A nationwide pet crisis on our hands now

A great number of people are suffering economically as a result of soaring fuel costs, and now home foreclosures. If you are finding it hard to make ends meet with regard to your pet, there are assistance programs that can help.

 

Many people are surrendering their dogs at shelters, where at least they have a chance of rescue, but others are just leaving their pets in the houses—to starve to death, or die of dehydration  without drinking water. Both are horrid deaths.

 

Perhaps they think the bank staff or building workers or new owners will step in to save them in time, but the fact of the matter is, most people are not thinking of their pets at all.

 

How many times do we hear, “We’re giving the pet up because they don’t allow them at our new place.”

 

Pardon me, but you wouldn’t move to a place which did not permit kids, and hand over your children to a shelter, now would you? So if you do have to re-locate, you should consider the pet as well in any decision you make as an integral part of your family.

 

Think about your own dwelling place, family, friends, work schedule, routines and habits. A small dog can pretty much join you in all these activities. A dog that does not have to be groomed much can be a great, fairly effortless companion.

 

As for cats, well, they are pretty independent, and don’t have to be walked in bad weather. Both dogs and cats need love, food, water, exercise, regular vet care, and really, that is about it. You can even get pet insurance nowadays (in fact, we recommend it, give how much costs have gone up recently) for animals under 10, and in fact many rescue animals come with at least one free month of it, plus microchipping in case they get lost.

 

Shelters are full to overflowing, with animals being put down faster than ever before in order to make room for still more coming in. so if you CAN offer a good home to a pet, by all means take into account our reality check comments, but also don’t be afraid to go for it.  Most rescue animals are so grateful to be spared the horror that they will be a loyal and loving companion for life.

 

A small furry friend could be in your future, if you keep in mind our words of wisdom in this reality check. Pet ownership is for life, the life of the pet, so do your part, and it could be a match made in heaven!

 

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