Category: Pet Abandonment

Animal Lovers Needed Desperately

5/25/2018

by Crystal S. Kauffman; Contributing Writer

Are you an animal lover with a bleeding heart that loves to feed the neighborhood strays and helps find the strays a good loving home? If you enjoy working with household pets, you should volunteer at the vet’s office or at an animal shelter. Additionally, the pet rescuers need good foster homes and volunteers as well.

You may have to: clean out cages, feed them, bathe them, give medicine, take them for a walk, groom them, or play with them. If you are at home a lot, consider volunteering for a neighborhood vet and get to know the many different pets that need extra love. This is a rewarding way to spend your time throughout the day, instead of being bored at home. Like helping an animal shelter taking with a large bag of dog food and some old blankets.

You can volunteer to help the shelter for a few hours and you can go as often as you want to go. If you can't volunteer, then consider becoming a foster family to a pet in need at the local shelter or at the local pet rescues. Sometimes they stay days and sometimes they can stay a lot longer due to problem finding a suitable home.

You can also open a small pet rescue and help save more dogs and cats from being euthanized or living in cage its whole life. Honestly, it is a big responsibility to care for a foster or pet rescue, but to save one animal is worth every moment you spend with them. Everyday, these places need someone to clean out the cat cages and dog cages, as well as give food and water to each animal.

The shelters need food donations, so ask your friends or your church group to help you raise up some donations through the community. Call your local animal shelter or pet rescue to see what kind of volunteer that they will need at this time. Spending time with each animal will give you immense joy and you will find yourself falling in love with each one.

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With So Many Animals in Need, Why Do We Need Pet Stores?

12/6/2014

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by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

A pet store may be the very first place you think of when you want to bring home a furry friend. But as a long-time friend to animals, turned occasional rescuer, I'm here to tell you there is a better way. Each year, millions of animals are euthanized in the United States. Roughly 71% of cats and 56% of dogs that enter shelters are euthanized. Some may be euthanized due to illness. But many are simply unwanted and the shelters have to make room for more that arrive. If pet stores ceased to exist, perhaps more of these animals would be adopted in time.

What's Wrong With Pet Stores?

I take no personal issue with pet stores who properly care for the animals. My concern is more along the lines of pet overpopulation. Erasing pet stores just happens to be one way to cut down on overpopulation. With the animal shelters and city streets overrun as it is, the selling and purchasing of more and more animals compounds the problem. The more people buy from pet stores, the more animals these stores need to have around. Most pet stores buy these animals in bulk from breeders. Why buy animals this way when there are perfectly good ones sitting behind cage bars in a shelter? One of these lovable potential pets dies from euthanization every 8 seconds. One organizations, called Found Animals is about to try something that's never been done before. Rescued animals will be available for adoption in a pet-store-like venue in the mall.

But I Want a Specific Breed of Pet

Contrary to what some may believe, purebred animals enter shelter doors quite often. Pet stores and breeders are not the only place to be breed-specific. In fact, it's estimated that about 25% of all sheltered animals are purebreds. If you are set on a specific breed, call around to the animal shelters and rescue organizations in your area. Pet stores are far from the only source. Many areas have breed-specific rescues. There's also the possibility that you will go to find one animal and fall in love with another. An animal should not be chosen just based on his breed, but also by the shared connection. My kids and I visit the local animal shelter often and it's amazing to see even the breeds with the worst reputations being extremely loving and friendly. While dogs of the same breed can tend to have the same behaviors, you just can't lump every animal of that breed into the same stereotype.

But My Desired Pet Type Isn't Available at Shelters

Or so you think. There are plenty of shelters and rescue organizations with animals of all kinds that need your help. Hamsters, rabbits, guinea pigs, cats, mice, dogs, lizards, snakes, and just about any animal you can have as a pet can be found in an animal shelter. My kids and I have adopted several hamsters in need. We will always do this whenever we have room. Key words: "whenever we have room". Animal hoarding is another issue that can cause shelters to become overrun and we plan to be a part of the solution, not a part of the problem. Call around to local organizations and shelters to find out who has the type of pet you want. Sometimes there are special organizations dedicated to a specific type of animal or breed.

I Don't Care About Pet Overpopulation or Statistics. I Just Want a Pet.

Sadly, many people are not going to be wavered by statistics or population numbers. Even if you fall under that group, I still have plenty of reasons for you adopt a pet, rather than shop for one in a pet store.

Shelters have a health report for each animal.
Shelter animals come vaccinated.
Microchipping may be included in the adoption fee.
Adoption fees can be much lower than pet store fees.
Spay/neuter is routine and included in the adoption fee.
Adopting helps prevent the loss of a life.
You get the joy of knowing you did a good deed.

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Should You Adopt a Stray Animal with Kids in the House?

