More people surrendering animals to sheltersBy Prentiss Findlay (Contact)
The Post and Courier
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Wade Spees Satin, a dog whose owners couldn't afford to keep her, chews on rawhide while at the Charleston Animal Society's shelter on Tuesday. Ashley Mills wanted to keep a cat her mom found at an abandoned house, but it was just too expensive in tough times. "If the cat got sick, I could not afford to take it to the vet," she said. The rising cost of living, coupled with a recession, shaped her decision to take the cat to the Charleston Animal Society, where staff named it Linus. "The cat was very sweet. I could see myself easily becoming attached to it," said Mills, 28, a Daniel Island coffee shop barista. "Now it's mostly guilt because I can't take care of the cat. I'd feel a lot better if the cat found a home." Mills' story is one that shelter officials are hearing more often these days as pet owners are forced to make difficult choices because of the economy. Some surrender their animals after losing a job or home. Others cut costs by moving in with a relative who doesn't want the animal around. "It's increased a great deal. I'm sure all the shelters are feeling it," said J.J. Messervy, president of the Francis R. Willis Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Summerville. Up to five people per week surrender an animal at the Dorchester Countyshelter because of the cost of caring for it. That is a six-fold increase over last year in the number of pets given up for economic reasons, he said. 
Wade Spees A note on a cat's cage at the shelter shows its owner couldn't afford to keep it. To help the situation, the Charleston Animal Society will start a pet food bank to offer a month's worth of free food for those struggling to keep their dog or cat because of financial problems. The organization plans to announce the new initiative on Sept. 2, said Charles Karesh, the society board of directors president. "Don't be embarrassed. If you need help, please come to us," Karesh said. An owner surrendering a pet because of foreclosure is a weekly occurrence at the shelter, he said. At the height of the Great Depression, 300,000 dogs and cats wound up in New York City animal shelters, said Dr. Stephen Zawistowski, executive vice president of programs at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Previous storiesAnimal shelter sees spike in residents, published 07/01/08 More animals being euthanized; Abandonment, cruelty cases swelling population, published 08/06/08 "With the foreclosures, this is hitting an enormous amount of people," Zawistowski said. Areas with high numbers of sub-prime mortgages tend to have the most pets surrendered for economic reasons, he said. He estimated there are 250,000 animals at risk nationally because of economic pressure on their owners. No hard local numbers on pets given up for financial reasons were available on Tuesday. But the stories are heard regularly at the shelters. "We're hearing that over and over again," said Kay Hyman, the society's director of outreach and communications. During the first six months of this year, the shelter euthanized 2,855 animals. In 2007, it euthanized 6,537 animals, officials said. The new shelter on Remount Road can hold up to 300 animals. "We're packed every day, Karesh said. Overcrowding can spread disease, veterinarian Lucy Marlow said. "We try to avoid euthanasia as much as we can. The oath I took is 'First do no harm.' If we kept everything then we would be doing harm," she said. |
Article tools |
|
Notice about comments: Charleston.net is pleased to offer readers the ability to comment on stories. We expect our readers to engage in lively, yet civil discourse. Charleston.net does not edit user submitted statements and we cannot promise that readers will not occasionally find offensive or inaccurate comments posted in the comments area. Responsibility for the statements posted lies with the person submitting the comment, not charleston.net. If you find a comment that is objectionable, please click "suggest removal" and we will review it for possible removal. Please be reminded, however, that in accordance with our Terms of Use and federal law, we are under no obligation to remove any third party comments posted on our website. Full terms and conditions can be read here. |
Comments
This article has 69 comment(s)
Posted by ForPnC on August 20, 2008 at 4:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This is always sad to hear. I'm always tempted to run out and get another dog or cat but I've got two of each already.
At least she took the cat to the Society where it was put to sleep peacefully instead of just dumping it where it would suffer before dying. I wish more people had this common sense.
SPAY or NEUTER! If you can't do it to your animals then do it to yourselves! We don't need stupid pet owners around here.
Posted by PalmettoDP on August 20, 2008 at 5:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I realize money is tight for a lot of people - but that doesn't change the fact that economists define recessions as two quarters of negative growth - which we have not had yet (but we might). Journalists seem eager to jump the gun.
Other than that, the food bank seems like a good idea - will help elderly or shut-in people keep their pets.
