Got pets?

Just to check, the email must be included, not in the comment, but in the designated “Email: (will not be displayed)” spot?

I think it is overly due the we put into place laws like Germany has. The have been effect for years in Germany. They do not have the overbreeding we do, overcrowded shelters, euthanizing thousands of unwanted pets.

Their standard breeding practices are well put into place and they put out well-bred animals. Dogs must be OFA certified, hips/elbows, temperament tested, which is called a BH-done before a ‘seasoned judge’. If both male and female animal do not pass in all areas, they are not allowed to be bred. Any dogs having ‘genetic conditions’ will not be bred, period. This does away with ALL ‘backyard breeders’,wanna be breeders’,people who just have ‘one litter’ thinking they will make money off the pups,etc…’ They also train their dogs! You see their dogs in cafes, shops, restaurants, etc.. They don’t have the restrictions we do because the dogs are well behaved.

I am a Licensed/Certified K-9 Trainer/Handler of over 30 years, doing narcotics work,at present. I own my own business and train the general public. It becomes frustrating when people do not try to even train their own animal.

Want unconditional Love?  Adopt a pet from a shelter or rescue near you.

Animals have special places in our hearts, our lives, and our homes. It is true that they are not human and that they do not have rights as humans do. They are, however, the most wonderful additions to our lives and they teach us what unconditional love is all about on a daily basis. I feel a deep bond within that makes them such a part of my life. They are my responsibility and I take that seriously. I hope that when people talk about me and my pets that they can truthfully say that I loved them, treated them with respect, and cherished them every day

My dog is my baby and has been since I resuced her from the pound in Jacksonville, NC. She and I have been through so much together… first her being shoved to the pound, then my ex beating on her and me, leaving NC to Florida from Orlan…do to Jacksonville, Florida, and now going through Cancer together.. to say she is not human is an understatement.. she doesnt even know she is a dog.. I talk to her all the time and she is the best bed partner I have ever had… I know that the day will come when she will not be with me much longer but until then I will give her all the love and attention I can give her.. she is there all the time with unconditional love… I love my baby Theia… !!!

Want unconditional love?  Adopt a pet!!

I luv animals.If I see any being neglected or abused I report it. Animals feel pain and have feelings just like we do.Would you want to be treated like that.NO !!! So PLEASE people.Help.WE ARE THERE VOICE !!!

Why have a dog if you are going to leave it outside or tied to a tree? If you want a yard ornament, get a plastic flamingo or yard gnome. You should not have a dog.

Paula, are you also aware that Germany has breed-specific legislation that bans “certain breeds” of dogs? Germany is no model for any dog-loving country to follow… genetic testing is not the panacea that most think it is. Many dogs can pass tests and still belong to a casual breeder, so no you don’t cut down on any breeding practices. And we shouldn’t. Every dog that is removed from the gene pool due to a minor problem is one less to use in a careful breeding program. Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater.

If someone you know is harming a living thing, be it human or animal, then get involved and stop it.  If you don’t, then you are just as responsible for the pain and abuse as the person who did it.  Speak up for those who have no voice.

@ Paula—

If we wanted to live in Germany, we wouldn’t be in the USA (which is turning into Germany far to fast these days).....

I want a well structured dog that is healthy but I want a “show dog,” not to be confused with an obedience dog.

When I’m home, I want a lap dog, it has to be the same dog ... If they don’t show at the shows or “out in public” then its useless IMHO….they know the difference in lounging at home and when we are heading to shows…..they know how to put on a show!

@Paula—Germany is no panacea against badly bred animals.  Did you know they ban certain breeds of cats—for no other reason than a Government Official (not a Registering body) has deemed them “not healthy”?  They ban all white cats—because a small percentage of them can be deaf (not *will* be deaf—*can* be deaf).  If I wanted to live German style, I would move to Germany.  My mother is German, and still a citizen, so I’m sure I would be welcome.  However, I prefer to rely on actual Veterinary and Scientific information to deem whether or not my pet is healthy—not a government Bureaucrat.

Wonderful idea, David!

It’s no surprise that Humane Watch comes up with better animal care policies than the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)!

In my opinion, the HSUS is a big, fat, rich organization that cares more about executive salaries and pension plans than it does looking after animals.

I think it is great what you are doing to help these poor animals. I have 4 pets 2 dogs and 2 cats and I love them like they are my kids. It is so sad to see dogs and cats fill up shelters and many times lose their lives just because they are not adopted. I wish they would make a law against euthanizing animals just because they are not adopted. It is not fair for them to lose their lives:(  They deserve to live their lifespan just like people. Thanks for giving me a chance to leave a comment and for helping these animals.

I really love animals and really think that they should get it for them and the shelters, ‘cause they really deserve to get it for what they all went through too. Or any animal.

There is no greater joy than to be able to find a loving and forever home for a rescued dog.
People thank me all the time for all I do to find homes for rescued pugs here in Chico, California. I tell them “I can not take any credit for it because it is the wonderful people that adopt those dogs, loves and brings them into their family that deserve ALL the credit. If not for them my efforts would be nothing”.

I hope anyone who experiences the loss of losing a pet can also experience the wonderful joy of adopting another one at the right time in their life.  It’s a wonderful feeling!

