Dogs...Please read

[bewitched]

A couple of days ago, I posted about how the Pedigree commercial with the shelter dogs made me so sad... Tonight, as a sponser of The Westminister Dog Show, Pedigree, as a part of their "Every dog deserves a home" campaign, will match all donations to the AHA (American Humane Assoc.).

As a disclaimer, I have no association with Pedigree or the AHA (other than admiring the work that they do). But, if you have thought at all about making a donation to a animal welfare group, this is a fantastic way to make your donation go twice as far.

The link (http://pedigree.com/home.asp). Just click on the "Donate Now" button.

Thanks

[Not Afraid]

First of all, thank you for reminding me that the WDS is on. I turned on the TV, immediately saw the commercial, started crying, saw a pug being judged and cried some more. I love being "emotionally challenged".

There are so many abandoned animals at shelters. I visit our local shelters at least once a week and it is heartbreaking. The tiny Seal Beach shelter alone has about 50 cats and 30 dogs (they are a no kill shelter). I'm happy that Pedigree is doing this adoption drive and kicking in matching funds. Anll animal rescues can use some money. (However, don't get me started on what crap Pedigree food is.)

[bewitched]

We are extraordinarily lucky that our local shelter, which also operates as the "pound" is a low-kill shelter (only very sick or aggressive dogs are put down). Still, it is so difficult to go in there and see all of the animals that just want their own person.

If you haven't seen the commercial, or want to see it again, here's the link (http://pedigree.com/dogadoption/commercial.asp).

[Not Afraid]

There are several Pedigree commercials being shown - all heart wrenching.

[Disneyphile]

So sad. :(

Don't get me started on purchased dogs versus adopted ones. There are just so many animals put to death in favor of a "papered" purebred. It disgusts me to no end. :(

[blueerica]

Interestingly, the discerning pet finder can even find a lot of pure-breeds in the pound. Animals are often brought in or left behind for a great number of reasons - from moving, to landlord issues, to "the breed wasn't really right for me."

If you're set on a certain breed, though you may not get the paperwork (and if the paperwork's what you're worried about then...), you'll often get a great animal in the breed of your choice, if you know what you're looking for. If I can find breed-specific in Utah, I have a feeling you can find them anywhere.

But back to the point, many animal shelters need solid funding to keep up the work that they do. Often, it's a labor of love that goes unrewarded by the public - perhaps only rewarded by happy animal faces.

[blueerica]

What a sap I am - I went to the website for the humane society I visited while I was in Salt Lake. It appears they were able to get a law passed that was against animal cruelty. The story, something I couldn't even imagine, totally broke my heart. Reminds me what sick f*cks there are in this world. And yet - most never get caught.

OK, before I get all upset, I think it's time for sleep... it's been a long day.

[mousepod]

Every time I see the title of this thread, I call my dogs over and tell them to read it and tell me what it says. 10 minutes later, I always find them looking at the kitty pics...

[3894]

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e192/Helen_3894/Knitting027.jpg

Yep, I got a scrumptious, 100% true beagle at the pound! Go on, kiss her tummy.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

GD and I have been visiting Petcos and Petsmarts a lot and have been kind of puzzled as to why they don't sell bunnies. We love looking at the other little fuzzies. Eventually I read that these big pet supply stores have been pressured by rabbit societies to not sell bunnies in order to keep the breeding population down. They urge bunny owners to not purchase anything at stores that sell rabbits.

Now I'm happy I don't see bunnies at the store :)

I would never purchase an animal that I could get from a rescue or shelter.

[Not Afraid]

I am amazed at the number of Chihuahuas and Statfordshire Terriers seen at shelters. Both lab mixes and shepheard mixes are also everywhere. Last week, I saw a 8 month old "Puggle" - one of the new designer breeds, a pug/beagle mix - at the shelter.

If you are also interested in a particular breeds, there are often breed-specific rescue organizations.

[mousepod]

We've donated the Chihuahua Rescue and also to our local rescue group, Grateful Dogs, from whom we adopted our latest dog, Jack.

[BarTopDancer]

Why do I keep reading this thread? :( /sob

All of my kitties were adopted.

Tigger - from the vet after he was dropped off by someone who hit him with their car at 6 months. 21 years later still going strong. I'm very grateful that said person took him to the vet to get treatment instead of letting him go to kitty heaven.

Springer - from someone in the Pennysaver who was giving away kitties. The little attention whore sure got mine.

Boo - showed up one day and never left. He had a collar ring and we are guessing that someone dumpted him when they moved.

Tiger - RIP :( - from a box of kittens outside of Huntington Center
Mench RIP - my parents cat before I was born was from the shelter.
Pookie and Hobbs from E's mom & sisters. They were adopted to new homes since I am allergic.

[cirquelover]

We donate to our local shelter and actually just bought toys last weekend from them at their sale in the mall.
My husband must have seen that commercial while he was out of town. He' keeps talking about how we need to help more. Which started the boy talking about a monthly program, kind of like Christian childrens fund but for pets. So it looks like we will be adopting virtual dogs, real animals just not added to my menagerie!

[Not Afraid]

I want to take Oliver home.

[RStar]

Why do I keep reading this thread? :( /sob

All of my kitties were adopted.

Tigger - from the vet after he was dropped off by someone who hit him with their car at 6 months. 21 years later still going strong. I'm very grateful that said person took him to the vet to get treatment instead of letting him go to kitty heaven.

Springer - from someone in the Pennysaver who was giving away kitties. The little attention whore sure got mine.

Boo - showed up one day and never left. He had a collar ring and we are guessing that someone dumpted him when they moved.

Cool! I have a Tigger, and my mom has a Boo!



GD and I have been visiting Petcos and Petsmarts a lot and have been kind of puzzled as to why they don't sell bunnies. We love looking at the other little fuzzies. Eventually I read that these big pet supply stores have been pressured by rabbit societies to not sell bunnies in order to keep the breeding population down. They urge bunny owners to not purchase anything at stores that sell rabbits.

Now I'm happy I don't see bunnies at the store :)

I would never purchase an animal that I could get from a rescue or shelter.

One thing that always bothered me was when a pet store would advertise in big letters "Easter Bunnies $9.99!". I just knew dozens of kids would get rabbits they no longer wanted once they became adults, and they would release them in the wild where they had no idea how to take care of themselves. I'm glad they no longer sell them either!

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e192/Helen_3894/Knitting027.jpg

Yep, I got a scrumptious, 100% true beagle at the pound! Go on, kiss her tummy.How cute! I had a beagle when I was a kid! Unfortunatly, he got sick and we had to put him down after only having him 6 months :( . It was tough at that age.

[alphabassettgrrl]

I'm pleased to say both our dogs are... secondhand. Plus the cat was a stray we took in. Makes me happy.

Definitely look for breed-specific rescues when adopting a dog. :) Basset Rescue does a lot of good work.

[wendybeth]

Nearly all our animals were adopted, but Samwise and Mellie were purchased from a pet store. In our area, a lot of people take their puppies and kittens locally owned pet stores, so it's not a lot different than adopting them from the pound. In fact, if Mellie had been taken to the pound they probably would have put her down, as she had a severe hip dysplasia condition. (Still does, but she is very healthy otherwise, and very happy as well). When I got her, I was looking for a small dog and there weren't any available at any of the shelters. I spotted poor Mellie, who was just eight weeks old and looked just like a little bear cub, stuck in with a bunch of yapping little mini-dob's and looking completely miserable. Of course I wound up taking her home, and she is now a six year old spoiled rotten moose of a dog- she must weigh 125 lbs, at least. She and Samwise kitty play together all the time- it's quite disgusting.