Search Results for: blog why pets end up in shelters

Mall Pet Stores: The Beginning of The End

I’ve been following the story of the move some cities in California made to ban all pet stores that actually sold animals. This was made in an attempt to curb the sale of dogs and cats sourced from puppy mills and kitten factories. I talked about how, as a teenager, one of the only stores I ever liked stopping at in the mall was the pet store. I wondered where that pet store got its animals. The era of pet stores in malls might be coming to an end. California-based company Macerich, which owns shopping malls all across the country, … Continue reading →

Do Your Pets Factor into Your Holiday Plans?

Do you make your holiday plans around your pets? That’s an assertion that the Associated Press recently made in an article: pet owners revolve their late-December events around their pets. Examples given by the AP include taking holiday-themed photos of pets, using these or other pictures with the animal for seasonal cards, buying pets gifts (the article maintains that just over half of pet owners do this), and even creating special menus for the pet so it can have a holiday meal alongside its human family. There are two sides to this: one, in which a little holiday cheer is … Continue reading →

The Animal Lover’s Alternatives to Owning Pets

Even though the Humane Society’s official Be Kind to Animals week has ended, around here on the Pets blog the theme’s always Be Kind to Animals. In that spirit, I want to carry on a thread I started in my last article: what if you want pets, but aren’t able to have them? Let’s say you or a family member is allergic, or you don’t have the space, money, or time at the moment. If you’re an animal lover who doesn’t have any animals to love, I have one word for you: volunteer. Look up your local shelter or rescue. … Continue reading →

Holiday Help for Animal Shelters

Let’s face it: most animal shelters need help throughout the year in the form of volunteers, monetary donations, and donations of food and other items for the residents. But the holidays are a great time to offer a little extra help to your favorite shelter! If you’re the sort of person who buys holiday gifts for your furry, feathered, and scaly family members, you might want to think about picking up an extra something and bringing it to your local shelter. Food, treats, and toys are always welcome. Your local shelter may also keep a list of specifics they need … Continue reading →

I’ll Never Own a Puppy

I get all mushy over puppies — in person, on television, on the internet, or in books and magazines. I can’t help it! They’re just so tiny and sweet and cuddly and cute. But I’ll probably never own one. My reason why is relatively simple. There are just too many adult dogs (and cats) in shelters in need of forever homes! Puppies seem to have an easier time of getting adopted. They attract attention quickly and easily; with a puppy you get a fresh start, a dog you can train to your own standards. Baby animals in general are pretty … Continue reading →

Helping Animal Shelters During a Recession

Some say the worsening economy is not quite a recession yet, others are convinced we’re already there. Whether we are or not, one thing is clear: with gas and food going up like they are, people have less to spend. Not only less discretionary income, but also less charitable giving monies to distribute. Some charities are going to feel the pinch more than others. Especially because historically this time of year (from now until fall) is when people tend not to give. (Come the holidays, from Thanksgiving through New Year, people tend to be more generous.) That’s why I say … Continue reading →

Are You Spending More on Your Pets than on Yourself?

I went to Costco the other day and came home with thirty dollars worth of stuff for the dogs and only ten dollars worth of stuff for me. Okay, I did specifically go to Costco in order to stock up on food and treats for the dogs. But it did make me stop and take a look at my spending habits. Money is tight these days — not just for me. And I’ll admit that when I do have to skimp on things, it’s easier to be frugal for myself than for the pups. I know gas prices are high. … Continue reading →

My Pets Are Not Disposable

I love my pets. I value my pets. I think of them as members of the family. When they are sick or injured, I do what I can to ease their pain and help them get better — whether that means a trip to the vet or administering medication or adjusting our daily routine. They are my best friends and constant companions. I realize that everyone doesn’t feel the same way about their pets. But it bothers me — a lot — that there are people out there who treat their pets like they are disposable. Planning a move? Too … Continue reading →

Shelters are Bad Enough, Deplorable in Tennessee

Not all Tennessee animal shelters are horrendous, but it seems there’s been way more bad than good lately. Case in point. (Three, actually.) Bad Shelter #1 The first time I heard a stir was last year. I forget which county the shelter was in, but wherever it was it had to be shut down for unsanitary conditions and poor treatment of the animals. I think lack of funding was a major contributor in that case. Bad Shelter #2 Then back in December the Sumner County Animal Shelter found itself in trouble. One of the local news stations, WSMV, conducted an … Continue reading →

Puppy Mill Bust in Virginia

Hillsville, Virginia was declared a disaster area in early November. Why? County officials had seized more than a thousand dogs from a mass breeding farm (also known as a puppy mill) on November 2nd. The initial count went up after a few more litters were delivered, leaving Carroll County, Virginia with more than 1100 dogs on their hands. The Humane Society of the United States spent five months working undercover at Horton’s Pups before asking county animal control officers to take action. The breeding farm is thought to be the largest puppy mill ever. The operation sold purebred dogs to … Continue reading →