Around this time of year, the ASPCA produces some of the most heart-wrenching commercials a person could ever lay their eyes on. They truly are heartbreaking with their images of flea-infested, shivering, and emaciated animals. Often times, I have to turn off the channel or leave the room because I can not bare to see those poor little souls suffering, but I refuse to deny that this is a true problem.
The ASPCA estimates that nearly 7.6 million companion animals (dogs, cats, etc) are put into shelters. Approximately 2.7 million of those animals have to be euthanized. If this doesn’t pull on your heart strings, I do not know what will. Some may call it the “circle of life” and “everyone and everything dies,” but do these animals have to suffer the way that they do: cold and alone?
Although it is hard to watch the commercials, I support the ASPCA’s efforts. I would love to volunteer at one of their shelters some time, but I still manage to do my part by taking in neglected animals.
My first pet was a Labrador Retriever and Chow Chow mix. He was found by a family friend who discovered him in a box on the side of the road. Along with him were several other puppies, many of whom were already dead. From there, my family took him in, and we kept him healthy and safe. Our next dog was brought to us by a friend. She had heard of a dog who had been neglected by its owner, and she brought him to us, knowing that our old fur baby had just passed away. The poor dog was emaciated, had worms, and was infested with thousands of fleas. If you can’t imagine how terrible the situation truly was, he was a nearly all-black Basset Hound, and you could physically see the fleas jumping from one part of his body to another.
My grandma rescued dogs as well. One dog was a runaway when she took him in; the other had been in shelter for awhile, but he was deaf, and no one wanted him.
When most people say they want a dog or cat, they are looking for a brand new puppy or kitten. Often times, people think they can get these animals from the pet shop and be done, but it is the animals in the shelters that need our help the most. Elderly dogs are often ignored and left to die in the shelters. Certain breeds like Pitbulls and Rottweilers often fill the kennels because so many people are afraid of them due to their unsettling reputation. Like the situation with my grandma’s one dog, many of these animals have disabilities, and to many people, this is a burden.
No matter the age, breed, image, or disability, these animals are in dire need of love and affection. Give these babies a home this holiday and every other day. Allow them the chance at forever home with a forever family. We like to say that our fur babies are our little angels, but to shelter animals, we are their guardian angels.
