Animal Abandonment
On Friday, December 26, 1997, Dr. John Heinerman started watching the TV talk show “Leeza” hosted by Leeza Gibbons. The program had heart-warming stories of pet adoptions from local animal shelters in Los Angeles.
An outspoken screen star at the time, Doris Day, became actively involved in the placement of many abandoned animals giving them good homes. Her criticism of animal abandonment brought to light statistics that over 12 million dogs and cats were regularly put to sleep throughout the animal pounds across America.
Animal shelter authorities noted that the number-one reason for animals being turned into shelters was moving. They didn’t want to take their animals with them or didn’t have the room in their new locations for them. The second most common reason was growth size. Many owners are not prepared for the size of their pets as they get older. As one lady put it to a worker after dumping off four Dalmatians at a local pound, “They looked so much smaller in the movie!” (Referring to the 1996 Disney movie 101 Dalmatians.) The third reason was economic. The animals became too expensive for their budget. Some other reasons were lack of interest, and believe it or not, they didn’t “match the décor”.
A renowned psychologist on the Leeza show stated that she felt there would be less abandonment if prospective owners would just take a little time and serious thought to the pros and cons of what they are getting into before acquiring a pet.
The psychologist also suggested that the best way to avoid this type of situation from occurring was to match the pet of choice to the personality of the prospective buyer. For example, grumpy old men might get along better with bulldogs than French poodles. Though the audience laughed, her point was well taken.
The Christmas or Easter kitten bought at the local store for the children require daily maintenance: feeding, watering, cleaning up and social interaction. As newness becomes “old news”, the responsibilities of the little pet fall prey to unwanted duties which lead to abandonment and a total disservice to the unwanted animal.
A person really needs to first look honestly at himself and note his own moods, likes, dislikes, and unusual personality quirks before deciding if he wants a pet. Then, if he still does, he should consult an animal expert who is familiar with the traits and habits of the animal being considered so that he could best match the right animal characteristics to his own. If the process of obtaining a precious pet is performed correctly, there could be many years of companionship for both parties involved.
The above information is brought to you from the book: Natural Pet Cures, Dog and Cat Care the Natural Way, by Dr. John Heinerman.
You can get this book at:
The ASPCA
In 1866, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was created by founder, Mr. Henry Bergh. It is said that Mr. Bergh’s goal was to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. His efforts caused SPCA’s to form from coast to coast. Today, The ASPCA is the oldest humane society in the Western Hemisphere. Many shelters and animal hospitals continue today. Its educational and legislative programs are reaching millions of people regarding the many problems incurred through irresponsibility and ignorance as owners. Cats are the most popular pets in America. Unfortunately, the neglect of neutering and spaying has brought an overabundance and too few homes to go around. Having been domesticated for 4,000 years, they have known a variety of different cultures. In the beginning, the Egyptians learned to appreciate their hunting prowess and aid for grain supplies. This eventually turned into worship. They became an incarnation of the goddess Bastet. Other civilizations began to domesticate cats and the Phoenician traders took them to Italy. From there, they were taken to Europe and even the New World with the Pilgrims. Then the 15th and 16th centuries brought pain and suffering. They went from gods to agents of the devil. This dark period in human history brought hatred and fear of the cats as they were blamed for the illnesses of that time. By the 18th century, they had regained their domestic cat status to become one of the most popular pets even in today’s world. Adding a little kitty to your home should not be a passing fad. Serious study and knowledge of how to care for your pet should be foremost in the decision of adoption. If you plan to adopt or buy a cat, learn a little before you do. A little education would go a long way in making life easier for you and your new companion. A good educational book is in your local library. I have used some of its information for this article. The name of the book is: ASPCA Complete Cat Care Manuel by Dr. Andrew Edney. Give it a check and get that pet if you don’t already have one. Help our little friends in need.
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