National Pet Day: Honoring Brandon and Haley Bean

Like many people who play for or work for the Buffalo Bills, our pets mean the world to us. We consider them part of our family and they play an important role in enriching our lives. Our pets can live a luxurious life with daily walks, belly rubs, and extra treats, but they also need a lot of luxuries to keep their daily routines and tasks running smoothly. Some pets also play a role.

From pack pets to pets that help humans as service animals, many pets have a provider mentality, wanting to please us humans.

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Animals provide people with an amazing level of companionship and comfort in forming some of the strongest bonds, from the elderly to displaced populations to veterans.

Animals rule. Since today is National Pet Day, we felt it was right to take a moment to recognize the important role that many animals play in our lives. It's also a great time to draw attention to those who need our help in moments of greatest anxiety, stress and uncertainty. There are many animals that will never become pets, even if they are almost perfect for the role.

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If you follow stories of human interest in the news, you've no doubt seen the recent coverage of a rescue dog named Sora. After spending almost 1,000 days in the care of a no-kill shelter, the now-famous Sora faces a confusing and no-win situation, unable to find a meaningful adoption partner. These days, it was hoped that she would have a happy ending once she was adopted; Sora loves to please and is full of energy, but he is very selective when it comes to other dogs. That last part contributes to what could now be an unfortunate reality for her. Her adopters say they prefer pets that are more comfortable around other fur friends.

Like our own Bruce Nolan, I'm a person who loves animals of all kinds. It would be great if we could help Sora, but it's important to remember that she's not the only one in this situation. There are many potential pets out there who watch their humans wander by without even noticing their presence. Like Sola, there remains hope that the animals will eventually find homes rather than suffer the emotional distress that comes with a companionless stay in a shelter. Animals end up in shelters for a variety of reasons. Some of the animals were brought in by their previous owners, while others were rescued from the streets or from homelessness caused by natural disasters or war. There are also animals that are irresponsibly domesticated and have to live in shelters to protect themselves and others. That is the fate of so-called “exotic pets,” such as big cats, large reptiles, and numerous types of primates.

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Buffalo Bills continue to do their part to improve the lives of their animal friends

Kicker Tyler Bass is a prominent supporter of the Ten Lives Club of Erie County, and Bills general manager Brandon Beane and his wife Haley Beane are vocal supporters of the SPCA. Beans took over a job called “Hauschpups” started at the SPCA by former Bills kicker Stephen Hauschka. They then spearheaded the #BillsMuttfia initiative to draw attention to their cause and ensure that animal adoption fees are paid at the Erie County SPCA on Haley and Brandon Bean's behalf.

Today is about recognizing the animals we choose to live our lives with, but also about drawing attention to the animals who are looking for opportunities of their own. Trying to support your local shelter and encouraging others to do so is a noble cause that improves the situation for the animals we have made dependent on our care.

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Perhaps we could all do a better job by taking a moment to think about the furry friends we may overlook, such as bred and discarded rabbits, cats, and birds. It is a truly rewarding feeling to provide a forever home to an animal that wants a home more than anything in life.

Support can take many forms, from engaging posts that encourage others to donate to forming grassroots movements that drive meaningful support for various local programs.

Of course, there are countless ways to get involved if you're interested. Local shelters are always accepting donations of food, blankets, and more. We encourage you to call and confirm your needs. There are adoption programs that people can participate in that provide a bridging opportunity for animals waiting to find their first or new home. Volunteer opportunities are also available for those who want to be on the ground floor influencing change at their local shelter.

In some cases, simply visiting a shelter and giving the animals the attention they need can boost their spirits and increase their chances of being adopted in the future.

Many people want to save all animals, but the more people choose to save animals in need, the more the amazing love that animal bonds bring us will continue to thrive. Probably. This is dedicated to those of us who have yet to meet our furry friends. And we hope that we can help their lives as much as they enrich ours.

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