Pets are our family .  And we should treat them as such.  What gives us the right to abuse and neglect them?  Just because we can. They love us no matter what. And that deserves respect. We are all Gods creatures. Great and small.

All animals are innocent—it’s unfortunate that they sometimes get in the hands of the wrong owners, who should not be owning any pets if they are unable to provide, food, shelter, health care and some plain old love.

I think all dogs are truly a blessing. My poochie is my angel—the way he looks at me as if he’s saying I love you so—I hope I get to give $100 to the animal shelter!

Thank you for letting people who are on a fixed income participate in helping out the shelters.  I have 2 adopted dogs—I love them both so much—they give me so much pleasure. Thanks!

Any one who never had a shelter animal,probably thinks there something wrong with them and that s why they are there. They are wrong its the people who gave these animals no choice but to be in a shelter. Thank God for Shelters and people who care and love animals. I have to tell myself when i go to the shelter I can not take them all home and my heart breaks not to take them all home and just spoil and love them with all my heart and soul.

Last year someone left 4 sweet little kittens in our driveway. Since we had a horrible, horrible shelter in Memphis, we took in the kittens, feeding them outside of course. I had never cared for cats, I have always been a dog person…The kitten started growing…and all of a sudden my kittens were having kittens and before I knew it I had 15 cats & kittens before I discovered the “Mid-South Spay & Neuter Services of Memphis”
Well to make a long story short, I still have a lot of cats..most have been fixed and I believe other people are leaving their unwanted kittens at our doorstep. I love the sweet things and they have free run of the house now. Plus my little dog thinks it’s a cat now. I don’t know what has happened to me… Am I the old cat lady NOW?

I wish I could take them all home! I want to get some land so I can take a couple. But that is a long way off. So until then I will do what I can.

I would just like to say that older dogs need to be adopted as well. These dogs have obviously lived a long time and were loved and given up for whatever reason. They deserve a home too and it would be a way for us to give back. Its like loving and elderly person and being a companion for them. They deserve it after all they have been through…why doesn’t an older dog deserve it too? Thank you!

Dogs and cats are getting put to sleep every day, and pets are getting dumped and abused. Why is it happening to animals?

fix’em just don’t forget ‘em.

Comment left @The Kardashians To Get A Taste Of Beverly Hills For The Humane Society [bet it never gets posted!]

http://www.looktothestars.org/news/4974-the-kardashians-to-get-a-taste-of-beverly-hills-for-the-humane-society#ixzz0xxtdbVIy

Obviously none of the celebrities at this event have visited their local animal shelters, or those across the country lately, or they might be asking WTH is going on? I think it is SO SPECIAL how Hollywood loves to have one million dollar plus gala after another to pat themselves on the back and pretend they are action oriented, deep-thinkers. I also love how Hollywood loves to tell Americans who make as much in a year, if lucky, as you spoiled humans do in a day or week - how they need to go out and donate their money or time to one thing after another.

Well, Hollywood I’m telling you that you need to get off your sanctimonious asses and do something about the mass slaughter of sweet, beautiful, HEALTHY pets in your own backyards! You have helped groups like HSUS, ASPCA, and PETA to become filthy rich but they are not helping those shelters that are on the front lines of our barbaric animal laws. In fact, their new campaigns of going after breeders are stressing the shelters further. They are “rescuing” these dogs and then killing all but a handful who are then sent to SHELTERS or rescue groups!

WOW! How humane is that? The HSUS’s commercials are tearjerkers [did you make them] but they are lies. The money they raise is not trickling down. Shelters are drowning in a sea of dogs and cats who are absolutely adoptable but they can’t hold them because they are BROKE and more and more animals keep flooding in. Some cannot afford the vaccines for puppies and strays, or the spay/neuter programs that would prevent the mothers who are being gassed along with their puppies or while still pregnant from being in that shelter. Those that ry to hold on to new puppies don’t have boxes for them so the puppies lay in food bowls or on the hard concrete floors. Did you know that killing the animals with HEARTSTICK can take a dog up to 2 hours of screaming hell before it dies because MOST if any do not use valium to knock them out first? NO? Oh well, its at least cheap like the gas chambers where they rip each other apart in panic! I am sure you don’t feel a bit of responsibility for the thousands of Chihuahuas in your shelters or the thousands of Labradors that are now in shelters across the country who are about as old as ummm… your movie Marley.

You could do something to help these animals but walking through shelters in the ol’ USA and looking into the eyes of a terrified dog or cat is not as SEXY as a big photo shoot in a Rain Forrest or a nice trip to Africa to look into the eyes of a tiger, is it? Plus, while you can really afford to part with some serious money it is not something you ever do! Its so beneath you! Maybe you could help make another version of We Are The World and have a Tele-thon for the animals? YEA!

Forcing those POLITICAL groups to provide the money they raise on the backs of these helpless animals to provide, what people THINK they are providing w/their hard earned donations, isn’t as much fun as these galas? Do the Animal “Rights” groups give YOU part of that money? I bet they do!

I love animals. They give you unconditional love. I have three dogs, they are my babies, and I can’t understand why anybody would hurt an animal. They are so trusting… it breaks my heart to hear that somebody has hurt an animal.

I don’t know why they call some of these pet shelters shelters—they look like crap and the animals are not taken care of.  North Shore Animal League is one of the best I’ve ever seen, and they need all the donations they can get!

