Pets Without Homes

"To the world you are a rescue person.... to the rescued dog, you are the world"

Terry has commented several times recently about an ad that has been running on TV. It's one that asks you to donate to the humane society and gives the story of abused, neglected and abandoned pets. It is heart-wrenching. I'm not sure of the website or I would include it here. What I do know is that sometimes pets are abandoned in RV parks. We've seen them. Unless some kind-hearted RV'er decides to take the pets in, they are left to run the streets and fend for themselves looking for food and shelter.

When we were in Texas, we discovered a wild mixed-dachshund. The dog had been abandoned and was afraid of humans. It was actually a "wild" animal. The park ranger indicated this happened quite often. It was an easy place for some people to ditch their unwanted pets without feeling too guilty as they justified their actions by thinking some kind soul would take the puppies home. This isn't always the case. Some die from hunger and others feed the hunger of the larger animals. It's so sad.

When at the SKP park in Summerdale we discovered another fairly young puppy that had been abandoned. Our RV neighbors fed it and tried to find a home for the puppy. Alas, to no avail. They had already "adopted" three abandoned dogs and could not take a fourth. Finally the Humane Society was called and the puppy went to the shelter. We all hoped a new home could be found but with so many dogs and cats being without a home and so few people actually adopting, the outlook isn't real promising.

Well, back to my story. Terry has wanted to donate to the on-line Humane Society but how do we know that these charities on-line actually put most of the money received into finding homes for unwanted or abandoned animals? And, is that really the Humane Society we know of? After all, this one advertises on TV. TV stations do donate time for selected charitable organizations but we don't know if this one is free or if payment is coming out of the donations. And, why does this one also publish a magazine for the contributors? The expense of the magazine must be taken out of the funds you donate for the care of the animals. Thus, I've drug my feet and he's not been happy with me.

Yesterday, Duchess and I were visiting Petsmart in Destin, FL. A pet rescue organization was out front with a few dogs and cats. They were hoping to find folks wanting to adopt these animals or willing to contribute something to help. They weren't just asking for $$ but also supplies. I spoke to one of the volunteers -- they are all volunteers. This is a no-kill facility and some of their animals have been abandoned, abused or just need a home after their owner was deployed overseas with the military. They have volunteers that offer foster homes for the animals until they are placed. In addition, if they have space they will search out other animals in other facilities that may be killed and bring them to their place. It truly is an all-volunteer organization with everything donated going for the animals. Pet Welfare -- Check it out.

I donated and we will continue to do so. Terry was happy. I feel good that we have decided to help.