Critter Alley

Critter Alley

Monday, June 27, 2011

Remember

I Support Pet Adoption

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By all reports, the Adoptathon in Joplin exceeded everyone's expectations. Hundreds of potential adoptive families jammed the streets and stood in lines waiting to visit the animals. It appears that nearly all of the available dogs and cats were adopted. You could call the event a real miracle.

The news made me happy, yet kind of sad, too.

After Hurricane Katrina, a similar frenzy to adopt displaced animals occurred. If a shelter let the public know they had Katrina animals, an abundance of people would appear, each clamoring to take one home.

But most critters don't come into shelters as a result of a monumental disaster. They arrive as strays, or after being abandoned by a family who had to move without them, or who had a child that developed allergies. Or they got too big, too old, or too sick. Although circumstances vary, each animal has a story that could break your heart as much as any highly publicized case. But they all need the same thing...a loving home.

You didn't see me on television
or read about my plight in the news
because I'm just an ordinary animal
watching with nose pressed against a kennel door
waiting for someone who'll look at my face
and somehow understand that
if you give me half a chance to show you
our future will be guaranteed.
I'll live in your heart forever,
you'll be one less person who's in need.

Belonging to a family is better than waiting in a shelter. Please don't forget the thousands of animals who still await a miracle.

10 comments:

Linda O'Connell said...

Pat, may I run an excerpt of your poem on my blog this week and mention yours? I want EVERY one of those poor animals.

Two French Bulldogs said...

Great post
Benny & Lily

Lisa Ricard Claro said...

Wonderful post, Pat. Your poem made me cry, and now I'm off to hug my two rescue pups.

Chewy said...

what a nice poem!

Chewy

BECKY said...

Thanks for reminding folks, Pat! I would never buy a dog from a pet store or breeder. We got our wonderul Vern at a humane society, and before him, we got Tiger at a shelter, too. Our first dog, Rocky, was one of the puppies of a relative's dog!

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

Mom is furry happy woo mentioned THAT aspekht of the big adoption weekend -

Sadly, there are plenty more where those homeless tails khame from -

As the charm in The Xterra says

Until they all have homes...

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra

An English Shepherd said...

very true.

Tammy said...

Amen. You brought tears to my eyes, too!

Lynn said...

Glad the event was a success--that's such good news. Poor little stinkers that need a home... hopefully ALL homeless pets will get a home they deserve.

Ann Summerville said...

I wish that there was more affordable veterinary care for pets. I hear over and over again that people would love to adopt but are scared of vet bills. I'll put that on my list of things to do when I win the lottery.
Ann