Animals are a gift God lets us enjoy for a time. We all need to cherish them like the gifts they are!

My name is Dawn and I work a shelter in Saint Helens, Oregon, that is a “no kill” shelter. It is the Columbia Humane Society, we share a building with the County Animal Control. I know that seem odd but we actually work together. The County works with alot of Rescues to place their animals, and if a time is getting close and they may have to put one down, they will relinquish it to us to give it another chance. We are currently working with a program called OFASA, it stands for"Orgon Friends Of Sheltered Animals. They go down to San Bernardino and rescue dogs and we take a large amount to our facility. We are a “non-profit” organization, we run strictly from donations and grants. We sell some donated goods in our lobby and sell low cost pet foods. When an animal comes to our shelter it is not jail, it is home until we find it a Fur Ever home. We have foster homes in case we get in to many animals, and have little or no space. We have never received any money from the Humane Society of the United States. Don’t even know if we are eligible, but we do the best we can with what little we have. We have 4 kennels, helpers, a lead shelter staff, an office manage and a Director, and a wonderful board that helps keep us going with Fundraisers, dog washes, and special events. I love The Columbia Humane Society.
Thanks,
Dawn

This past Sunday, The Arizona Republic printed an amazing article title “Just One Dog.”  It told the story of one dedicated pet rescuer and the no-kill shelter that assisted her.

There are many wonderful people out there doing small deeds with great kindness.

The Animal Benefits Club does an outstanding job!

Rescue is its own reward!!

Please let us win for our shelters so the animals can have a place too live so they won’t have too be put too sleep either, cause it’s not their fault no one want’s them either. I love animals. They deserve too live too

I deeply love animals and plan on going to a veterinary institute in Houston. Also, I would love to help them out in a small town in Telford and would really love to see healthy animals in this area. It really angers and breaks my heart when I see an animal being treated cruelly. I wish to see these dogs and cats have $ so they can have the greatest care in the shelter(s).

I agree with you on that too. Don’t just get a dog and leave it outside like you would with your Christmas lights or flowers. They are family and like a kid too.

Please love them and give them the attention they need, like you would would a person.

There is a wonderful organization in Cincinnati Ohio called Recycled Doggies.  The pull dogs from high kill pound and shelters, rehabilitate them, and place them into forever homes.  Through tons of fosters and donations they make their rescue work.  They hold weekly adoptions and do so much for the dogs out of their own pockets.  I have had the privilege to meet a dog that was adopted from this rescue, and she is one of the sweetest dog I have ever met.  There is no such thing as a bad dog, just a bad owner.  I have 2 dogs and would do anything for them!

I love my dog, she one of the family. She 8 years old and the whole family acts as if she is human. I think she thinks so too. She loves kitten and puppies. She been spayed for 2 years. and she still wants to care for puppies and kittens. her name is may and she has her own facebook page. Please spade and neuter you pets.

I am a foster parent for a pet rescue in Gainesville, Florida called Gainesville Pet Rescue. They help dogs and cats of kinds, whether they are puppies/kittens or full grown dogs/cats. They even take in the injured and sick animals to try and rehabilitate them and find a loving homes for the animals. They also spay and neuter every animal as well as give the animals the shots and medicine needed to help the animal on the road to recovery and adoption. They have saved several animals and go around town and even to other cities to find animals to save that are on the kill lists at pounds and other places. They never turn down an animal even when they run out of foster families. Instead the foster coordinator or other staff members take the animals home with them to try and save as many lives as possible. This rescue could really benefit from the much needed $100 that way more animals can be saved.

Animals are children and should be treated like them.
Pitbulls really need a lot of help too.

Yeah I have too agree with W.Wheeler on what he or she said about HSUS. Yeah the animal’s have right’s just like us too,Their our babie’s,Just like kid’s are,We have too feed them and let out too go bathroom and clean them and walk them play them too,Well a cat you can’t walk but you still can play with them tho,We need more ppl too stand up for them too

The information you provide makes me more determined than ever to get the message out there about HSUS. $100 million?!?! That could go a LONG way in our facility where we limp along on a $400,000 budget each year…caring for 200 animals at a time…facing those “difficult decisions” that HSUS could SO EASILY prevent us from having to make…if they would only put their money where their mouth is.

I can’t stand people that say they have a “PET” that they leave it outside during storms, snow, deep freeze of winter and the heat of summer. Most of the time (because the animal is out of mind) they don’t even give it water or food. That is NOT A PET…..... to anyone who does this, it’s nothing to them. It really pisses me off and I would like for them to live loveless and unwanted the way these poor creatures are being treated. I would rather stay outside and let the animal stay inside. If only possible.

Who is in charge of monitoring a NATIONWIDE PUBLIC Organization’s In Coming yearly donations and audit every detail of where and how the donated money had been spent ON THE ANIMALS in these shelters? Where has people’s MORALS and HUMANE treatment of animals disappeared to? The fact is and I’m sad to say that WE ARE NOT A HUMANE SOCIETY at all. Be selfless, donate what you can to your local shelters that you know are truly WORKING FOR OUR PETS health and happiness.

