I used to be scared of dogs. Let me rephrase – I used to be TERRIFIED of dogs. Sounds strange, doesn’t it? In the animal community we don’t often hear about people being afraid of our canine companions, but it does exist. And I was one of those people.
What To Do If You Find A Stray Dog
It’s all too common – dogs running loose on the streets; cold, hungry and at risk of being hit by a car or killed by the harsh elements. I bet most of us have seen stray dogs at one time or another. I recently found a purebred Maltese running through my neighborhood. Within 24 hours I found his owner, but these stories don’t always have a happy ending. So what should you do if you find a stray dog?
How to Help a Fearful Dog
I scour the euthanasia list from our local county animal shelter every night. Since both locations of Maricopa County Animal Care & Control are kill-shelters, about 40% of the animals who come in each year are put to death. It’s horrifying and sad, but the East Valley shelter alone takes in almost 150 animals a day. Each. Day. The Maricopa County facilities need a lot of help. Many people turn the other way because they are “kill shelters.” Well in reality, they wouldn’t have to euthanize so many animals if there was more funding, help, and foster/rescue homes. Oh yeah – and less idiots surrendering their dogs.
I’ve been involved with MCACC for about nine years and I just recently rescued a dog off of the euthanasia list. I came across her photo online on 11/22/15. She was an unknown breed, put at risk for euthanasia due to “fear.” She was set to die the very next day. As much as this angered me, I immediately had her “pulled” from the list. The shelter was right, she was extremely fearful. And I was going to have my hands full. [Read more…]
My Day at the County Animal Shelter – MCACC
The “pound” is a depressing place. I cry every time I go. And that’s no joke. Seeing terrified, sick animals behind chain link doors never gets easier to deal with. Especially seeing senior dogs look up at you as you walk by…ugh. You can’t help but wonder if they are going to spend their last days on earth alone in a kennel. But these are all of the reasons I go to Maricopa County Animal Care & Control. If someone doesn’t help and speak for these animals, who will?
How to Help Animal Shelters in the Cold Months
In Arizona, it just started getting cold. It’s hitting as low as 37° at night, and the coldest day we’ve seen was 59°. Tomorrow it’s supposed to be around 80° but it’s still really cold at night. That being said, we’re a WARM state! I know a majority of the country is already experiencing snow. During this time, animal shelters are overloaded. Some are super cold, with concrete floors for the dogs to lay on. So how can you help your local shelter during this busy, cold time?
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