Posted by WhoCares on August 20, 2008 at 5:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm not sure I understand the headline...or the story. It says more people are surrendering animals...and the numbers just don't support that. Far more were surrendered in 2007 than the pace being set this year. Perhaps what the writer really is trying to say is that more are being surrendered for economic reasons...and the numbers don't really support that either. Sounds like the writer is on a crusade (altho be it a noble one) that just isn't supported by the facts!
Posted by robertll8009 on August 20, 2008 at 7:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
In response to WhoCares:
"During the first six months of this year, the shelter euthanized 2,855 animals. In 2007, it euthanized 6,537 animals, officials said."
The numbers given are not the number of animals SURRENDERED in 2007 it is the number EUTHANIZED. This shelter is larger and in all probability has more adoptions than the other shelter, that is the number difference between 2007 and 2008. Read more carefully before you criticize the author.
I have 2 dogs from this shelter and they are the best pets anyone could ask for. PLEASE adopt from the shelter!!
Posted by DoaMM on August 20, 2008 at 7:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Agreed, wpc...
Posted by suec on August 20, 2008 at 7:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I wonder how many people use the "economy" as an excuse? It sounds better than, "I dont want the responsibility anymore" or my kid's Wii took the dog food budget", or even "the cat pees on my carpet".
Posted by WhoCares on August 20, 2008 at 7:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I say euthanize them all...
Posted by PoisenIvy on August 20, 2008 at 8:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"I say euthanize them all..."
Well aren't you just the little PSYCHOPATH...
Posted by STREETLAW on August 20, 2008 at 8:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Euthanize? Are you crazy? There are people making good livings recycling pets.
Would you want to take that away from them and say use the money to help abandoned and neglected people????
Recycling pets is a good business. The pets hardly every complain about the system and no one every really ask if the cost justifies the benefits. I mean after all, these are PETS.
If there are any sociopaths in the world, it has to be people who put pets before children. And you can bet a lot of them never had any children.
I do not subscribe to animal cruelty and I shared a few tears the last time I had to have a pet put down, a cat we had for almost twenty years. But I do know how to put things in perspective.
I destest those who line their pockets by begging for donations to take care of pets while people go lacking. And I would not be surprised if many of them approve of abortion while railing against the death penalty.
By the way, I hear that when President Bush ask what he thought of euthanasia the replied, "I could care less about the youth in Asia unless, of course, they have oil."
Posted by Larz13 on August 20, 2008 at 8:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Local Chinese and Indian restaurants are chipping in to help take some unwanted animals off the shelters' hands.....
Posted by CMLMADDOG on August 20, 2008 at 8:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Awwwww. Poor Ashley! I bet if she got rid of her cell phone, cable, car payment, and moved from Daniel Island to North Charleston or Hanahan, she could afford the cat.
That's alot harder to say than, "I just can't afford it."
Grow up.
Posted by RTC on August 20, 2008 at 8:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
People need to realize that animals are not just toys that can be thrown to the side. They are living beings that give more love and caring than some humans do. I would certainly give up something else, before I would take a part of my family to the shelter.
Like some others have said: if you can't afford them, then don't have them. Stop blaming the economy for not being able to afford your pet. If you truly loved it then you would find some other means to cut your expenses.
Posted by CMLMADDOG on August 20, 2008 at 8:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Couldn't have said it better, RTC.
Posted by WhoCares on August 20, 2008 at 9:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Give up my cell phone to save the life of an... an ...animal??? You gotta be joking!!!
Why I had to take Fluffy to the shelter so I could buy gas for my Escalade. If you think I'm going to make any more sacrifices you're crazy!! puuleeeeze!!!!
Posted by CMLMADDOG on August 20, 2008 at 9:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
LOL! Nice to see others have common sense and personal responsibility!
Unfortunately, I have to go to work, make sacrifices, pay my own bills, and not count on the government to save me.
See ya!
Posted by Buffy1 on August 20, 2008 at 9:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
RE Street Law: I destest those who line their pockets by begging for donations to take care of pets while people go lacking
I detest people who CAN help themselves and CHOOSE not to! I would help a defenseless animal a million times faster than I would give money to a person who has the ability to get up off their lazy butts, get a job (and NO collecting a welfare check is not working), and take care of themselves- three things that an animal does not have the ability to do!!
Posted by 2dogs1bear on August 20, 2008 at 9:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If the press had spent half as much time investigating the banking industry as they did crotch sniffing, maybe we wouldn't be seeing this.
