Save the Animals

*Tips from The American Humane Society are posted at the end of this article.

Each and every circumstance that can potentially involve humans, can involve our pets as well. Natural disasters, homelessness, hunger, even Military deployment. Over 3.7 million pets are euthanized every year, most of them being unwanted and displaced, thrown inside of overcrowded shelters.

The ASPCA ( www.aspca.org ) was the first organization given legal authority to arrest for crimes against animals. They have been saving the lives of animals for over 145 years, offering many services, from adoption to fostering. In the past, many of the animals that ended up in shelters or on the streets were victims of neglect, but with the rise of puppy mills, the number of unwanted, homeless pets are now at an all time high. Thanks to organizations like the ASPCA and The American Humane Society our four-legged friends stand a better chance, but they can't do it without our help.

Many of our Military men and women, who are constantly moved from place to place unexpectedly, are often forced with finding homes for their pets. Given the fact that many are stationed far away from family and friends, it isn't always possible for them to find help in this particular situation. This is when people like you and I can be of service to the men and women who do so much for us. We can become their pet's foster parent. www.netpets.co/militarypet/foster.php is a web site created for this purpose. After a thorough screening process, you could be well on your way to giving our Military a portion of what they give you, by giving a loving home to their four-legged family members.

Foster Parenting is also available outside of Military pets. All of the foster pet's expenses, including medical, are assumed fully by the shelter or hospital that you received them from. After a thorough screening process, including home visits and evaluations of existing pets, all you have to provide is love, warmth, nutrients and a safe place to stay. These facilities also keep in mind your children and four-legged family members when selecting a foster family. Play dates can be arranged to ensure the perfect roommate for your personal pets and children, making it the best experience for all involved.

Over half of the animals that enter shelters, do not make it out alive. Aside from the abandoned and neglected animals, Breeder Rescue Groups have now been formed. These groups go in to puppy mills and private breeder's business and rescue abused, suffering animals that are used as nothing more than cash-cows. Now, more than ever, you literally have "pick of the litter" when adopting an animal. www.caretoadopt.org is one of the many organizations set up to assist in pet adoption. With new focus on puppy mills and Breeder Rescue Groups, animal ownership has endless possibilities. Every type of animal under the sun is in need of fostering or adoption. Cows, horses, dogs, cats, rabbits, pigs, snakes, turtles, birds, you name it.

For those who are in no place to take in an animal in need, you can still provide help. The ASPCA Guardian Program is one of the many sites set up to take donations. Imagine what would happen if we all gave $5 a month toward helping these animals. These life-saving programs understand that unforeseen things happen on a human level as well. They give easy options to lower or rise your monthly donation, even the option to cancel it, if needed in the future.

There is no reason why we all cant work together and "speak for those who can't speak for themselves".

For those considering buying a life-long friend, here are some things to keep in mind... (Provided by The American Human Society www.americanhumane.org )
*Typically, responsible breeders do not sell their puppies at pet stores. They would rather meet and greet prospective owners and evaluate the situation, in the best interest of the puppies, as well as the humans.
*Most of the puppies that are sold at pet stores come from puppy mills.
*The best idea is to use a local breeder. Choose one that welcomes you on the grounds, allowing you to meet mommy and daddy and other siblings.
*To locate a respected breeder, contact your local Kennel Club and inquire at your local Dog Shows or visit
www.aspca.org
www.americanhumane.org
www.netpets.com/militaarypet/foster.php (I have no "personal" experience with this group)
www.caretoadopt.org (I have no "personal" experience with this group)