We're All in This Together ... Right? WRONG!

Before you read on, please note that I'm not trying to say anything bad about one organization vs. another ... I am simply stating things the way I see them. If you have different opinions, please feel free to post them ... but please back up your statements with facts - not feelings.

I feel that every dog should have a good home but that's not going to change anything because it is simply a stated "feeling". I foster because I can change things for that dog. This is a fact. I may not change the world, but I changed the world for that dog.

It never ceases to amaze me how Rescues, SPCA's and Humane Societies refuse to actually work together. It is something that really infuriates me. It will send me over the edge within seconds.

We're all in this together ... right?! WRONG

Let me explain a bit.



I look at animal rescue as something that needs to be done. You are there to help the animals. So why is it that these organizations refuse to work with other groups unless they need something?



SPCA's and Humane Societies are quite happy to send their dogs through Breed Specific Rescues because the rescues are helping them. The SPCA and Humane Society gets angry at the Breed Rescue that refuses a dog. The Breed Rescue gets angry because it feels that the SPCA and Humane Society is using them. It is a vicious cycle.



The Breed Rescue refuses to take on a dog for a multitude of reasons; all of which are valid ... but will they cross post a dog that is "their breed" on their website to direct potential adopters to the SPCA or Humane Society? No. That might take away from people who would adopt from them.



Do these Breed Rescues, SPCAs or Humane Societies actually do anything to HELP each other?? No. Why? Business is Business.



If you have a different experience, please share with the group. If you have an example of a time when one of these organizations helped out the other WITHOUT the motivation of "how can this help me", please share. Or perhaps multiple organizations got together and did a fundraising event where they helped each other get attendees, then split the profits??



So if we're all out there to help animals and we all share a common goal, then why the tension between groups?? Why don't we work together? Why aren't we helping one another for the animals, if for nothing else??



No matter how you look at things, these organizations are trying to pay the bills at the end of the month; just like any other business. And just like any other business ... well ... "business is business".

Here's a question no one ever asks ...




Why are there some shelters with dog kennels and space for 20 dogs but they only have 3 in the building? Why are the "shelters next door" still euthanizing for space if there is so much space elsewhere? Why are the kill shelters screaming for rescues and shelters to help them? Why aren't these shelters working together?



Why are the animals not the number one priority?



Business is Business.

CL ~ A Letter from an Animal Control Officer

Below is a Letter from an Animal Control Officer. A good read.

It is the other side of the Kill Shelter / Control Officer topic.

I am your animal control officer. I am not the dreaded "dogcatcher” or the “murderer” I’ve been called.



It is not I who allows your pet to roam the streets, to contact diseases from other free-roaming animals, to be hit by passing motorist or poisoned by rotting garbage. I am the one who must look into those sick, pain-glazed eyes, try to remove the animal without causing it further pain, and then humanely “put it to sleep” to end its suffering.



It is not I who allows your pet to breed, then dumps the unwanted puppies and kittens on the roadsides and in animal shelters. I’m the one who must find the tiny animals before they die of starvation, exposure or disease, and as a act of mercy, exterminate them.



It hurts me to be forced to kill hundreds of thousands of animals each year, but because of irresponsible people, I have no choice.



It is not I who abandons unwanted animals on farm roads, telling myself some friendly farmer will surely take them in and give them a good home. But I am the one who must pick up the frightened animal who waits in vain for its beloved master, wondering why it has been abandoned. I am the one who must help that friendly farmer trap, tranquilize or kill that animal because it has begun to roam in packs with other abandoned hungry animals, killing livestock, fowl and game.



I am not the one who breeds and fights dogs in the name of “sport.” But I’m the one fights the breeders and participants, and must pick up the dead and dying animals that have been left behind.



It is not I who keeps a pet confined in an area too small—without food, water, shelter or exercise. But I must deal with the irresponsible owner who does.



It is not I who refuses to spend time and money to keep up regular inoculations that pets require. But I am the one who must pick up the sick animal that is dying of a preventable disease.



So remember, the next time your child is bitten by a stray dog, your trash is dumped or scattered, your pet is lost or stolen, poisoned or hit by a car, it is the animal control officer you call—not the “dogcatcher.”



The next time your pet is picked up, or you are cited for neglecting or abusing it, remember, I am only trying to get you to fulfill your responsibility to your pet, your neighbor and yourself. Do not scorn me. Respect me, for I am the product of dog owners irresponsibility.

I Love Animals, and I care.

High Kill Shelters

Yep, you read that right. High Kill Shelters. They are out there. This is not new news. I'm not going to start ranting about it though; that could go on for hours!



There are many shelters out there that euthanize hundreds of animals per week. Many function as Canine or Animal Control. I know of a few High Kill Shelters in Ontario. Hamilton has one. Many of the smaller communities have one but for most, I don't know their contact info.



Most of the animals are perfectly healthy, adoptable animals. There just aren't enough homes for all of them. Many are cats, but there are dogs in that number too. The sheer numbers that face us are staggering.



Someone once told me that the adult cat at the shelter that was adoped was like winning the lottery. It's a one in a million chance of them getting out in a carrier instead of a body bag.



I was looking to find High Kill Shelters this summer. I wanted to pull a few dogs out since I had the space and time to work with a few. I ran into a snag ... I actually had trouble identifying which ones they were! (Other than Hamilton Animal Control, the SPCA here in my area, and the canine control a few townships over) The organizations keep that info quiet.



After thinking about it for the last few weeks, I have decided to compile a list of High Kill Shelters. I will keep a running list accessible by any who are interested in knowing or helping these animals out.



So here's my request of you all ... If and when-ever you find a High Kill Shelter, please post it here on my blog. If you know of any now, please post the info here in the comments section!


Consider it a challenge. Find any High Kill Shelters in your area (or any area) and let me know where they are!