Posted by mdm150 on August 20, 2008 at 9:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I have to agree with RTC. I would love to be able to adopt a dog right now, but I know if it got sick that I would not be able to afford to take it to the vet. My sister-in-law gets a dog every other month then gets rid of it because it jumps on the kids, pees on the floor, or digs up the yard. People like her are the reason that shelters are overcrowded. Don't get a dog unless you have the time and money to take care of it properly.
Posted by upstate2lowcountry on August 20, 2008 at 9:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Exactly, Buffy1. I could not have said it better. I get so angry when I think about how much of my hard earned tax money goes to people abusing the system.
As for the economy being an excuse to give up pets, in the majority of cases I just can't justify it. I have two dogs (one adopted) and a cat (adopted) and when our finances got a little tighter, we cancelled the cable, started eating exclusively at home, and said no to social engagements. I can think of a dozen more things I would give up before I considered surrendering my animals to an already overcrowded shelter.
Posted by weebo on August 20, 2008 at 9:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
PoisenIvy wrote "Well aren't you the little PSYCHOPATH!"
I agree with that. The reason why there are so many animals that are euthanized is because animal owners don't give a rat's butt about the care of pets. People think that animals don't have feelings, well guess what they do!!!! I'm a dog mom and have a cat. People out there are too ignorant to care and that's just sad... Animals are a part of the family and are like a child. If people can't take the responsibility of owning a pet, then don't do it in the first place. People who leave their animals behind when they move or advertise in the paper that they are moving and can't take the animal, that's negligence. Would you put an ad in the paper for having to leave your child behind???? America has gone down hill and something needs to be done about it.
Posted by WhoCares on August 20, 2008 at 10:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
weebo... what sortsa "rehoming fee" should I ask for my children?? Would I need to gets their daddys to sign the adoption papers also??
Posted by MissPriss on August 20, 2008 at 10:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
LoL @ CB!
Posted by Xnavykat on August 20, 2008 at 10:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The cat was abandoned in the first place. At least she took it to a shelter instead of again abandoning it where it could spread disease and/or breed. It's such a sad situation with so many animals at the shelters. I'd love another dog, but my other half is against it. While our current dog didn't come from a shelter, I feel we rescued her as she came with heartworm and was full of intestinal worms (the previous owners no longer wanted her). We've struggled with separation anxiety and vet bills, but I wouldn't give her up for anything. The next dog will come from a shelter and/or rescue and never ever come from a breeder.
Posted by blondjes on August 20, 2008 at 11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
i agree with a lot of the posters who said that "its the economy" is a crap reason they are giving up their pets, these people just don't want to have to cancel their cable or bargain shop thats what it is, how can you have an animal for years and then all of a sudden take it to a shelter? me and my husband adopted 2 cats from the ASPCA when we first moved to Charleston a few years ago, we just bought our first house this year and had more room so i figured their are so many animals in the shelter that need a home i got another one this past spring, i love my cats so much i would cut my other expenses to ensure their health and happiness (they have seperation anxiety if we go away for a weekend!) i keep them indoors and get them checked annually so they DON'T get sick, i would adopt more but i think 3 cats is the limit, finding an abandoned cat outside somewhere is different and taking it to the shelter is the right thing to do, i hope Satin and Linus get adopted soon
Posted by acaouette on August 20, 2008 at 11:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The last time I checked, a bag of cheap dog/cat food is like $2.00....it does not cost that much to feed a pet!! AND...if they are taken care of properly, vet bills are minimal.....a very small price to pay for a pet who will give a lifetime of unconditional love and companionship.....something humans are not capable of...I'd feed my pets before myself
Posted by STREETLAW on August 20, 2008 at 11:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"Vet bills are mimimal?" Maybe you haven't taken a pet to a vet lately. Their fees rival people doctors these days.
And as to whoever suggested all the needy people are lazy adults, what kind of specious aurgument is that. There are more starving children in the world that all the money we could all spare can feed.
We all have illusions about things like animal rights and what constitutes cruelty. The SPCA doesn't manage large "pet shelters" where stray animals are allowed to live out their lives. For the most part, they kill them.
Next thing you know PETA will be going after Jesus Christ for casting demons into a herd of swine, causing them to jump off a cliff and drown in the sea. I think the case will be tried at Mepkin Abbey.
Posted by Yeah_I_said_it on August 20, 2008 at 11:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"I'd feed my pets before myself"
Fattening them up for the pot, I see. I ain't mad at ya!
