All too often animals are “dumped” at the shelter by their owners who have no idea what ultimately happens to their animal. Though the shelter strives to keep each animal for as long as it can, there are no guarantees that animals will make it into a new home. It seems like at this time of year, more often than not, animals are euthanized because there just is not enough space at the shelter for all the animals and there are very few adopters taking animals out. Most recently, I have noticed a huge influx of animals dropped off by owners. I do not think people realize that with the low adoption numbers at this time of year, folks are basically signing a death warrant for their animal.
Instead of dropping your unwanted pet at the shelter, consider some alternatives by rehoming your pet yourself.
1. You can place a “free to a good home” ad in most of the local newspapers for free (like the Jefferson Post, Elkin Tribune, etc.),
2. You can have your animal posted on Channel 50 for free by contacting the Cyber Campus at 372-7313, and you can have WCOK place your pet on the trading post at 372-8231.
3. You can hang posters around town and at other veterinarians and pet stores advertising that your pet needs a new home. If your pet is a purebred animal, contact a breed-specific rescue group to see if they can place your pet for you.
4. You can use the internet and its vast resources at the library for free.
Spaying and neutering of your pets is critical to reducing the number of unwanted litters of puppies and wandering strays brought into the shelter
each year!
Some people say “I don’t believe in altering my pet” and that’s fine if they keep their pet indoors or on a leash while outside…but there are many pets that are allowed to roam freely in our community. Some people have said to me, “My dog is a male, so I don’t care if he’s not neutered because he can’t have puppies.” My response is that you should care! These unaltered animals are breeding with neighboring unaltered animals (and strays) and causing a problem with unwanted litters. Each owner should be RESPONSIBLE for their pet!
There are options available to people who cannot financially afford to spay/neuter their pet
www.snap-nc.org - they have low-cost spay/neuter clinics available). Also, consider writing to our local government to urge them to consider starting a spay/neuter assistance program.
Be aware that your tax dollars are paying for all these unwanted pets.
The County pays $5 per day, per animal for shelter animals. That’s your tax dollars! Take a stand and ask the local government to support a spay/neuter financial assistance program and propose fining irresponsible owners.
When you decide to get a new pet
Make adoption your first option. Mixed breeds make great pets. And I can not stress how many wonderful animals are often surrendered at local animal shelters. If you purchase an animal from a newspaper ad or a breeder, that’s one less home for a homeless animal.
If you do decide to purchase a purebred animal from a breeder,
DO YOUR HOMEWORK! “Backyard breeders” often breed popular breeds to make a quick buck by selling puppies. These breeders are not interested in the genetic and health problems of the siring parents, and puppies often develop health or behavioral problems that, in the long run, will cost you even more money. There are backyard breeders everywhere: in kennel clubs, advertising in the newspaper, and also in dog publications. The difference is that the ethical breeder has spent time and effort developing the healthiest, soundest, and most representative of the breed possible. Make sure you ask your breeder for references, ask to meet both parents of the puppy, and ask for a tour of the facility to see the conditions of where the dogs are housed.
DO NOT BREED OUT OF GREED! Breeding should ONLY be done to IMPROVE THE BREED. If you are not active in showing or working (field trials) your dog, think about your reasons for breeding. Never breed a dog to make money, or because you want a puppy from him/her, or because you want your children to see the puppies being born. Instead, consider fostering a pregnant homeless animal so you can experience the miracle of birth at home.
Anyone interested in volunteering should contact me at alleghanyanimals@yahoo.com. If you have any experience being on a Board of Directors, we could really use the help with our new group.
If you’re interested in adopting a new animal,
please feel free to email me or call the shelter at 372-8744.
