrenders. It is, however, a question that is raised when it comes to donations. People like the idea of “NO KILL” even if they do not truly understand its meaning.
When asked, we take the time to explain that our shelter pets do not have time limits but euthanasia is utilized for animals that cannot be medically saved or are unsafe to adopt. For example, two special senior dogs crossed Rainbow Bridge after spending many months in their respective foster homes under our financial care for heart conditions. When there was nothing more to be done and they were failing, it was time to let them go peacefully.
October is a great month to adopt – its before the holidays so the dog has time to adjust to his new family and home before the tumult begins. Our small dogs available for adoption are:
Bruno, 8 year old blonde shy male Chihuahua with a grade 3 heart murmur; Mimi, 1 year old nearly hairless female mix with a dominant personality; Lincoln, Jefferson and Carter, ages 4 years, 4 years and 5 months are adorable male Yorkies; Spanky & Lolita, both 8 years old, male Chihuahua and female Shih Tzu are a bonded pair.
Our bigger dogs include 10 year rottie/hound mix Jerry; striking 5 year old Shepherd Brian, Rex & Buddy 4 year old brother labs; Ollie the 3 year old handsome whitish Shepherd; 2 year old easy Husky, Comet; big boy 1 year old Mastiff mix Goliath and our energetic Pitties: super sweet 2 year old Camilla, 1 year old cute Kane and mischief maker 3 year old Rufus.
“Adopting a dog is like creating a family, and every dog deserves a loving home.” Anonymous
Pet of the Week:
