Once was Lost..

1.

            Homeless animals are a reoccurring problem occurring around the world in every country. Not many people know the reasoning behind why pets become homeless and that is the main reason there are so many pets without homes. The statistics are high but can be brought down by making the world aware of the problem and state the facts and statistics that come with it. 8 Million dogs and cats enter shelters in the U.S. each year. Taking simple steps to make sure your pet has a safe and secure place to stay is very important for your pet to not be apart of the cold streets of your neighborhood.

            According to Jackie Godbey, a woman who manages the Stark County Humane Shelter said “ 3-20 animals get brought into the shelter on an average day and 6,000 annually.” That is a lot of pets that get brought into a shelter each day in such a little town.  6,000 pets annually is about 1/3 of how many pets get brought in, in California. There are many reasons pets become homeless that many people don’t even think about. There are many reasons behind why animals become living on the streets that many owners of pets might not even think of.  If more people were aware of what animals go through while on the streets, they will be more likely to rethink of ways to make their home more secure so animals don’t get out.

“Moving, loss of home (foreclosures, evictions), not good with kids or other animals are many reasons why many animals get brought into the shelter” said Godbey. Family’s lifestyle at home has to do with if their pet is safe at home or not. Some newlywed couples buy a dog not knowing if the dog will be good with kids or not and after having kids find out that the dog is not good with kids or the kids don’t like the dog.  If their home is not a safe place for a dog they might bring it to a shelter in hope for it to be adopted by someone who is looking for a pet and/or will give it the attention the animals needs.

            Kaitlin Bondra, a woman who adopted her dog from Rescue Village in Geauga County said, “I have always felt that people believe that dogs that end up in a shelter, have done something wrong or are 'bad' dogs, so they are less likely to find a home.  Whereas dogs that can be bought are considered perfect, elite and worthy of an owner so they will find a home.  I wanted to give a dog a home that might not ever find one.” Bondra knew the reasoning on why some dogs end up in the shelter whether its from violence, moving, foreclosure, or just running away, and she felt the need to help a dog in need and adopt her dog Dempsy from a humane shelter. Kaitlin saved what is now her dog from risk of her dog being killed while in the shelter.

            One of the main reasons dog end up in shelters is not keeping the pet in the yard and just letting their dog wonder. Keeping a fence, electric fence, or a leash in the yard are ways to keep a better eye on your pet so it isn’t a risk of running away.  Many cities where they have large acres of land are more prone to animals wondering around the city than animals who live in New York City where there isn’t a lot of room to wonder around the streets. “Demps has run away a few times.  It is very difficult to keep him from reacting to outdoor things/nature, so he is always on a lease if not in a fenced in area” Bondra said. Animals get distracted by many things when being outside and run after things when they can. Having them attached to something or fenced in will help keep them from getting out of the yard. When pets run away its not always because they want to leave but a lot of times its because of them seeing another animal. If the animal doesn’t know the way home they are most likely going to get picked up by someone and get brought to a humane shelter near the area.

            People like Kaitlin are people who will help the statistics go down in the number of homeless animals there are around the world. Since she decided to adopt and rescue her dog, she was able to fulfill her want of a new dog, and be able to save a life at the same time.  In conclusion, there are many simple steps to take to keep your animals safe and off the streets or in danger. Having a secure yard and safe house to stay in is a big factor in keeping your pet apart of your family.