A VERY PERSONAL PLEA - FAIR WARNING
We know you've heard it a million times, but it's a truth that bears repeating; there are more dogs and cats in the U.S. than there are good home to take them. Every year millions--MILLIONS--of healthy animals brought to shelters are euthanized simply because there aren't enough homes or resources for them. Other animals are dumped or abandoned, left to become wild or, worse, bear generations of young who, in their turn, face the hardship and danger of living wild. You CAN help.

SPAY AND NEUTER
First, spay and neuter your pets. Encourage everyone you know to do the same. Even if you don't choose to have your dog or cat pregnant (or impregnating someone else), it can happen. Nature calls--loudly--and animals in heat (or sensing heat) will find remarkable ways to answer that call. Many, many kittens and puppies have come into the world in spite of good intentions and locked fences. Spaying and neutering are safe procedures and go beyond preventing more births in an already overpopulated world. They also protect your pet from future health risks (including certain forms of cancer) and prevent many behavior problems common in "whole" animals--excessive aggressiveness among males, territorial "spraying", wandering and its attendant dangers, and the shrill "calling" of females in heat.
Your animals will be safer and healthier, and you'll have peace of mind (and, likely, peace and quiet!). Everyone wins!

TrapNeuterReturn
Second, trap (humanely!) and spay any "stray" animals in your area. This is part of a process called "trap/neuter/return" or "TNR", and is a highly effective means of not only controlling feral cat populations, but ensuring that those animals who are too wild to adapt to human homes can live safer, healthier lives. There are many organizations that offer good information on TNR programs, including how and why they're effective, where to find humane traps, how to help these animals, etc. TNR can improve the lives and health of existing populations, and will save future generations from similar hard and hungry lives.

ADOPT
Third, adopt, don't buy. This is not to say you shouldn't consult a breeder if you're interested in showing purebred or pedigreed animals. There are many caring, reputable breeders out there, and these are the folks you need to find. Research, talk to your veterinarian, go to major cat and dog shows. You'll find good people who love and care for their animals. If a purebred is what you need, these are the people to see about purchasing a future champion. *

If, on the other hand, you're looking for a family companion or a new best fur-friend, PLEASE visit your local shelters and rescues. There are wonderful dogs and cats--and other animals!--of every size, shape, color, age, and description. They've come from every place and situation you can imagine, and probably some you can't, but all are now homeless and hoping for a second chance. They are looked after and loved by the most dedicated volunteers in all the world. They are safe and secure and cared for. But every one of them is waiting for that one person, that one family, to take them to a real home with their own toys, their own bowls, and their own laps to lay in. They are waiting to love and be loved, forever.

*Please also keep in mind: Nearly every breed (dog,cat and just about any other animal you can think of)) has a rescue group associated with it. If you're not looking to show and just want the pleasure of owning a purebred animal, check breed-specific rescues in your area. And check breeders looking for homes for their "retired" cats and dogs.

All of this goes back to the top of the page: There are simply more pets than there are people to look after them, and there is so much suffering because of it. There are many ills in this world--human hunger and suffering among them--but this is one that we really, truly have a shot at fixing. And fixing for a group of beings infinitely smaller, weaker, and more helpless than we are. The only way to end the suffering caused by pet overpopulation is to reduce the number of puppies and kittens coming into the world. The only humane way to do this is by sterilizing mature animals before they breed. We take responsibility for these creatures when we bring them into our homes and our lives. Please, let's act responsibly on their behalf.

*Climbing down off my soapbox, with thanks for your patience*

Thank you, and please do your best to love all critters fiercely.
Lisa S. Butler
Caterwaul Art Originals

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