These ‘people’ that leave their animals outside in bad weather should be left out with their ‘pets’. Not that their animals are even close to the definition of ‘pet’. How, exactly, do you walk past a hungry animal that you agreed to care for,(when you brought them home, anyway), and turn your head and let them starve, or go thirsty. I truly hope you are treated this way for a very long time.(Eternity works for me.) I’m not certain that the people even know what ‘love’ means. Not certain they’re not just animals themselves. I know they’re cruel, heartless and lazy. Stupid, as well. I hope I never meet you.

Animals are precious creatures that are only here on earth for a short while;And in that short while I spoil them rotten..(and Im certainly not wealthy).I often think of how many animals remain nameless or homeless so we must do whatever we can for them even if its something small… you might think it wouldnt make a difference,but it does to them!

I have spent my entire life in awe of what animals have to offer. People can learn so much from their pets if they are willing to listen with their hearts as well as their ears. Unconditional love is only one aspect of the neverending bounty given up freely to us “humans”. We rarely experience the willingness to trust and follow as quickly as our pets nor do we believe and exhibit heroism in the face of fear as easily and automatically as our pets. We are considered the superior of all animals but when it comes to natural instinctive character i am belittled by my dogs everyday. I can only hope to become the person my dogs believe me to be and if i can do that i will be proud to call myself superior but until then i will just settle for human.

My dog and my cats are my family.  I love them so much that cannot fathom living without them.  They give me a reason to get through my days and nights.  I would do anything I could to help any animal in need.  Two thumbs up, Humanewatch.org!!!

For many years we have had the privilege of raising German Shepherds.  Throughout the years we have also made way in our home for rescues.  We take them in to give them a respite from what the world has dealt out to them. We always have been the ones blessed.  My Sheps and any other dog are all inside dogs.  They are raised with pack mentality and I watch them move in to protect the rescue.  You may not equate human reactions and feelings to your canine friends…...I have lived too long with my beauties and have watched them baby a rescue who had spent the first 6 to 7 years of her life having 2 litters a year.  When we received Israel she was in such bad shape my heart broke for her.  She was such a princess, so gentle and so gracious of the love, care and companionship we gave her and she gave us.  She lived to be 13 years of age during that time I watched as the Sheps would protect her, love her and grieve when we lost her.  We were better for knowing and loving Israel - so were the Sheps.  She rounded us.  We have since then taken in 2 more rescues and are just a blessed as when we took Israel.  Feelings oh yes if you watch them you will have a comic in the group, a little mother, an ornery little boy, etc,  They so enrich our lives here on earth.

Maybe I need to tell you how I came to know about this web site.  Last night I attended the Wood County Farm Bureau here in WV.  I am a member of the Wood County Farm Bureau and involved in politics within my County as well as my State.  One of the speakers was a young woman who spoke to the group at the Dinner regarding just exactly what U.S.H,S, was.  To say that everyone there was more than a little shaken by what they were shown and were told is an understatement.  One of the Candidates for U.S. Senate followed this young woman and he stated to her you have really opened my eyes.  I really think most individuals are good of heart and when they see “Humane Society”  no matter what preceeds or proceeds those two words they think of good works, saving and nurturing animal life!  Talk about an eye opener!  I guess for me sitting there as she educated us…..I was appalled…but should not have been…....in the United States of America there is always a group and/or organization that takes advantage of people’s hearts and ideals.  I only hope to see this kind of practices by this group put out there for all to see!  I know that I for one will make sure that I make individuals aware.  Today I actually posted at my facebook site about what I learned last night encouraging individuals to come to your site and learn.  Thank you for all you do.

Animals give us many things; comfort, support, attention and a friend. But there is a special gift they give us, it is also the most important of all. It is in the answer to this riddle.

“What has no conditions, but one condition?”

LOVE

i have had cats since 1996 they are my life.  one cat in particular always knows when i am really upset and takes care of me.  right now its kisses.  she is a calico.  she putsher paw on my arm and wont let go till i calm down.

I have four cats, and I have adopted my share and more of strays. I love my cats, and my heart goes out too lost or strays. Especially with the cold months of winter coming. I know that my cats are very grateful too have a home.  Animals are not stupid creatures, for Allah doesn’t make any creature dumb. And all creatures are beautiful, for Allah doesn’t make ugly ones.

My rescue dog, Nikki is my baby. Shes my best friend and she always brings a smile to my face. Not only did I save her, she saved me, and i hope i can give dogs and cats a chance to have a family, and warm the hearts of their petparents

My family and I love our animals! They are a part of the family and I work with them every day on their behavior training. All our animals have come from abused/neglected/abandoned homes/and the shelter. We have taken in 11 animals and have adopted out 4 of them, one cat died of an incurable disease. Our vet bills are extremely high each year because we make sure all of them are properly vaccinated, spayed/neutered, and any ailments are resolved. We currently have 5 dogs (a puppy we just adopted 2 weeks ago) and one cat. Our local animal shelter does not euthanize animals after a certain time period and they require all adopted animals to have their shots and to be spayed/neutered. They also offer microchipping for $15, which is very inexpensive! It would be great if my local animal control could receive extra funding to help support their good work.

Everyone says they want pure-bred animals, so they go to breeders. But I have have adopted every animal I have had from a shelter or rescue, and they have been pure-bred. They’ve been the best animals I could have been blessed with, but have been in the worst possible conditions.

