The Rescue of unwanted pets takes Money, Many Hands

THE RESCUE OF UNWANTED PETS TAKES MONEY, MANY HANDS

Caring Matters
Published Thursday July 24th, 2008
Appeared on page C8

Most people love to watch a playful little kitten run around and chase a toy, or a puppy pounce and look at you with those "puppy dog eyes." Babies of any species generally attract "oohs and aahs" when we first see them. However, when we become pet owners, these adorable little critters grow into larger, adult animals with specific needs such as food, regular exercise, proper shelter, care when you are away for extended periods and regular visits to the vet. Sometimes, people get so caught up in the "cute factor" that the responsibility factor is forgotten.

This is where the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals can be of assistance. The Fredericton SPCA gives hope to animals in need. Last year alone, 86 per cent of all dogs and 64 per cent of all cats that arrived at the shelter were adopted to loving families.

As a pet owner myself, I realize the demands of having both young and mature animals. Not unlike children, young animals require a lot of attention to their feeding habits, their housebreaking patterns and their sleeping quarters. On its website, the Fredericton SPCA provides a variety of tips for responsible pet owners. There is a link to some very informative pet care articles, valuable pet ownership tips as well as information on how to care for your animal in cold and hot weather.

In addition, there are tips on what to do if you lose your pet or if you find a stray pet, and even some Halloween tips on how to deal with your pet during the busy trick-or-treat evening. The Fredericton SPCA will also tell you that a responsible pet owner will have their pet vet-checked regularly and have the animal spayed or neutered. Any pet adopted from the SPCA shelter is spayed or neutered before it is sent to its new home. This practice alone would significantly reduce the number of unwanted pets that find themselves at the doors of the shelter.

According to their website, the mission of the Fredericton SPCA is to provide shelter and care for abandoned, abused and neglected animals; promote responsible pet guardianship; encourage and assist in the enforcement of all laws enacted for the protection of all animals; and create and sustain a general interest in animal welfare. One of the initiatives they are undertaking to reach some of these goals is to create a humane education committee. Volunteers are currently being recruited for this committee.

"The aim of humane education is to create a culture of empathy and caring by stimulating the moral development of individuals to form a compassionate, responsible and just society. It is a means of introducing children to the reactions and emotions of animals, as well as linking this to an understanding of environmental issues and ecosystems" (World Animal Net). To carry out all these important initiatives, the Fredericton SPCA required funds and volunteers. There are several wonderful stories of donations featured on their website - children who ask for donations to the SPCA at their birthday parties, businesses which collect pet food and supplies from their employees and donate to the shelter, and fundraisers by various groups and organizations who donate the proceeds to the shelter.

Volunteers are an integral part of running the organization as well. These individuals assist with caring for the animals by walking dogs, cleaning kennels, updating lost and found databases and offering foster care for pets who may be too young for adoption or may require special needs before they are ready for adoption. To participate as a volunteer or to make a donation, contact the Fredericton SPCA for details. You must be 19 to volunteer at the shelter; however, options are available for youth involvement.

Remember, no one loves you as unconditionally as your pet.

Cindy Sheppard is the executive director of the Fredericton Community Foundation. Her column profiling non-profit agencies appears every second Thursday. Please send comments to letters@dailygleaner.com.