Save a life, adopt a dog or cat this holiday season | LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Published 10:18 am Saturday, December 20, 2014

To the editor:

It’s unfortunate that in this country most cats and dogs that enter an animal shelter never make it out. Despite the efforts of humane societies and rescue groups to help reduce the animal overpopulation, 3.5 million companion animals are being euthanized annually. How can this be in a developed country like ours? It is unacceptable.

Sadly, this is partly due to the misconception that shelter animals must somehow be flawed. Nothing can be further from the truth. Granted some shelter animals have behavior problems, but not more than dogs bought from a breeder or puppy mills. There are no guarantees. Every animal must be “worked with” in terms of behavior training including loving care. With loving care, most shelter animals will thrive and become cherished members of the family.

If you are one of those that want the “perfect” dog from a breeder rather than a dog from a shelter consider this: By adopting a rescue dog you will save one dog from euthanasia. You will give it a better life than it had before. You will get a dog that realizes this second chance and shows great appreciation with love and cuddles.

Don’t support breeders and puppy mills who contribute to the staggering numbers of homeless dogs and cats and foster inbreeding and chronic health problems. Many breeders and puppy mill owners are only “in it for the money” and treat their animals badly.

Show some goodwill this holiday season and adopt an animal from your local animal shelter or rescue operation.

MONIQUE SUMMERS

Bainbridge Island