Posted by blondjes on August 20, 2008 at 11:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Streetlaw: I think acaouette meant that if you take care of an animal properly then the bills will be at a minimum, my kitten got a respiratory infection when i first got her (common for young kittens) and gave it to my 2 other cats the medicine and office bill was like $75.00 but it cured all of them quickly, they were worth every penny
Posted by walleyedwoman1215 on August 20, 2008 at 12:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I worked at an SPCA in North Carolina 25 years ago. Methods haven't changed much. Two people place the dog on an exam table, give it a treat and one holds it while the other injects bye-bye juice into artery on inside foreleg. Without exception, the last thing a dog does is wag its tail. Then it slumps over. Don't tell me I'm playing the sympathy card unless you have held dozens of dying dogs. Owner-surrendered animals are kept maybe 2 weeks longer than strays, then they get snuffed.
Don't kid yourselves that Spot will find a new home with people who love him. Odds are he won't.
I'd give up anything to feed and care for my dog. BTW, her organic food costs $16 per month. Her heartworm prevention is $32 per year. Her shots are $50 per year. That's $274 dollars annually, or 75 cents per day.
Posted by weebo on August 20, 2008 at 12:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
WhoCares wrote @10:21am
weebo... what sortsa "rehoming fee" should I ask for my children?? Would I need to gets their daddys to sign the adoption papers also??
What would it matter?? The point I am making is that pets are part of the family just like children are, would you ake your pet and leave your kid behind???? I am welcome to my own opinion on here, after all we have the "freedom of speech", unless that has changed.
Posted by ticket3477 on August 20, 2008 at 12:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I pay for pet insurance for both of my dogs incase something exteme happens. Since my job pays for my health I pay about 80 dollars a month to insure my dogs. That covers 80% of wellness(vet visits, vaccinations, heartworm and flea preventative, neutering) and anything unfortunate accident that may happen.
Worth the money.
And there is nothing wrong with not getting a dog from the pound. I have two German Shepherds who will never see the pound. I didnt want a mutt. I might rescue in the future but its personal preference. Had I not gotten my dogs, someone else might not have and they would be out of a home as well or in a crappy home.
Posted by 2dogs1bear on August 20, 2008 at 1 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Streetlaw, the SPCA does the best it can. I used to dislike them because they had to kill so many animals but there is just nothing else to do. Even PETA sees that. They are doing everything humanly possible to get people to sterilize their animals.
The best dog I ever had came from the SPCA. Their new facility on Remound is very user friendly. There is a nice large grassy area with trees. Right off of Remound Road, it's a little oasis of peace. The days we went we could hear the wind whispering in the pines. I know the incinerator is there and did best I could to keep focused on the wonderful dogs there. I've seen such great animals come from there and rescue groups and I always wonder how in the world could anyone 'get rid of' such a great dog! They know...they do appreciate that you saved them and gave them a home and they will be loyal to you forever for that kindness. There's nothing I enjoy more than seeing my dogs happy and healthy and having fun. And I'd do anything for them.
I'm inspired by the posters today who have said so very well what it means to love, really love a pet.
Posted by hightide on August 20, 2008 at 1:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
$2 pet food will end up costing you tons in vet bills. Feed crap and you'll end up with a sick pet suffering kidney disease, allergies, and God knows what else. I learned a LOT about pet food after we lost our sweet kitty who was only 5 when he passed. His bladder and kidneys were shot - and it was because of the grocery store food which was nothing but crap fillers, by-products and corn. We have another cat that adopted us after we lost his predecessor, and this kitty eats nothing but healthy, all natural food.
Anyway, the article is sad. It's been printed before (basically), but it's still sad regardless. The girl in this article rescued the cat but couldn't keep him for financial reasons. At least she didn't leave him on the streets. But the people who give up their pets for various reasons are the ones that get to me. Our cat is our furry kid. He's part of the family. All pets should be considered parts of the family. They love us unconditionally.
ugh.
Posted by weebo on August 20, 2008 at 1:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree with hightide. They do love us unconditionally and animals always know when something isn't right. Not being able to keep a pet you find is sad and it's hard to give the pet up. I too am fortunate with my animals, one came from the pound in another state, my dog came from a breeder. That doesn't change anything as far as adopting one from the SCPA, if I could I would in a heartbeat, but my husband won't let me. My dog eats food that is good for her. I've been injured and have not been able to get the good food for the kitty, she is perfectly healthy right now.