All animals like farm animals, zoo , rescue , working animals need to be loved and respected from us! We need for the slaughter houses to be redone like Temple Grandin did, how she launched a national campaign for cows, etc. to be and live in a humane way in a slaughter environment. We need to have shelters and pounds work together and keep animals safe and healthy. We need to stop the abuse by educating people and communities how to interact with all animals and even the wild. We need to change how we interact with all of our beloved creatures because they were here first! Somehow we need to make this a new challenge and new way of life for all of us here on this planet.

Brother Wolf, namely the Asheville, NC center, is a wonderful non-profit no-kill shelter that not only spay/neuters, gives shots to, and houses unwanted pets, but also conducts its own home visits after a pet is adopted to ensure its continued safety and health. It can be found at http://www.bwar.org, or by calling 828-505-3440.
I really think this shelter deserves to be recognized!

For more than 60 years the Humane Society of Johnson County has provided education, sheltered animals and been a resource for the community.  All this using only foster homes and volunteers.  That is about to change.  We will break ground in October for our “first ever” real home.  A home-like state of the art facility that will allow us to provide services to more animals searching for their forever homes and at the same time upgrading our education and community programs.  It’s been a long time coming but the animals won’t have to wait much longer. Hooray!

God gave us animals to be our companions! He created them to love and to be cared for. Animals should be precious to us because they are precious to Him !  I have had animals all my life, I am 50 years old now. Without my pets my heart would be empty without their love. I have no children and my kitty is my baby boy! I love him so much ~ He’s my gift from heaven above God’s gift of love !

I rescued our Cleo about 18 years ago for our local dog shelter.  She was about a yr. old & became a member of our family very quickly.  I got her for my daughter as a protector actually.  To make noise is there was an intruder.  She was the best.  She even barked if the frig kicked in too loudly.  Our Vet said she that being a black lab she was 17 & he said normally they don’t live this long, but he could tell we took very good care of her & she was well loved.  She’s in doggy heaven now 2 yrs., but we’re looking again.

I can not see how any one can BUY an animal or even BREED them as there are so many homeless ones now.  Purebreds are also going through shelters as well as mixed breeds.  I have 3 dogs all rescued as well as 22 cats   All my animals are healthy and well cared for and of course fixed.  I have heard all kinds of excuses why people don’t fix their animals or why they give them up.  Moving? then why aren’t you looking for a place that will let you have your pets would you give up your child because you are moving???

Ive been taking in and rescuing our furry (and not so furry) friends for as long as i can remember. But ill just tell you a couple of them. I currently have my little angel, Big Red, who’s part Mane Coon and part Tabby, for about 5 yrs. He was one of the cats who regularly came by my house everyday (as a stray) to eat, drink and sleep (I made a house for them to sleep in to shelter them from the cold and heat). There were 7 cats all together. He was coming by for about a yr before i was able to take him in. You could tell he used to be domestic. He always had the saddest eyes and he was dirty and his fur was matted. And when i took him in, he was kinda skeptical but he became part of the family and was comfortable after a few mths. Now he’s always cuddling and sleeping with me and he looks so happy (which makes me happy). I don’t know what Id do without my little butter-butt. Another cutie i took in was this all black kitty, Meow-Meow, who was in my backyard, skin and bones, chewing on a meatless chicken bone. The poor baby was so skinny, and her previous owners declawed her so she wasn’t able to catch her own food. I took her in and she ended up being one of the fattest kitty’s Ive ever had. She passed away from old age 3 yrs ago. But she still holds a place in my heart. I miss her. There’s so many more to talk about but i don’t think anyone wants to read a book about them in a comment box. So ill have to share those stories for another time. I just believe all of our little friends need a helping hand and a voice to speak up for them. I can’t imagine life without their love and without my love for them. I only wish there were more people out there who care enough about all the animals out there to help and love them. Thank you for hearing my story and I want to congratulate whoever wins this contest. This is a great cause and I think whoever came up with this idea has a heart of gold.

The most recent addition to our family is a fluffy orange tabby, Daniel. Finding him at my local Humane Society Shelter was like finding a diamond lying unclaimed in the desert. He purrs, hugs and makes me laugh a lot.

Whenever it is time to expand the family, a friend or a shelter has just the one we are looking for…and who is looking for us.

Sometimes you rescue a shelter pet, sometimes they rescue you.  Most of the time it’s a bit of both.  The most important lesson my shelter rescue dog taught me is that in my human imperfection, I will never be able to match her love for me.

Animals need a voice lets speak up for them

I have 3 cats and they are my life. They think they’re human. They understand me when I tell them something. They are very smart cats. My one cat takes meds twice a day. She knows when its time to take it and if I’m sleeping or doing something she meows at me until I get her bottle of meds. She sits on the chair and waits for me to give it to her. I am so fortunate to have 3 beautiful cats which makes my life full and complete. I am very upset and confused about the ASPCA. I have been a loyal supporter for many, many years. I hope this is all a mistake. I am going to keep up with this website and see what is going on.

