photo courtesy of Pinterest
Our pets are an extension of our lives, at least for most of us, that is. Some feel the other way that pets are for fighting, abuse of different kinds, and just around to kick around when they're upset at someone else.
In 2000 I started a non-profit not just to save animals of all kinds but to teach how to save animals, so they don't get harmed.
What I thought would be a lifelong pursuit and business ended up causing two heart attacks and me turning it over to a local university.
I did learn a great deal, though, over the years.
There is a fine line between saving animals for the right reason or saving animals to look good for the news and the public.
There are kill shelters and non-kill shelters. There are private shelters and city shelters. All of them have different reasons for saving animals, and that is where it all gets lost in money raised.
Non-profits, whether a private organization or city group, are entitled to certain benefits like grants and outside vendors' donations. These donations include food and needs for the. There are also fees for euthanizing animals as part of population control, although most city agencies will deny that they get payments.
photo courtesy of Mark Clifford (my collection)
This goes on through the United States. There are very few municipalities that have non-kill shelters. I was lucky enough during my time to work with one city in a western state, not California or Fresno that wanted to open a no-kill shelter.
I'm happy to say that the city involved accomplished opening a no-kill shelter that, to this day, is running fine.
It proves that if a city, county, or state can operate a no-kill shelter, it means that much to them. Think votes!
Fresno does its best, and the private shelters here in Fresno and Clovis are all no-kill shelters.
The Interviews
This past week I spent the week traveling around the city to observe how pets are being taken care of. At least the ones I could see in the open.
I interviewed many pet owners to get their take on dog parks and services available for their pets.
Most people were happy with the area's services, like low fees or no fees for neutering or spaying their pets. Vets that took care of reptiles and other pets that don't get the same services in other areas.
One of the biggest complaints was fees for licensing and costs if the animal officer caught their pet. Many of the interviewees stated that the prices make it prohibited for them to retrieve their pets. How are they to provide a good home for their pets in the future if they can't get them out of the shelter?
I'd have to say half of the owners interviewed this past week complained about the fees; the rest complained about the animal control officers and their attitudes when picking up the pets.
There was a concern about how the animal control officers treated the pets once they were caught and placed in the vehicle and when they were in the shelter.
When I was active in Fresno in saving animals, I admit that what I witnessed when it came to the animal control officers was impressive on how well they cared for the pets caught.
Compared to some other states that I had was involved with saving animals, Fresno and Clovis outshined all of them in caring for the animals.
During the interviews, the owners were more upset about how they were treated by the animal control officer, being lectured and instructed why the pet was being held at the shelter.
When I first opened the non-profit here in Fresno, people didn't understand how we worked since we didn't have a shelter. I would explain that our mission was to work with all of the private no-kill shelters in providing a good home in the event their pet ended up in those shelters.
We helped these shelters be better prepared for incoming pets so owners would know their pets were well cared for.
photo courtesy of Mark Clifford (my collection)
This past week showed me that most pet owners in Fresno and Clovis care deeply for their pets, but some let their pets roam free and didn't care when asked about it. They became upset when I asked why their dog was running free?
The Future
I can understand why the animal control officers have a hard time talking to the owners who believe their pets should be free.
Roaming free or being chained up, what's the best for the pet?
How about giving the pet the room to be free in the yard as long as they can't get loose and hurt someone?
These are questions for all pet owners to consider when buying a pet. Is there room for our new pet?
Please think about your new pet. Think about their size and what they need to be happy and content. Plus, think of yourself. The more you think about your pet means, in the end, the fewer problems you'll have.