It Doesn’t Have To Be Raining Cats And Dogs

Only one of these cats will find a home, but it doesn't have to be that way.

There is a simple, affordable solution to the out of control population of stray animals in this country.  Spaying and neutering pets is not only the responsible thing to do, but also can help with behavioral and health issues throughout the life of the animal.  Owners who choose not to have their pets spayed or neutered, for whatever reason, are directly responsible for the millions of euthanized animals in this country every year.  Some pet owners may claim that the cost is too much, which should have been noted before considering owning a cat or dog, but even that is not a good excuse due to the numerous low cost possibilities listed later in this article.  Millions of lives could be saved each year if owners would spay and neuter before allowing their pets to roam and breed at will.  Of the roughly 600 cats the Lakewood Animal Shelter and Warden see each year, only about 200 have the chance to be adopted.  The 400 left behind must be euthanized due to illness, overcrowding, or inability to find foster homes until they can be adopted.  Whole litters of animals that would make wonderful pets are never given the opportunity due to the sheer volume that shelters have to deal with.  To know that these deaths could be 100% preventable makes it even more distressing.  The Lakewood Animal Shelter, along with many other groups, offers a spay/neuter discount when adopting from their facility.  Not only would new owners be helping an animal in need by adopting, but also getting a discount on the procedure.  There are many low cost options even in the Lakewood area, which can be found on the Lakewood Animal Shelter website at: http://www.cclas.info/Spay.html .   Also for the entire state of Ohio, visiting http://www.spayohio.org/search/, or calling 1-877-644-OHIO (6446), gives every owner no excuse to not do the right thing.  When choosing to bring home that new puppy or kitten, please consider the possibility that two out of three animals you look at may never get a home, and make the responsible decision to not contribute to those numbers.