Posted by iceman1978 on August 20, 2008 at 1:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
My cat is a member of the family and it appauls me the degree to which people will take such a callous attitude towards a pet. They treat a pet as though it's a consumer good that they can simply get rid of when it becomes an inconvenience or is no longer entertaining to them. You can't tell me that pets don't have feelings the way that humans do.
Each morning when I wake up the first thing I do is place my work clothes on the bed. Then I go into the kitchen and start the coffee. Dagny (my cat) follows me into the kitchen to be fed. When she's done eating she comes over and rubs on my leg and purrs while I'm seated at the dining room table reading the paper. After I get out of the shower and come into my room to get dressed I always find her sitting on my clothes. When I still lived at home my parents said that she would run to the door when my car pulled into the driveway.
I would never do something like what these people are doing, and I think that anyone who puts a relative who would otherwise lose their home and be on the street in a position where they have to get rid of their pet as a condition of living with them..well, let's just say they need to reconsider their definition of family.
Posted by onevoice on August 20, 2008 at 1:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The SPCA adds to the over crowding problems at the centers because they treat the animals as if they are humans. We wanted to adopt a dog, but because we would not keep her inside 24/7 they wouldn't let us have her. The dog was probably put down instead of having a good loving home with a fenced in back yard to run and play in, what a waste. Their rules to adopt a pet are stricter that adopting a child.
Posted by lk_21 on August 20, 2008 at 1:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
That person should not be allowed to have a cat anyways, b/c first of all they do not know how to spell "afferd"...they can't afford it b/c they do not know how to spell which means they probably do not have a job. Thanks SC Education System!
Posted by 2dogs1bear on August 20, 2008 at 1:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
onevoice - I thought the rule was to have a fenced in backyard. Why did they want you to keep her inside 24/7?
Posted by VMI90 on August 20, 2008 at 1:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Anyone that says that a pet is not a family member is not fit to be a pet owner. There is no doubt that a pet not only senses that something is wrong, but also experiences joy, fear, and definitely grief. When I volunteered at the SPCA last year, that was the gorgeous persian cat (you know, squishy-faced cat) that had lost it's owner due to her dying after an illness. The poor thing was just depressed, didn't eat, and didn't even clean herself. If nothing else, please treat these animals with dignity and respect.
Posted by Marianne0558 on August 20, 2008 at 1:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
CB-they would take your pet rock if you handed over the required "donation" for owner-give-ups.
Posted by Marianne0558 on August 20, 2008 at 2:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yeah, when I worked there, i saw some really sick things. Animals DO exhibit fear, stress, anxiety, love, joy... They know when their loved ones are sad.
This pregnant cat was so stressed she aborted her kittens. It was awful.
Posted by Marianne0558 on August 20, 2008 at 2:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"No hard local numbers on pets given up for financial reasons were available on Tuesday. But the stories are heard regularly at the shelters. "We're hearing that over and over again," said Kay Hyman"
FYI-
Kay Hyman doesn't hear crap from owners that give up their animals. "Customer service" has to do the take-ins. They ask the reason and fill it in on a paper. Then the animal gets a plastic tag around their neck and scooted off to a cage, crammed with other animals. Kay Hyman rarely even goes where the animals are placed unless she is bringing one in to show off on tv. Owner give-ups are the firsts to be euthanized. Strays have a better fighting chance because by law, they have to keep them for 5 days so possible owners have a chance to find their missing pets.
Posted by VMI90 on August 20, 2008 at 2:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
That is very true, Marianne..that is why I prefer Pet Helpers to the Chas Animal Society, not to mention the cats have these incredible rooms in which to roam, live, and interact with other cats and humans. Some of the cats have been there for years. I go there just about every saturday just to love on the cats and dogs, although I must confess that I'm a cat person, so I spend the vast majority of my time there. If anyone hasn't checked out their new facility on Folly Road, I highly recommend it.
Posted by onevoice on August 20, 2008 at 3:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
2dogs1bear:
they said she would become board and jump the fence (6' privacy)and become a nuisance. Chewing up my couch and carpet would be okay though.
Posted by charlestonpride on August 20, 2008 at 3:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Just a soon as you can get some welfare for your pet, people will line up at the door to apopt :)
Posted by IslandGirl83 on August 20, 2008 at 3:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
They didn't say she lived on DI they said she worked there. I would not get down on the Mills girl. She did the right thing. It isn't like this is her life long cat she is giving up.
