[Guest post by Andrea Logan]
As a long-time dog foster parent, I can't tell you how many well-meaning people have said to me, “I don't know how you let them go, but I would take all the dogs (and/or cats) home! I just couldn't do it.”
I have been an advocate for companion animals for over 25 years. I have supported the people of these great shelters and rescue operations while they have made difficult decisions and experienced daily heartbreak.
The concern is that when shelters and rescue workers have to make the difficult decision to euthanize a dog or cat for health reasons or aggressive behavior, support from the public is lacking. That's what's missing. The shame and judgment that the public places on them only further exhausts their compassion in extremely difficult situations.
In reality, some pets cannot be adopted. I had an aggressive rescue dog that I didn't want in my house or even in my neighbor's house. They were a danger to the community.
Why do they do it and how can it be done? Because someone strong, brave, and caring owes it to animals who have been let down by humans in some way and end up homeless.
When I place a rescue dog in a new, thoroughly vetted home, I consider it a gift to them. I was also a part of their journey. Now another dog needs me. I love them, please let them go and grieve my loss. Just because you're sad doesn't mean you can't or won't do something.Isn't that so? more sad What if I die alone in a shelter?
Recently, the number of homeless dogs and cats has increased due to various reasons. More difficult housing situations, more financial hardship, more veterinary costs, and more dogs exhibiting difficult behaviors that most owners are not equipped to manage. When you search for puppies on Craigslist, you'll see page after page of backyard breeders selling their paid puppies to anyone. They're making them faster than we can store them.
Maybe you contacted a shelter or rescue agency and got no response. Probably because they are inundated with calls.
We spoke to Julie McCabe, Pet Resource Center Director at Seattle Humane, about the current situation. Julie told me. “Seattle Humane's Pet Resource Center is seeing an increase in requests for assistance such as pet food, veterinary care, pet boarding, and temporary boarding options. The center receives an average of 60 requests per day. Many clinics are booked months in advance and people are still having a hard time making spay/neuter appointments.”
Additionally, Seattle humane facilities continue to receive large numbers of dog and cat surrenders. Julie says, “Last year (April 2022 to March 2023), the number of pets surrendered by their owners exceeded 1,500, and our goal is to reach that number again.We do accept stray pets. However, if someone shows up with an animal in need, we will intervene until the pet can go to the appropriate city animal shelter. exceeds.”
Shelters and rescue staff did not cause this crisis. This is a community crisis and requires community solutions.
How you can be part of the solution
Despite the current sad situation of homeless dogs and cats, I am focused on solutions.how can you help?
- Adopt; Don't Buy. Seattle Humane and Petfinder are great places to start. Just because your dog is a rescue dog doesn't mean that your dog will have more behavioral problems. As a dog trainer, I've seen just as many serious behavioral problems in dogs raised by families as puppies, as well as shelter dogs. Dog behavior is complex, with breeding, genetics, socialization, and past experiences all influencing behavior.
- Don't let your dog or cat have babies. We are killing too many homeless pets.
- Train your dog. If your dog becomes homeless, he or she will be even more adaptable.
- Fostering saves lives! Bringing a homeless dog or cat into your home temporarily can truly save a life.
- Volunteer or donate to local animal nonprofits, shelters, and rescue groups. Most rely on donations, without which we cannot provide these critical services. We have a pet food bank here in North Bend. Valley Animal Partners helps seniors, veterans, and families with limited income keep their families together with veterinary care for their pets. We also have local rescue workers who could use your support.
Seattle Humane also submitted the following helpful links:
Link to the Humane Society's site for information on what to do if someone cannot keep a pet:
And if someone needs help owning a pet:
Finally, please tell our hard-working shelter and rescue staff and volunteers how much you appreciate their hard-working and compassionate work on behalf of homeless dogs and cats. They do this difficult work because they care.
[Andrea Logan from Lead Dog has been active in animal welfare for over 20 years and currently focuses on rehabilitating challenging foster dogs and helping dog owners with training and behavioral issues. Her passion is assisting people to build a better bond with their dogs. For help with your dog, visit Lead Dog’s Facebook page]
