|
|
Animal Shelters
Before buying your puppy from a pet store (see my section on puppymills), check your local Humane Society or other animal shelters in your area. There are many, many pets who need a home. Most will be euthenized before they can be adopted. Visit the shelter many times if necessary while selecting your pet. You can find puppies and dogs of all ages, sometimes a pedigree...but sometimes not. There is no greater reward than to know you have saved a life! Most shelters only charge a basic fee to cover some of their costs. Check the shelters in your area, most require that you spay or neuter your new dog...some shelters even work with local vet hospitals and offer a discount on this.
Note: Our local shelter takes in about 6500 stray dogs and cats a year.
Approximately 11% are placed in homes....the rest are destroyed!
Ways you can help your local shelter
Financially: Make a donation! Some of your donation may even be tax-deductible. It costs alot to house and feed everyone...a check is always welcome!
Supplies: The shelter is always in need of supplies. Next time you are at your grocery store, pick up a couple of bottles of bleach, garbage bags, paper towels. They are in need of all house-hold cleaning supplies...large towels....food....newspapers. Check with your shelter and see what they are in need of.
Volunteer: They need help in all areas. Volunteer (even one afternoon a week or month) to answer phones, clean, feed, whatever your shelter needs help with.
Call your local shelter today!