I have two wonderful rescue dogs and they have been a true blessing to me. My older dog (who is now 11) was abused as a puppy, left out in the sweltering heat, and when I got him, he was either doomed for a kill shelter, or home with me.  I brought him to the vet the day I saw him and he was infested with fleas and ticks.  He was fed mainly a diet of cooking grease, which in turn hurt his digestive tract.  I got him all cleaned up, and after about 6 months, he stopped having digestive problems.  He is the most wonderful dog.  Calm, is friendly with all people and is such a happy dog.  Definately adopt from a shelter!  The dogs might need a little bit of extra TLC, but so worth it!

I volunteer at my local Humane Society and it is the highlight of my week.  To see those wagging tails and sparkling eyes when I walk in the building is worth a million dollars!  My life is enriched so much by the lives of those priceless animals.  God does bless me and his four-legged critters!

please help all those needy animals. we need to help them for they can not speak for themselves.

Today in Prescott Arizona the Yavapai Humane Society is doing their very best with working with non-kill shelters to rescue the dogs and cats that are not adopted. I am impressed that here in a small town things are so much improving with the Yavapai Humane Society and other people like Olsen’s Grain step up to the plate and have DogOctober fest which happened this past weekend to adopt all dogs and cats from shelters around here and through out the valley as well (aka Phoenix Az). There is more we need to do which is the spay and Neuter all of our animals and know that we need to educate people how to treat their animals and how to prevent over population in one area of a rural area or city. Please help me continue to help these animals

Back on Sept. 25th I attended along with some friends our local annual Humane Society walk for the animals.  Our shelter is 100% donation based with even the workers being strictly volunteers!  They only euthanize when the animals cannot be adopted because of their aggressiveness or incurable diseases and such.  They do an extremely awesome job and are so well-deserving of this!  They are a simply wonderful crew and have a very high success rate for their adoptions as well.  The walk for the animals was a success with a wonderful day weatherwise to boot!  Please consider us. thank you!!!

people are cruel; animals are innocent! animals are the family members in our lives! treat them with respect, love and compassion!

I have been feeding a homeless cat for almost 2mnths its easy to see she’s been abused! If I can get her to trust me, and hold her,let her feel love again, I would cry! the last thing I want to do is bring her to the Coon Rapids Humane Society!, I will find her a loving home! I can only have two cats at my place, and I have my Gracie and Bridgie, from a no kill shelter in Hastings MN. Bridgie & Gracie almost ended up at the Humane Society in Coon Rapids. I took her! I feed my homeless kitty every day and love her like my own! What is wrong with people leaving their pets behind? I don’t get it. Shame on you! Treat them like your child!

I just wanted to add I just lost my job! And it’s still no excuse not to take care of your babies! I call my homeless kitty, baby because I care and I will feed her and continue to, as with my own girls! Because my heart is so big!!!
I would never leave an un-sheltered pet outside to fend for him/herself!! But I have been to the Coon Rapids Animal Shelter in MN and bought a kitten for a friend that couldn’t afford it. And they do a wonderful job. They’re taking in strays and unwanted animals.

I have rescued 3 cats.  Unfortunately, 2 have since passed away.  I still have my dog who is my life- my very best friend. He isi treated better than some children are treated.  I love all animals, and it saddens me so much to know what is going on with overcrowed shelters.  It actually breaks my heart, and if I can help in anyway, I do and will..  Including volunteering, providing supplies, blankets and food to local shelters.  Please, if you can, do the same for the shelter in your area.  Every little bit helps!!!.

PLEASE ADOPT A PET TODAY!!

i understand that the majority of animals in shelters are dogs and cats…but what about the rest? In my city there is a county humane society and it does not put the bunnies, birds, ferrets, reptiles, and many other different species that they have in their building out to even attempt to find homes for them! so many people only associate shelters with dogs and cats, well there are many more animals out there too. these animals were also dropped on their doorstep or even taken from abusive homes. but every time there is a topic of adoption, it’s just dogs and cats. people need to speak up for these animals that are just being killed because nobody wants to try to find homes for them! i have volunteered a a bunny shelter separate from the humane society, where the woman who runs the place has been arrested many times for breaking into the humane society trying to rescue (sometimes succeeding) these poor animals that don’t have a chance. i think it’s nice that there’s a contest to help shelters, but i am offended that it is biased to only cats and dogs when the humane society is “supposed” to help all the other animals that come in too. there are many more animals out there besides dogs and cats in shelters, they need loving homes too

Half the animals we have are rescues.  One cat which was found on the streets after the Katrina flood.  Another cat which had been abandoned and from all the stress licked all his hair out. Then 2 dogs. One my mom found at a gas station. She was skin and bones and couldn’t even lift her head up when she found her. She has definitely been abused she is terrified of men, boots, and also just people she doesn’t know.  She is doing quite a bit better now but still doesn’t trust men and is very wary of strangers.  Also I got a rescue from SNIPSA.  He is the highlight of my life. I have bipolar disorder and the connection i have with Ranger (my baby boy) helps me in every way shape and form you could ever think of. I can always count on him to be there for me. SNIPSA is a great rescue organization which i have been volunteering for for quite a while.  Please consider helping them out. Every little bit counts.

We will never give back to any of our Dogs or Cats what they have given to us!  They never demand, all they expect is some attention, love and to be fed!  Now is that asking much?

