The Shelter Shack - Latest Comments

Re: You Can Save a Life This Year!

Stephanie Hulett — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 11:32:07 -0000

Michelle-

Sounds like you are as passionate about saving lives as I am! I’m glad you got on your soap box. My post barely scratches the surface on this topic. And the fact of the matter is that not all shelters are doing everything they can to reduce their euthanasia numbers.

There are certainly plenty of shelters trying really hard to save lives, but they still need the community help in order to make a real difference. And you’re right, county funding is always being cut, which makes things even more difficult for the staff.

At the opposite end of the spectrum there are shelters that aren’t really trying at all. I’ve heard about shelters in other states in which the staff won’t allow pets to go to rescue, foster care or have volunteers help them in any fashion. That baffles the crap out of me! They just continue to euthanize, and don’t take a second look back. These are the shelters in which the community needs to step up and speak out. Change can’t happen unless someone challenges the current process.

Thanks for the reply and keep up the good work in your rescue efforts!

Re: You Can Save a Life This Year!

Michelle — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 01:07:47 -0000

Wonderful and informative post! Happy New Year!

I completely understand the mind set of people feeling that they might be supporting the act of killing adoptable pets, but I'm also capable of logically understanding that "kill shelters" (county shelters, or whatever) take in ALL pets, regardless of the circumstances. There's only so much room, not every life can be saved medically, and some poor sweet angels cannot be psychologically rehabilitated in the short time that they have. I do, however, strongly believe that many things need to change in most of these shelters. Ignoring the needs of the pets in these shelters is NOT going to help initiate change.

So what if these "kill shelters" didn't exist at all? Can you just imagine the number of defenseless animals that would be dumped on the streets to possibly suffer horrifically because all of the no kill shelters were full? I can tell you first hand that nearly every single reputable no kill shelter is full most of the time because that is exactly how *I* got into rescue 8 years ago. Rather than complain, I got involved.

The sweet angels that DO make it to the adoption floor are no less deserving of the gifts that many bestow upon "no kill" shelters. They shiver when it's cold, pant when it's hot, need comfy beds to sleep in , require exercise/socialization/love, toys to play with, and so much more. If anything, with county funding always being cut, they need MORE! They are the SAME, it's just their circumstances are different! AND, nobody brings them comforting presents on the holidays.

AND, for anybody that doesn't know, many no-kill shelters simply ship the animals to the county shelters to be killed.

I admire you and anyone that has the guts to get involved and make a difference! Losses are nothing less than heart wrenching, and the wins, well they sometimes lift you up so high it almost makes the pain bearable. Almost... We will never forget the losses, nor should we.

So in a nutshell, if you don't like it, GET INVOLVED, and help change it!

I'm a very proud Mom to a puppy mill survivor/rescue (deemed too feral for adoption last year), and five FIV+ cats (well, most shelters (even no kill) just automatically kill them). I changed THEIR lives when I stepped up for them (and many others via rescue efforts). My cases were extreme, so I could never understand why somebody couldn't or wouldn't step up for the healthy, happy ("normal") adoptable animals that simply ended up in a bad place.

Wow, my very first step up on the "soap box" in 2012! I try not to do that, but clearly this is a subject that I am fully invested in!

Re: Social Petworking

Stephanie Hulett — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 10:37:24 -0000

Thanks Wag Tales! Glad to have you following along. I'm following you too! You have a cool blog (http://www.thewagtales.blogspo.... You're a good soul for fostering puppies. That takes a lot of work, and I'm sure a lot of sleepless nights.

Re: Social Petworking

The Wag Tales — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 01:01:20 -0000

GREAT post! I'm a follower anyway, but if I wasn't, I would be now! Thanks for the info!
Happy New Year from The Wag Tales!

Re: It’s Good to Give!

Linda Cochrane — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 18:10:50 -0000

I look forward to reading more of your articles and posts in the future, so I've bookmarked your blog. When I see good quality content, I like to share it with others. So I've created a backlink to your site. Thank you!âŚ
My website is on educational toys for toddlers.

Re: Featured Furball: Cutter

ShelterShack — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 14:31:58 -0000

Just received word that Cutter was adopted!! Woohoo!!!

Re: September 11th, A Day to Remember

diablo 3 — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 20:27:49 -0000

Fantastic article. I'm struggling with a few these difficulties.

Re: Featured Furball: Jamie & Penny – by Charm

ShelterShack — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 23:54:17 -0000

I'm happy to say that both dogs are now adopted!

Re: Featured Furball: Richie

ShelterShack — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 23:05:05 -0000

Richie's been adopted! Yeah!!

Re: Featured Furball: Sasha - by Daisy

ShelterShack — Sat, 12 Feb 2011 03:19:14 -0000

Sasha got adopted!

Re: Featured Furball: Searra – by Brandy

ShelterShack — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 00:19:06 -0000

I'm pleased to report that Seaerra was adopted!!

Re: Healing Minerals, Helping Animals – by Daisy

ShelterShack — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 23:32:42 -0000

Sorry Daisy, but that would be a No! Earrings are for humans.

Re: We’re Charmed to Meet You – by Duke

Brandy — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:09:49 -0000

You seem like a nice dog. I would be happy to meet with you if you wish. Get with Mother to schedule an appointment for a meet and greet.

Re: We’re Charmed to Meet You – by Duke

Daisy — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:06:45 -0000

Welcome to our home Charm! You're kind of cute, but don't tell Dukie I said that. I hope you are feeling better soon.

Re: I Might be a Tax Deduction! - by Duke

ShelterShack — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 00:15:30 -0000

Hate to disappoint you Duke, but you’re still going to the vets & groomers. You’ve got a groomer’s appointment tomorrow and a vet appointment in 2 weeks. Love ya, Mom