Between neglect and commercial breeders from other parts of the country, an increase of dogs and puppies are and will be available for adoption this holiday season.
Recently a van full of beagles rescued from a commercial breeder left dozens of beagles up for adoption. Just a couple of weeks ago the San Diego Humane Society rescued 78 dogs from a home in El Cajon, considered “the worst hoarding situation” the SDHS ever encountered. These animals, most in good health, will be available for adoption any time now.
Between neglect and commercial breeders from other parts of the country, an increase of dogs and puppies are and will be available for adoption this holiday season.
Recently a van full of beagles rescued from a commercial breeder left dozens of beagles up for adoption. Just a couple of weeks ago the San Diego Humane Society rescued 78 dogs from a home in El Cajon, considered “the worst hoarding situation” the SDHS ever encountered. These animals, most in good health, will be available for adoption any time now.
This is a common story and our region is not the only one to see this continuously growing problem. Many times the outcome is not always as promising in adoptability for these animals. Across the country millions of pets of all breeds, types and ages are euthanized each year. The County of San Diego Department of Animal Services cares for more than 25,000 cats, dogs and farm animals each year.
Wanting a puppy or kitten for Christmas is a common wish list item for children and adults each year. The first thing that needs to be considered when choosing a pet is the reality of the cost and maintenance of a new addition to the family. It is not inexpensive to own any type of pet and, depending on the type, size and breed, can be a costly decision and not one to make on a whim.
But for those who want a pet in the family and can afford it there are many resources within our community that can find the perfect pet for you, And in return you are saving the life of an abandoned animal. So before going out and buying a new puppy, kitten, cat or dog that suits your individual or family needs from a retailer or puppy mill, take a trip to the Humane Society or the many rescue centers in our area. Make a gift that not only brings joy and companionship to your home, but saves a life as well.
Even those who want a special breed can usually find what they want at rescue centers and for many you do not even have to leave East County, which is home to many rescue facilities. Many are not funded by the county but by individual donations. Some of the places that have pets up for adoption are El Cajon Animal Control, Shelter Pet Partners, The Barking Lot Rescue, Friends of Cats, Four Paws Rescue, Operation Greyhound, Greyhound Adoption Center, National Cat Protection Society and many others, including all of the Animal Control centers in our communities. Some specialize in breeds and others have a bountiful supply of good dogs and cats that need a home. For the many who live in the back country, rescued horses are plentiful and need a loving caring family.
So before running off and buying what you believe will be the perfect pet for your family, take time to shop around at our local adoption centers. There are so many stories of people who have found happiness and fulfillment in adoption.
With adoption you have the choice of starting with a pup that needs all the attention and training or adult dog or cat that is already trained, tested for compatibility with kids and other animals, and spayed or neutered.
If a pet is truly on your holiday list, take the spirit of the season and look for a gift that goes beyond the want, but also helps out the many organizations we have that can fulfill that need. A gift of adoption is not only a beautiful one for your family, but a gift of life to the pet that was rescued, abandoned or lost.
But most importantly, make sure it is a gift you can love, care for, afford and ultimately want to keep as part of your family for its entire life.
