I really like a good cause and animal welfare is right there at the top of the list. Right now the statistics show that levels of animal cruelty and neglect are showing no signs of decreasing; animal shelters everywhere are currently bursting at the seams with abandoned dogs and cats.

At this time of year the problem skyrockets when those cute kittens and puppies that appeared under the Xmas tree have started to grow out of the cute stage and into the larger, higher maintenance stage. That sweet little ball of Xmas fluff has gotten bigger, hungrier, louder and now requires spaying, vaccinating and more time.  This is when those living, breathing Xmas presents start to become too much trouble for their owners – they cannot be bothered with them anymore, the novelty has worn off and so they end up dumped.

Makes you want to get these idiots by the neck and…

Well, I have always said that if you are going to dump a pet then at least do it the right way and leave them at an animal shelter. These shelters are staffed by angels from God. People who volunteer their own time and money to care tirelessly for these poor unwanted creatures. I say ‘money’ because it is a fact that the volunteers often dig into their own pockets to help these animals, but thank they are there because they pick up the pieces for these pets and give them a shot at a new home and new family.

One shelter in particular, Heard County Animal Control in Franklin, Georgia is currently at the desperate stage with the latest influx of new arrivals, and the tide shows no sign of stemming.  There are dogs there waiting on death row right now who should not even be there; young, healthy animals who are ready to be adopted and loved. 

What we need are people to adopt one of them; if you cannot fit a pet into your life right now then consider sponsoring an animal there and ensure that they live as long as necessary.  When I was a child we adopted two dogs on different occasions, I can tell you that these animals know what is going on and seem to spend the rest of their lives showing you their gratitude for saving them.

To be fair, not all the dogs are abandoned. Some are simply lost and without effective tagging the owners cannot be found. Have your pet microchipped as early as possible and when you go away on holiday keep them with you on a leash. And please, if you are thinking about getting a dog, or a cat, remember that this is a living, feeling creature. Not a toy to be discarded when you are bored with it. These volunteers do their work out of love for animals, but I bet they would be really happy if there were no need for their services anymore. Fat chance though.

Here’s a couple of little darlings just biding their time in the hope that someone very soon will decide to give them a new chance at life; one thing – choose your dog to suit your lifestyle and take any children or other pets in your home into consideration. Better still, ask the animal shelter workers which dog/cat would best suit your lifestyle as they tend to get to know their charges over the course of time.

This young lady is American Bulldog Cross; she has had a pup which has been placed in a home. She needs a home now and is under sponsorship. Not suited for farms/livestock, maybe needs to be an ‘only dog’. Probably great choice for a single person.

Isn’t he a beauty! Lab/Border Collie Cross makes for a great temperament and would need regular walkies and exercise. These dogs are known for their intelligence, loyalty and make good companions for kids. They are very protective as well – I had a dog just like this.

I know it breaks your heart dosen’t it. But if my post here gets just one of these dogs, or the others, a loving home this weekend then I will have a warm fuzzy glow for the rest of the year.

Paw note!! – The two dogs featured above have both gone to loving homes since this post appeared. To those people who adopted these creatures: we don’t know who you are, but we LOVE you just the same!! Edited : May 17th.

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