October is National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month and if I have not already stressed the point enough in previous posts, there are an abundance of reasons to take in one of these lovely souls. PetFinder.com has a useful tool to find a pet shelter and rescue organization in your area.
According to the ASPCA, here are some eye-opening statistics..
- Approximately 7.6 million companion animals enter animal shelters nationwide every year. Of those, approximately 3.9 million are dogs and 3.4 million are cats.
- Each year, approximately 2.7 million animals are euthanized (1.2 million dogs and 1.4 million cats).
- Approximately 2.7 million shelter animals are adopted each year (1.4 million dogs and 1.3 million cats).
- About 649,000 animals who enter shelters as strays are returned to their owners. Of those, 542,000 are dogs and only 100,000 are cats.
- Of the dogs entering shelters, approximately 35% are adopted, 31% are euthanized and 26% of dogs who came in as strays are returned to their owner.
- Of the cats entering shelters, approximately 37% are adopted, 41% are euthanized, and less than 5% of cats who came in as strays are returned to their owners.
- About twice as many animals enter shelters as strays compared to the number that are relinquished by their owners.
A cause very dear to my heart is the time I spend with my furry friends at Peaceable Kingdom. It is a no-kill shelter in Whitehall, PA. that provides care, protection, and assistance to animals who are mistreated, injured, abandoned, or otherwise in need.
Suzy Woolf posted this heart-wrenching note about several dogs that can use your love and resources. You can find her online at facebook.com/suzy.woolf or twitter.com/woolfie13.
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Peaceable Kingdom repeatedly steps up for dogs in need when they would be otherwise euthanized at other shelters or by owners for medical reasons.
Bagel the beagle is just finishing her last round of heartworm treatment – that costs a few hundred dollars.
Gizmo is recovering from a serious hernia surgery that was wrapped around his intestines. It was a difficult surgery that was completed by a surgeon offsite and medical costs will total around $3,000.
Mary Jane has many medical issues and emergency treatment and testing will total around $1000.
There are others not pictured – Remy who was surrendered after being hit by a car. Her medical care will total around $750.
We have another newer pup with a hernia and yet another who will need a tumor removed from its ear. The shelter can not continue to help without money in the medical fund – it’s pretty much depleted right now before paying all the above costs.
If you have a $1, $5 or more to spare please consider clicking on http://www.lvpeaceablekingdom.info/donate. Please share!
FROM THEIR WEBSITE:
“Peaceable Kingdom is funded by private contributions. We are not a government agency and we do not receive tax dollars. We operate on a bare-bones budget, making every penny count. Our administrative costs are minimal and many of our supplies are donated. When you make a financial contribution to Peaceable Kingdom, you can be certain that your money goes directly to the needs of the animals. All donations are tax-deductible. Be sure to provide your name and mailing address along with your donation so that we can send a statement for your records.”