We have become such a throw away society, especially in the United States of America. There are animals tossed out like so much trash all over our country. Today we have a crisis in animal care that isn't getting better; this is the need for adoptive and foster homes for all kinds of animals. Cats, dogs and horses, to name a few, are all in need of homes and help.
You wonder where they all come from; well most are rescued from pounds or by agencies that find them in deplorable situations. Just listen to the nightly news shows and often you will hear a nightmare story about some individual letting animals starve and live in filth or with other dead and dying animals. The pictures are heartbreaking but what the poor creatures have endured is not only inhumane it is illegal!
Each animal intervention requires a number steps beginning with a rescue then a through check up with a veterinarian. Here the costs begin to add up, as there is usually medication for infections or diseases or other treatment needed. There is transportation, food, bedding and other costs to consider. After the animal is treated it has to be relocated to a foster home until the rescue organization can find a suitable home for the animal. Adoption requires additional expense for the non-profit organizations most are cash strapped and depend on the generosity of their devoted volunteers.
There are not enough foster homes for almost every rescue organization. The individuals that volunteer are often over whelmed as the population of temporary animals grows. Sometimes it is very sad for the hard working volunteers because when no one will adopt that means the animal is either going to be put down or it will end up in the home of the foster care giver permanently.
As you can see it is a hardship for the individuals that try to help. They must raise money for veterinarian care through the non-profit rescue organization. Many times individual members pay for food, for medications and vet care out of their own pockets. These dedicated people make phone calls, advertise, speak and show up at any event to help promote the adoption of their foster animals.
What is needed is to stop puppy mills; to educate pet owners about how to own a pet and become a responsible pet owner; promote neuter and spaying of all pets for population control, there is a need for on going support and training of not only the pet but the owners as well.
Awareness is the key to success. We need more help in getting the issues about the over population of pets and the horrible conditions that some animals are forced to endure in front of the public as often as possible.
Volunteers are needed and foster homes are desperately needed so think about helping. Even if you can't keep a pet you can donate money to purchase food or medicine. Schools and children can have food drives for pets and donate to local shelters. An individual can help raise funds for the numerous pet organizations in the world. Pick a breed and help out; that is what it takes, saving one pet at a time to end this tragedy. Look up “pet rescue” online or in the phone directory.