I love my cat! It makes me want to cry thinking of having to give him up. I am so glad I don't have too. I rescued him from a shelter in 2001 when I was a college freshman.
It is disturbing to see people say "I have more sympathy for pets than I do for humans"
Children are humans too, and I would never pick a pet over a child!!
Posted by IslandGirl83 on August 20, 2008 at 3:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
onevoice: I do agree with you though. The house rule is big at other rescue shelters too. We are going to get a dog soon and that is the one thing stopping me from going to a shelter!!
Posted by 2dogs1bear on August 20, 2008 at 3:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Well, I don't understand what was going on there. It is odd.
Posted by WhoCares on August 20, 2008 at 3:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You people are missing the point... A Dog is just a Dog! You could transpose the letters and call it God, but it's still just a Dog!!!
Posted by hightide on August 20, 2008 at 3:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I hope you don't have a dog.
Posted by ForPnC on August 20, 2008 at 3:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
To finish making a lot of people mad. If I had to choose between the life of my dog or your kid - my dog would win.
Posted by 2dogs1bear on August 20, 2008 at 3:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What is with these house rules? These aren't insurmountable problems.
18 yrs ago my daughter adopted a lab. She had a chain link fence, it was't 6 ft. high. He began jumping it so they installed some kind of electric shock wire - geared to dogs -. He still managed to jump over so they put in one intended for use with cows. Worked great. Their lab lived to be over 16.
If he chews stuff try something like bitter apple spray from PetSmart.
Posted by 2dogs1bear on August 20, 2008 at 3:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yep. Dog is Love.
Posted by hightide on August 20, 2008 at 3:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You could also buy the bitter apple spray from a locally owned pet shop.
Just saying.
Posted by WhoCares on August 20, 2008 at 4:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Well, I gotta tell you ForPnC, I don't know about the whole kid vs dog thing, but if'n I have to run over your dog or swerve and run my Escalade in the ditch...your dog is gonna die!!!!
Posted by Marianne0558 on August 20, 2008 at 4:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
FYI- Charleston leash laws apply to cats (ha-ha)...
If you live in the city, your cat must be on a leash when outside..
I'm still chuckling over picturing someone trying to put a cat on a leash...
Posted by Marianne0558 on August 20, 2008 at 4:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
hahahahahahahahaha
If I have to choose between a lizard and his dog, i'd choose the lizard..
Posted by ForPnC on August 20, 2008 at 4:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Marianne -
Believe it or not, my cats walk on a leash! LOL!
They're not outdoor cats and they refuse to go out the door unless they're on a leash. Gives the neighbors a giggle whenever they see it.
Posted by iceman1978 on August 20, 2008 at 4:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'd love to own a bird someday. We had a bird when I was a kid and I love having birds. The problem is that I don't have enough time in my schedule right now and a bird is a huge responsibility. You have to spend a certain number of hours each day interacting with the bird or it will start pulling its feathers out so having a bird is more difficult than taking care of a cat or dog.
What I'd love is to have a cockatoo. We saw one in the Bahamas at a sanctuary that was beautiful. I asked them if I could hold him and they said yes. When I reached my hand out to him he put his head down to indicate that he wanted his head rubbed. Very sweet bird. I wish I could have taken him home but I know customs wouldn't have looked kindly on it.
Posted by RTC on August 20, 2008 at 4:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
ForPnC, my cat is strictly a house cat, and he walks wherever he pleases. He likes the top of the cabinets, and he even has to escort you to the bathroom in the middle of the night. Cats really do have their own little unigue personalities.
My dogs mostly stay in the house, but we just got a privacy fence, so now they have their own personal dog park.
Pets really do add to your lives, and people who don't believe that should visit a nursing home and see how the animals bring so much joy to the elderly.
Posted by ForPnC on August 20, 2008 at 5:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
RTC -
My cats do the same thing! They sit there wondering I'm doing. Their box is in my bathroom and most times one of them will go when I am. You're right about different personalities. Totally different between the two.
Posted by iceman1978 on August 20, 2008 at 5:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
My cat likes to jump on the pool table and rest her head on the end so she can look out the window.
