I received an action alert via email last week about a sweet dog (pictured below) who was about to be put to sleep. I knew there was a high euthanasia rate at our local shelters, but I didn’t realize that dogs were only given about 2 weeks to be adopted. This appears to be the case in many of our Orlando area shelters.
We drove up last week to meet the dog pictured in the email and filled out the adoption application. We’re picking her up tomorrow, and my son has decided to call her “Lucky” since we saved her life. This experience made me realize that more needs to be done and that the situation is worse than many realize.
Therefore, I’ve decided to at least start by sharing the links to pics of dogs and cats in the area who need your help now. Pets who are waiting for homes can be viewed on the following pages:
Seminole County Animal Services
Remember:
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If you have to give a pet up, don’t drop him off at a shelter! Take the time to find your pet a great home yourself.
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Many believe that all dogs and cats in shelters have something wrong with them or major issues. This is simply not true. Most animals who enter shelters will be euthanized, so it’s important to not assume and to actually visit dogs and cats who are available for adoption. You may be surprised at what you find. Some are strays, but others are house dogs who have been abandoned by their owners.
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In addition to shelters, we have many rescue organizations in the area that specialize in particular breeds. Check into those before purchasing a new puppy from a breeder. A list of rescue organizations can be obtained online or at your local animal shelter.
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Always spay or neuter your pets.
Please comment here if you have adopted a pet from a shelter and would recommend it to others. We’d love to hear about your experience. Also, are there more links that need to be listed here? Please let us know!
UPDATED PHOTO OF LUCKY:
Lucky
Jan Zeiger
Gretchen Goel
Cat
Lisa Holt, RN, MS
Kimberly ~ greenWell
Carrie Boyko
midwiferobyn
Thank you so much for the story. According to the Humane Society of the United States the number of animals euthanized in public shelters every year is 3-4 million animals.
Some of the best dogs in the world end up in shelters through no fault of their own. I highly recommend people take the time to search through the shelters for their new best friend before buying one from a pet shop or breeder. I have rescued three dogs from various situations (including from a public shelter) and they have all been extraordinary companions.
And for those who just have to a purebreed- 25% of the dogs at public shelters are purebreds…
Thank you so much for sharing your photo, and the importance of adopting pets from shelters. There are far too many pets surrendereds to shelters not just in Florida, but all across the country.
Recently, there was a scare at a shelter in Lee county, Fla, where many dogs contracted a mysterious upper respiratory infection and dozens had to be put to sleep. It was very unfortunate and sad, because these were very good, adoptable dogs. But because of some unfortunate circumstance they ended up in the shelter at the wrong time. I understand the shelter has since eliminated the virus from the shelter and they are adopting dogs again.
I hope you post updated pictures of your Lucky! She’s a beautiful dog. Congratulations!
I think youre dog is lovely!Thank you for sharing the pictureXxXxXxXxX
All of my kitty friends have joined me because they have been abandoned and were in need of a home. I can’t begin to stress how important it is to look at local shelters first when you make the decision to bring a new pet into your home. I have adopted countless friends from shelters and animal advocacy groups over the years.
Less than 2 years ago I was facing a horrible battle with head/neck cancer, and my favorite feline friend had just passed away from old age. I made perhaps a rash decision considering I was facing so much in terms of my own health, but I really wanted a feline friend that I could cuddle with, hear purr, and give/receive unconditional love from while dealing with a horrible round of chemotherapy and radiation (after having 1/2 of my tongue and 34 lymph nodes in my neck removed).
When I sent out the word to my local neighborhood cat rescue group that I was interested in fostering a kitten to fill the void that my adult feline friend had left when he died, I was quickly asked if I could take in 2 kittens just for a weekend while the foster mom went off for a business trip. The babies were just 6 weeks old. They had been rescued from where their mom had left them under a porch in our neighborhood…all the rest of their litter mates had already died. Well – those 2 kittens are now 2 years old and never leave my side.
Lucy and Jasper grew up at my side while I was recuperating from my medical ordeal. For about 6 months I was confined to bed because of my medical condition – and for about 6 months they played next to me, cuddled with me, purred for me, and helped me get through the worst time of my life. They are the sweetest, most gentle cats I’ve ever met. They give me immense joy every day. I can’t imagine life without them!
A few months ago I agreed to foster yet another kitty – this one was an orange tabby who had been abandoned at a construction site in Waterford Lakes. Of course I fell in love with him immediately, and became his adoptive home. Catspian has definitely spiced up our home with his playful nature and sweet temperament. Every day I wonder why he was abandoned…he is such a fantastic cat.
I hope my stories of my success with taking in abandoned cats has inspired you to make a difference in the life of another feline. Please consider visiting an animal shelter or contacting an animal rescue group before adding a new friend to your family!