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Shelter animals have so much to offer
By: Monica Kessler
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Posted by admin
Mon Jul 14, 2008 10:24:58 PDT
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It never ceases to amaze me how so many people can toss their dogs out like yesterday’s trash, or leave a loyal companion in a shelter feeling terrified, stressed and confused. Dogs are not just dogs to me. For some people, when it comes down to moving or a baby coming, or after a dog chewed things up, the dog will end up in the shelter where it will most likely die!
Most pet owners who dump dogs at the shelter say it is very friendly and loving dog, so it will be adopted. If only they knew how many people said the same thing. I got tired of seeing so many dogs die that I started going to the shelter and taking the dog most unlikely to be adopted to get it groomed and find it a home. I ended up starting a small dog rescue Web site, www.safeydogrescue.com, and taking in puppies that need homes and placing them in forever homes. I rescued my little Dolly Blu from the shelter when she was dropped off after having a litter of pups. Her previous owners kept the pups, but dumped her off, still full of milk and so scared. I took her in, intending to find her a forever home, but from the moment she came into my house, I knew she was mine for good.
Dolly Blu is the best companion anyone could ever ask for. She is now my service dog and soon will be going to hospices to spread some joy and make people smile. Every time people see her, they ask me how much I paid for her. When I tell them I got her from the shelter, they are shocked! So many people think you can go only to a breeder for a purebred. But that is the farthest from the truth. So many purebreds end up in the shelters, and there just aren’t enough homes for all of them.
Rescue groups do what they can, but with high expenses, our hands are tied when it comes to saving more. I have had to learn that you can’t save them all; one by one is all we can do. Shelters are full of wonderful, loyal dogs that will be so grateful to you. If you are thinking of getting a dog, don’t buy one from a pet store — they come from puppy mills. Don’t go to a breeder to line their pockets — go to a shelter.
Visit: www.petfinder.com to see the many adoptable dogs around Bakersfield. If you can’t adopt, then help shelters or rescues with donations or with items animals can use.