Posted by luvmydogs59 on August 20, 2008 at 5:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I had 5 dogs...2 of them are now not with us anymore...so I still have 3 left. They aren't just dogs...they are my friends & confidants, they don't judge me, they love me no matter what kind of mood I'm in and they cheer me up when I'm feeling down. There is no better feeling than the unconditional love a treasured pet can bring to your life.
They get premium dog food and all the vet care each of them needs. I have one to whom I give allergy shots once a month (she'd be miserable without them) and they are not cheap. Why do I do this? For all the reasons above. Even though I'm in the process of waiting for my social security disability and don't have tons of money, I have been able to cut back on things for myself in order to take care of my "girls", and I don't miss anything I've cut back on.
The rewards I get from having my "girls" far outweigh any expense. They are all rescues...I love them and they love me back...a thousandfold!!
If you want to have a pet, there are many things you can do to be able to afford them...where there's a will there's a way! I'm proof of that and Angel, Kassie and Tara are forever grateful!
Posted by weebo on August 20, 2008 at 5:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You know what, WhoCares? A dog isn't just a dog, for many people it's a companion for someone who spends their alone. I could sit here and say a child is just a child. Obviously you have never owned a pet, but he love and companionship they give, at times, is alot better than a child.Animals do have their own personalities, I have also heard that dogs take on their owners personalities. I love my dog and she has been my savior for the past almost 10 years, I couldn't imagine life without her right now, or my cat for that matter.
Posted by LadyTarHeel on August 20, 2008 at 6:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I adopted my cat from Pet Helpers and it is the best thing I have ever done. She was found as a stray and brought there. Then she was adopted and mutilated (declawed). The person who adopted her didn't want her any more so they brought her back. She had been there for a year when I came by to adopt a pet. She is so sweet and very protective of her mommy! :o)It saddens me to hear that so many people give up their animals because they can't take care of them. There is no excuse. Proper care keeps vet bills down (I only have to take Snuggles once a year for her annual exam).
For Pnc: How did you train your cat to walk on leash? I tried to teach Snuggles, but she freaks out. I bought her a stroller instead and she enjoys it.
Posted by RTC on August 20, 2008 at 6:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If people are still doubting the benefits of pet ownership, then just look at almost all of the comments. The love of a pet bonds people together. People who might normally be at each other's throats all agree when it comes to loving animals.
It is truly amazing what these little creatures can accomplish without even making an effort. I also love the fact that a very sad article can produce such wonderful stories about the posters and their relationships with their pets.
When my mother-in-law was in a local nursing home they had dogs, cats,and even birds. All of the dogs and cats were adopted from the shelter and were provided with a comfortable, safe environment. The residents and animals gave each other much needed companionship, and all of these animals were spared from being euthanized.
Posted by ForPnC on August 20, 2008 at 6:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Lady -
I started with "OUT? You want to go OUT?" It took a few weeks but I put the leash on them and let them walk ME around. I didn't try to pull or steer them anywhere. I let them go where they wanted. (I didn't let the leash drag or get in the way of their face where they could see it.) After a couple of days I pulled very, very slightly to change their direction and they didn't even know I was doing it. Each day I started guiding them more and more. Now I walk them up and down the street though they prefer to just stay in the yard to eat grass. Whenever they hear "out" in a casual conversation with someone they come running and meowing.
I also have a runner in the backyard on my clothesline that they love. Lots of wandering-around space for them. I don't keep them on the runner for more than ten minutes though. They're spoiled and can't stand the heat.
It's nice that they're leash trained. They don't bolt for an open door and I know they're safe.
Posted by ForPnC on August 20, 2008 at 6:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
RTC -
Loved your last posting! It's all true!
Posted by wonderdog on August 20, 2008 at 7:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I have a question for those who criticize the shelter for having to euthanize animals: what do you suggest they do with the animals instead in light of their limited budget and overcrowding?
Many people today spend hundreds of dollars and more on dogs such as "labradoodles" which are, in reality, no less a mixed breed than the black dog sleeping at my feet as I type this. We adopted another from the shelter this weekend, which brings our current number of dogs to three, all from shelters. For those who insist on purebreds, there are often purebred animals at the shelter. I have found that my mixed breed dogs have the best traits of the breeds in their ancestry.
I realize that some people really can't afford their animals any more, but I wonder if some of them (and I do mean SOME, not all) would have the resources if they cut out a six pack or a dinner out once a week. I work with people who constantly complain about how broke they are while they eat $8-$10 lunches every day while the rest of us pack our lunches.