The plight of animals in truely bad and that of some humans isn't much beter. They are closing a big homeless sheleter here in Charlotte county , because of lack of funds also one of our animal sheleters has had big cut backs.. When will it end?.....m

The problem with people buying pets is that quite a few are uneducated in how to handle and care for the animals. Then when they get big or aren't what they expected they abandon them. Pet adoption gives those unfortunate homes filled with love and proper care.
AM

Tragic.

I think it's always been a hard time for the animals, you are a champion for them.

Well bless your heart, the more the merrier. Quadropop Ed, it kind of has a nice ring to it. Seriously, the kitties will be far better off and maybe you will too. Patrick

YOU'RE RIGHT...OF COURSE. PEOPLE ARE THE ONLY ONES THAT CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. I AM SO GLAD THAT YOU DECIDED TO KEEP THE TWO OLDER CATS BUT I KNOW THAT THIS WAS NOT A HARD DECISION FOR YOU TO MAKE AS YOUR DEDICATION TO ALL ANIMALS IS EVERY EVIDENT. MAYBE ONE DAY I'LL BE IN THE POSITION WHERE I CAN PROVIDE FOR ANOTHER CAT. THANKS FOR SHARING THIS INFORMATIVE WORK AND GOD BLESS YOU IN ALL YOUR TIRELESS EFFORTS TO ALLEVIATE THE SUFFERING OF ANIMALS. JOYCE * HIS INSPIRATIONS

...darn, sad to think of each and every one that so deserves a loving home...yes..you should publish this in newspapers...as I bet you would make a difference for some homeless animals to be adopted.
Christine

It is so sad Ed but most owners do not take responsiblity for their pets, as they should get their pets fixed to help out. I can't go to the shelters for it breaks my heart. Fred had to go and adopt our cat or I would have come home with a dozen. Thank you for sharing.

Newfie Hugs, Rose

And to add to the tragedy, Ed...so many puppy mills are now being raided and those pets taken to shelters; more dogs than cats there.
It's a heartbreaking task you ceaselessly take on: seeing, helping, adopting, writing about what is happening to these beautiful animals. Such a worthy poem...than brings tears to my eyes, too!
Blessings and Love to you...and Becca! - Micke

I am not an animal activist myself, but your timely poems and articles wakes up the activist in me. It is sad, and a fact which I think is global, since some people see keeping a pet like spending on clothes, or going to multiplexes or for a vacation, just another expense. Like the fall in retail business (though cannot be directly correlated) pet adoption has shown a decline, we can blame it on economy and human nature. I liked that quote.

I adopted my little dog from a shelter for abused animals and she's my best friend. I'd have more but I live in a private senior community that only allows one pet per household. When I visited that shelter where I got my Katie it broke my heart. You look into the faces of those helpless creatures who know they are doomed and feel your heart shattering. If you don't, then you are void of feelings. Great write Ed and thank you for posting it. Don't buy - adopt!!!! Save the helpless ones. You're their only hope.

Another sad situation

What I would like to know is if it's the economy, why are people buying pets at pet stores?
In Canada at a shelter, you just have to pay for the shots
A lot cheaper than any pet store
Some of the best pets I have ever had, were given to me
Thanks for the post Ed
Have a great day
The Buzzard

I wonder if there by law should be a prorated performance insurance on any pet bought, so that there be some sort of certainty that someone even a shelter could look after them, as I said it should be mandated by law, but then do our politicians care about this issue, apparently not, or else this cruel mess of suffering of millions every year would not continue. Hugs! Jasmin Horst

...and here will come nest Christmas with more impulsive last moment running to the pet shops, to perpetuate puppy mills and to increase the number of homeless pets by Easter.

Georg