I have 3 dogs and 18 cats and 4 fosters all mine are rescued and have been fixed with the exception of the 3 foster kittens someone dumped at a festival here in my town.  I am raising them till they are old enough to be tested and fixed then they will go up for adoption.  I foster momma cats till their kittens are old enough to be adopted.  I would take more if I could afford to feed them as I have a farm they could run and play on.  I help out at the Humane Society here and we have had chickens, goats, pigs, horses and bunnies and have found homes for them all.  If we ever get ducks they will have a home with me. We have not had any requests for birds that I know of but animal control got a hawk with a broken wing and wildlife from another town came and got it.  Our Humane Society needs a lot bigger building

I occasionally foster dogs for LL Dog Rescue in the KC area. I recently took in a challenging case. This poor dog was living the good life of a diva with no problems except when she went to the groomers. So the family had a crises and decided to turn her in to our rescue group. Well, it appears she thought she was being left at the groomers. When she was vetted, she bit everyone. She was adopted quickly, but the new family made the mistake of taking her to a groomer- she bit the groomer. Then she bit the adopters and was returned. Every time we went to an adoption event at the local PetCo, she raced around looking for her family. (That’s where she was turned over to us.) Finally after spending 2 months in our family,(without a single visit to the groomers!) she figured out that there are nice people besides her original family. We found a great home for her with a family that enlisted the help of their vet to help her get accustomed to a new groomer. She has not bit anyone in her new family and is once again living the good life of a diva. The point I’d like to make is that it is important to take your dog to places besides the vet and the groomer. They need to know there are other places and people that are nice. You never know when a family emergency might make it necessary to relocate your dog. Help make the transition easier by giving them some life experiences outside your home and yard. If at all possible find a way to keep your dog. They miss you so much and they grieve the loss just like we do. I’m so glad I volunteer for LL Dog Rescue as they are willing to allow me to take the time necessary to help the dogs adjust to their new surroundings and find the perfect home for them.

Seven years ago, I adopted a six-year-old female Beagle-mix dog from my local rescue league.  She was with me through open heart surgery, loss of jobs, and the sale of my little home. We spent a lot of time together - everyone who met her fell in love with her.  She was also with me during months of initial recovery from breast cancer. In January of 2010, before my chemotherapy ended, she became ill.  Sadly, she was dying of cancer and I had to allow the veterinarian to put her down. Her ashes were ready on my last day of chemotherapy.  Along with her ashes, the vet’s office used a little kit to take a cast of her paw.  As devastated as I was from Emily’s death in the midst of my own physical issues, that little gesture meant the world to me - Emily couldn’t be beside me at the end of my treatment, yet she was still with me.  That little dog, whom no one else wanted, with that big “ah-roo,” filled my heart and sustained me on my best days and my less than best days.

I do have pets. 1 beautiful black cat and 2 beautiful black labs. All 3 are so spoiled. My cat is really a small dog.    She follows me every step I make. The story of how I got my oldest lab is a story of how my daughter and I saved her life. We were going down the road and we saw a black dog along side the busy road on which we were traveling. My daughter started crying and begging to have the dog and me being the softie that I am about animals, well I stopped and picked her up. She has been the most intelligent and best-natured dog, I have ever had. Right now I am working on my criminal justice degree, so that I can work with the Humane Society. I tried to volunteer with the local animal control and they couldn’t do that, but they recommended that I get a criminal justice degree to help me achieve my goal and that is to help animals.

Say No! to backyard breeding. There are so many animals in shelters that need a good home. Backyard breeding just contributes to the homeless pet population, which is booming. Your animal doesn’t care to “experience the joys of childbirth.” We see so many people who have either intentional or unintentional breeding and then can’t find homes for all the puppies or kittens. Then they take them to a local shelter in hopes of them taking the problem off their hands. Shelters are overwhelmed. It’s nice to donate to a local shelter if you can, but this is a great way to get some extra money to those animals in need.

Animals have special places in our hearts,and our lives.My cat is my baby and i love her with all my heart.
I cherish every day that i have with her,and spend time with her as much as i can.
I rescue my cat from street six years ago and i am glad i did.I tell every one i know and all my family members:if you want a pet you have to go to shelters and adopt one.there is nothing wrong with animals in the shelters.they are there for wrong reasons and just because humans do not care enough for them.
some people do not care enough for their pets and they become lost or end up in the shelter cause people do not want to take responsibilities for their animals.
Please make adoption your only choice to have a wonderful pet for yourself and your family.You be glad you did.

A few months ago my beloved cat that I’d had for 10 years passed away.  I gave her a home when I found out she’d been living outdoor for 18 months after her owners moved away and left her behind.  Many people fed her, but no one wanted to take her in and give her a forever home.  She bonded with me instantly and I was so happy to have her companionship for all those years.  I am ready to adopt a new fur baby and so two nights ago I attended out local Human Society’s 10th Anniversary open house and got to meet some of the more than 160 cats they have available for adoption.  I really fell in love with two of them, but as a senior on a rather fixed income and adoption fees at $125, I know I will only be able to choose one.  This saddens me because I certainly have enough love to share with both of them.  I will be going back to visit them again when they have adoption days.  Maybe I’ll get lucky and when my budget permits the other will still be there and needed a home.  Sadly, one of the cats I met on Friday had been at the shelter and needing a home for 10 YEARS since they opened.

