Please take responsibility for your pets

I was walking my dogs recently and two unleashed dogs were waiting for us at the corner. I promptly turned around thinking, “Why tempt fate?” and within 300 yards another dog was running unleashed through the neighborhood. I turned around and went home very frustrated and angry because some folks in our neighborhood are not responsible pet owners.

Consider this: Four million cats and dogs are euthanized (killed via injection) in U.S. shelters each year. That translates to nearly one death every eight seconds! Often these animals are the offspring of cherished family pets that were not spayed or neutered. That doesn’t account for all the abused dogs in puppy mills that are clubbed to death after they are no longer used for breeding.

Unless you are a professional breeder, please spay and/or neuter your pets and keep them in a safe area that is fenced or indoors. Don’t let them run outdoors unleashed.

If you are looking for a dog or cat please consider an adoption from a rescue group or a shelter. We must be responsible guardians of our furry friends and companions. Please think before you get a pet. Be prepared to spay/neuter your pet and provide it with a healthy diet, veterinary care, and lots of love and attention. Pets are a huge responsibility and should be treated as “members of the family.” You must have the financial ability to care for them and the heart to always love and protect them.

Lucinda Rae