Spring is in the air, the flowers are beginning to bloom, the bees are buzzing around the trees and flowers, and many unwanted kittens and puppies are being born. This puts added strain on the awesome people who take time out of their already busy lives to rescue and care for the millions of otherwise forgotten animals. I have worked with animal rescue groups in some capacity for over 10 years now, and let me tell you, these people are amazing. Some literally spending 20 hours a day, cleaning cages, scooping cat boxes, taxiing animals to veterinary appointments, standing for hours at rescue events, administering vaccines and other necessary medication, educating the public and never thinking of their own needs.
In today's economy the need is even greater for these rescue groups! More and more animals are dumped in our streets because their owners are unable to care for them due to job loss and the high cost of living. Some of these dogs and cats are turned over to our local Animal Shelters still others find refuge with a kind hearted rescue person. Unfortunately the majority of these animals are not spayed or neutered, causing the numbers to climb even higher.This special group of people, called rescuers, can not say no, it is their calling to care for these innocent unconditionally loving lives.
The most important thing we can do is to educate the public. It is estimated that 9.6 million animals are euthanized every year in the United States alone, due to animal illness and overcrowding in our animal shelters. Those millions only represent about 56% of the US dog population and about 71% of the US cat population. Heartbreaking isn't it. With these staggering numbers it becomes obvious that we need to do something to help these financially strapped Rescue Groups and our Animal Care System.
First of all we need to spay or neuter our animals. Many animal shelters will offer vouchers to help with the cost of the relatively easy spaying and neutering procedures.
Secondly we must shy away from purchasing animals from puppy mills and pet stores. Your local Animal Shelter or Rescue Group can help you to find just the right cat or dog. In addition, there are multiple rescue groups on line that specialize in specific breeds of animals to be adopted. I know this to be fact, as I have two snowshoe Siamese and two Himalayas and all of them were rescued animals. There is no better love, let me tell you. Thirdly, if you are an animal lover but are unable to adopt a Fur-child, donate to your local Animal Shelters or Rescue Groups. They are constantly in need of towels, beds, food, toys, newspapers, pet food coupons, fosters, and always funds for Veterinary care. In doing so you will not only help an animal in need, but will find a warm fuzzy feeling in your heart.
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