12/6/2014

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by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

A stray cat is meowing at your door for food. He doesn't appear to belong to anyone. Should you feed him outside, call Animal Control, or simply take him into your home? What if you have children? Should you adopt a stray animal with kids in the house? The first pet we brought into our family home years ago was a stray kitten. Is this safe for the kids? There are many points to consider.

Is the stray really a stray? Sometimes animals escape their homes. Also, some pet owners allow their animals to live outdoors. This is not generally recommended, for health reasons. But many pet owners raise their cats to be outdoor animals. Be sure that the stray animal you adore does not already have a home. You can check this by putting up 'found' posters, calling people around the neighborhood, looking through pet lost and found ads, and checking with local shelters to see if any animals have been reported as lost. Once you know the pet has no owner, look at other factors before introducing a stray animal to your kids.

Get a vet evaluation. This is the very first thing you need to do before introducing a stray animal into your home. While living on the streets, animals can pick up many diseases and conditions. They also could be intolerant of children or just people, in general. Do not allow your kids near the animal before doing this. The vet will be able to tell you if the animal needs special care, has any contagious diseases, and more. Even if the stray animal is not dangerous, he may have a disease or condition that could spread to your kids or it may be something you cannot afford to care for. While at the vet, should you decide to adopt the stray animal, be sure to get vaccinations, a spay or neuter, and anything else recommended by the vet.

Evaluate personalities. A veterinarian can give you some insight into this and in stray situations, a vet or local shelter may assist you in experimenting. Some will help set up appointments with family members to be sure the animal is friendly with everyone. Before bringing a stray animal into a house with kids, in addition to the heath evaluation, make sure she passes the friendliness test. Your kids also need to pass the friendliness test when it comes to the animal's well-being. This can help prevent future unfortunate events.

Practice animal safety. Local shelters often hold animal safety courses for people of all ages. Attend these classes with your kids before adopting the stray animal. Because strays may not always be as tame as others, it is even more vital in this instance. The classes should teach kids how to respect animals, warning signs to look for, as well as proper care, and other important tips. Education is one way to help prevent some accidents that may occur when kids and pets do not interact together properly.

Should you adopt a stray animal when there's kids in the house? The safety of your children should always come first. Stray pets can be extremely dangerous. Then again, others can be the sweetest animals you've met. Adopting stray pets is very risky and the outcome can be on both ends of the spectrum. Our adoptions of stray pets have been positive experiences, considering. However, it could just as easily have gone another way. Ultimately, an educated decision should be made with your family, as well as an animal specialist who is experienced in stray animal care. Only after careful consideration and evaluation should you adopt a stray pet into a home with kids.

*I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network

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Are Shelter Pets Safe for Tweens?

12/6/2014

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by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

When looking for your tween's first or additional pet, an animal shelter may not be the first place you think of. Should it be? Are shelter pets dangerous for kids? After reading my recent article, Teaching Kids How to Respect Animals, several readers questioned me about one aspect. I mentioned how my kids and I visit the shelters regularly and own adopted animals. Readers wondered if kids could be in danger around shelter animals. Are shelter pets safe for tweens?

Will shelter pets give my kids diseases? Most illnesses that a pet would have are not transferable to humans. However, some definitely can be. The good thing about adopting an animal from a shelter is that they have generally been checked out by a veterinarian, as well as received any necessary vaccines. Talk to shelter personnel to be sure your tween is choosing a pet that has been examined and vaccinated. While this of course won't prevent every issue, it will help. Did you know that many of the animals that come from pet stores have not had veterinary care as thorough as some in shelters?

Can't shelter animals be violent toward my tween? Before animals are ever able to be put into adoption status, they must pass both physical and behavioral tests. If an animal is aggressive upon entrance to the shelter, some shelters turn them away. Others give them training to help them overcome behavioral issues and become suitable adoption candidates. Just like any other animal, they are still animals and no method is fool-proof. However, it stands to reason that animals who are upheld to certain standards will likely be proven more safe than those who aren't.

Don't shelter animals come from the streets? Are they feral? While some shelter animals have in fact been strays, not all of them are. Also, not all stray animals are feral. Trained professionals evaluate the animals to see which ones make good candidates for adoption. Feral pets can be domesticated. But it takes extra attention. A feral animal is very highly unlikely to be adopted out to your tween as a pet. Instead, that animal may be placed into a trained foster home until ready to be placed. Some may never be placed. This is also only true if the shelter even accepts feral animals. Some do not accept animals in this condition.

What if the shelter pet came from an abusive home? Not all animals from abusive homes are going to be aggressive or otherwise difficult for a tween to care for. For instance, one of the hamsters our family has adopted came from an abusive and neglectful home. This hamster belongs to my tween. At first I was the one to handle him just be safe. But with love and care, he is as loving as (if not even more loving than) the other hamsters. Not only do my weens play with him, but the younger children do as well. An animal from an abusive home can sometimes mean double the responsibility. Safety should always come first. But an animal's previous situation doesn't necessarily have to mean they won't be a good pet for tweens.