I had a very loving kid that i got out of the south Dakota dog pound he was 17 years when we got . he was suppose to be put down that day but we saved him. He lived with us and he was are pride and joy.After ten years we finally had to put him down, but some day hopefully close I will rescue another one from the pound—they all need a home

I have four dogs all of which have been adopted from a shelter. They are the most loving dogs I have ever had the pleasure of sharing with my home and love.  I gave them a second chance at happiness, after all everyone deserves a second chance to be happy.  My four adopted kids are my joy and pride

I recently started a dream list and on it is to help as many animals as I can. I truly believe that if you want to see TRUE love, TRUE appreciation, don’t birth a child…Adopt a pet. To see those soulful eyes looking back at you is one of the greatest treasures you’ll ever know.

Here’s a great idea to consider…next time you go on vacation, contact the local shelter or a rescue in that area and offer to volunteer a few spare hours with them! It’s a great way to pass along your animal goodwill, meet new people, make friends and when someone asks what you did on your vacation you can say “well let me tell you about all the furry friends I made…”.

On July fourth, I received an email from a friend of mine who is active with the shelter here in Monroe County. AWSOM is the name of the shelter in Stroudsburg, Pa. It is a no kill shelter and they were short of dog walker volunteers. I swore I could never walk into the shelter, but I was asked specifically to walk the “old dog” Nikki.

I knew I had to go. I did. I walked three dogs, got into my car and started crying. I prayed that it would get easier, as I knew I was “hooked” and would be going back there. I have ever since.

There is nothing like the love and appreciation of homeless animals waiting for their forever home. Any time one can spend with them is priceless, both for the human and the dog or cat you are “loving up” that day.

Give. Give from your heart….your pocketbook, your time. Help educate to spay and neuter. Volunteer at your local shelter. They need you and you will soon find that you need them as well.

Chel

The people that drive me crazy are the ones that think they want a dog but they just let it run the neighborhood. our neighbors across the street were doing that until someone called the humane society on them(not me). why get a dog if your not going to take care of it right!!

We currently have three cats, one a tortoise shell, very coppery, who we adopted from a local shelter, and named Penny (had to add Lane); our second is a rather rotund rescue Siamese named Lucy (In The Sky with Diamonds) and the third is a gray striped tabby who we found abandoned at 5 weeks.  Both Penny and Lucy had suffered trauma, but seem to be feeling secure and that they finally have a home.  And our youngest Moonshadow is fearless young boy.  We are thrilled with our furry friends.  We only wish we could do more.

I don’t get how anyone could be so heartless to an animal. We all hear about all these cases of animal abuse and puppy/kitty mills. How could someone do that to a living, breathing creature. You wouldn’t do that to your own child, would you? It’s just sick. That’s why I like my local pet shelter. They understand how bad mills and abusers and whatnot are. They take care of the animal with care and love. We should all do the same.

Quite a few of us have been looking into some of the cruelty seizures.  Guess what, that 20/20 report from John Stossel (that was aired in 2005 I believe) was full of documented bogus raids and thefts.  Guess what? It’s still happening as the “progressive” term for cruelty moves along.  People can’t afford to fight for their animals when they are just flat stolen.  Guess what else? The thieves get away with it even when they fight for the animals, because the judicial system is stacked against them by idiots.

This has got to stop!

After fostering several animals from my local humane society and adopting one of the fosters who pretty much owns me, I have come to learn the importance of those who help like I do. Due to overpopulation in shelters, many animals, who would have the chance to live a normal life, are denied this experience. They are either put down because of a time limit that the shelter has to own the pet, a sickness that the shelter can’t afford to fix due to being a 501(c) or just purely too many animals in the shelter so some have to be euthanized just for the room. If we try to fix our animals when we have the chance, population will decrease leading to more animals living a life they were meant to live

“Fixing” our animals when they should be fixed, not made mandatory at an age that is too young to be healthy for them is the problem!!

MSN kills!

Hello, I know that given the chance we occupants of Earth could all live in peace. I don’t propose that we need do anything outside the comfort of our own back yards. But, if you’ve ever experienced the love of an animal who waits behind the bars for just that one person(s) to love and to call their own, and you’ve allowed that love that has built up inside that frightened, more than likely abused being to touch you and permeate your being then you just like me know the power of love.  And what if this were to catch on and the love that would infuse all of our hearts, our homes, our neighborhoods, our towns and our country could quite possibly (if you were to take that ball of love home and you believed) cover the face of the earth, and who knows if we, wouldn’t regain our humanity and have no use of war no more.  A prayer from my dog to my heart and on to you! Love and Light,  Deb O

I love dogs and I can’t stand to see someone hurting them. The people I can’t stand are the ones that think they want a dog but are never home to take care of it, and eventually they end up in a shelter

Adopt animals from shelters. It would be nice if some way there could be funding for there to be an animal shelter built in the city I live in, I would definitely go to work there.

The love of a dog has the ability to heal the world. God spelled backward is dog.  The ASPCA was the first organization to take action to protect children in sweat shops.  And now, it might be the time to repay the debt by every child having the opportunity to experience pure love from a dog (God) in their life.  Love is, dogs are and they are always a lovely way to surround a child with these miraculous elements in one small package called Dog.
Live love and don’t forget to pet the noses or each and every dog who touches your life.  Deb O