How do I know if my tween should adopt a shelter pet? This decision is just like any other pet adoption decision. Be sure your tween is ready for the responsibility and knows how to respect animals. Talk to shelter staff to figure out which pets match your child's personality. Have your tween interact with potential pets to find one that fits in with the family. When your tween meets with the pet, it will become obvious which one is a good choice, based on that, as well as a professional evaluation. Pet adoption is similar to child adoption in that the decision is based upon both what is good for the animals as well as the potential family.

Before taking any animal into your home, always consult with a trained professional first and be sure your family has the proper resources and knowledge.

*I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network

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Temporary Hold on Intake & Adoption of Dogs at Aurora, CO Shelter - Pneumonia and URI Outbreak

7/23/2014

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by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

WEDNESDAY July 23 2014 | According to the Aurora, Colorado City Hall, it will be at least twenty days before any dogs can be taken in or adopted out at the Aurora Animal Shelter. There has been an unusually high rate of URI (Upper Respiratory Infection) and Pneumonia in some of the dogs housed at the shelter.

Due to five dogs with cases of URI or pneumonia being housed in the shelter, the public is being asked to visit another shelter for relinquishing and adopting dogs. These conditions are contagious.

Family pets can be surrendered at the Denver Dumb Friends League (2080 S. Quebec St. in Denver, 303-751-5772). Stray pets should be taken to the Adams County Animal Shelter, 10705 Fulton Street, Commerce City, 80022 (303-288-3294).

These recommendations apply only to dog adoption and intake. All other animals (such as cats and small animals) are still being adopted and taken in at the Aurora Animal Shelter. These animals are not currently affected by the Pneumonia and URI outbreak.

The Aurora Animal Shelter is working with members of the Metro Denver Shelter Alliance (MDSA) regarding those with adoption or intake needs for dogs. They're also working very closely with veterinarians regarding the cause of the outbreak, as well as a solution and protection for the dogs housed in the shelter.

If you recently adopted a dog at the Aurora Animal Shelter and believe your dog may be infected, please contact the Aurora Animal Shelter at 303-326-8282. Symptoms of an Upper Respiratory Infection include coughing, sneezing, and lethargy.

Again, all of the usual animals, besides dogs, can continue to be adopted out and taken in at the shelter.

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Pet Abandonment Poetry: When, How, But Why?

7/9/2014

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by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

When I wrote this, I had just finished ensuring the last of another group of pets that someone abandoned with me would have a chance at more promising homes. No matter how many times I see this play out or how many reasons I hear, I can’t help but wonder how and why people can be so heartless and careless toward animals. This poem reflects what is on my mind when I see things like this go on.

When, How, But Why?

When you walk away and transfer the load
Do you forget it’s your hand she wants to hold?
When you place them in another’s care
Do you feel the burden they bear?

When you turn around and go
Do you know you’re now their foe?
When they look into your eyes and beg
How do you have strength to even move a leg?

When you know he counted only on you
How can you entrust him to someone new?
When you’ve held them close in loving arms
How do you not find enough in their charms?

When you walk away from your pet for keeps
How do you not fall victim to the weeps?
But the landlord says no or the husband hates cats
But the cost is too high or your wife hates rats

But you’re moving today or you don’t like that he chews
But you only like kittens or there’s a show that he’ll lose
But he ate up a shoe or other normal pet habits
That you failed to research before buying rabbits.

When you know it’s alone your fault
How do you not decide to then halt?
When you know that you took her home
How do you decide to let that bond roam?

When you know he might die in a cage
How does that not put you in a rage?
When you know haven’t done what you should
How do you then not do what you could?

When you leave them with a shelter or friend
How does your heart even begin to mend?
When he was a part of your home and heart
How does leaving not tear you apart?

When you walk away that last time
Is your last thought your pet or your dime?

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Lyn Lomasi & Richard Rowell are life & business partners. Owners of Brand Shamans & the Write W.A.V.E. Media network, we are your brand healing, soul healing, & content superheroes to the rescue!

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We support many causes via our business ventures, such as homelessness, support for trans youth, equality, helping starving artists, and more! A portion of all proceeds from Intent-sive Nature goes toward helping homeless pets in local shelters.

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Animal Lovers Needed Desperately

With So Many Animals in Need, Why Do We Need Pet Stores?

Should You Adopt a Stray Animal with Kids in the House?

Are Shelter Pets Safe for Tweens?

Temporary Hold on Intake & Adoption of Dogs at Aurora, CO Shelter - Pneumonia and URI Outbreak

Pet Abandonment Poetry: When, How, But Why?

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