Friday, October 12, 2007

Saving Our Loyal Companions


In a nation of dog lovers, why are four million dogs euthanized each year? That is the question on the minds of the founders of Dogs in Danger, a nonprofit national program committed to helping dog shelters (http://www.dogsindanger.com/). Although it is difficult to hear that dogs are being euthanized on a large scale, Dogs in Danger hopes to bring the public’s attention to this issue.

According to the website, approximately six to eight million dogs are brought to shelters each year. Because shelters have limited resources, they reach capacity quickly and have few options. Finding new homes for abandoned dogs is challenging. Shelter employees believe that keeping a dog in a cage indefinitely is not providing them with any kind of quality of life. The only alternative…euthanization.

The No Kill Movement is also making a great effort to save dogs from unnecessary euthanization (http://www.nokilldeclaration.org/).
If you are interested in adopting a dog in Syracuse you can visit the Central New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (http://www.cnyspca.org/).

6 comments:

Karin Davenport said...

Sujata,

I was interested in your story originally because of the cute picture of the dog you posted! :)

The link you provided to the Dogs in Danger website was interesting, but I started wondering as I looked at the website: how exactly is the organization helping dogs? The site gives viewers the option of donating money, but it seems like it's a national organization-- so it seems almost like they are competing with the SPCA and other groups that would help dogs locally (across the country). Anyway, it was still interesting learning about that organization.

I was a bit entertained my the No Kill Declaration. I am all for it, don't get me wrong, but I didn't really understand the purpose of it. I think it would have been interesting if you had talked a little more about it in your posting.. you just mentioned one sentence about it at the end. I wondered if the No Kill Movement is having any effect on saving dogs. From the link, it just seemed like a place for people to voice their personal support of saving animals. Didn't show any proof of it helping anything... although this may just be another story in itself.

I did like your story, though. The links you had introduced me to two sites I've never heard of before. It's sad to know that so many dogs are being put to sleep... but it's good to know that at least there are groups out there that are trying to turn things around. Good job!

Brad Seal said...

It's amazing that things like inproper facilities and cost can be the big reasons for giving up a dog. One would think a person might spend some time researching before grabbing a dog.

It always kills me that people will give $350 to breeders (many of who recklessly breed dogs trying to get as many puppies as they can) while there are so many dogs that need homes. Whenever I get a dog, I plan to use a Dogs in Danger type site if I ever get a pet.

Memmy S Wright said...

of course I love this story because we wanted to work on it for our other class! I also love the pic:) it makes you feel for the dog...and i like your beginning statement that there are so many dog lovers, yet there are so many other abusers and neglecters and then these poor dogs have to suffer! I like your sites they link to giving useful information and I think your story is well-written!

Kristen LaVerghetta said...

The picture is what attracted me to this story! Such a cute dog! I Followed the www.dogsindanger.com link, and typed in my zip code to search for a dog in need. The results were somewhat heart wrenching. From your story I learned that dogs were euthanized, but it really hit home when I saw on the screen how many days each dog has left to live. I guess in a way they do that for shock value, but I was really surprised when I saw it.

I don't know much about animals, because I have never had one, but I know they cost a lot if you get them from a pet store. After looking at the SPCA website, I can't figure out why someone would go to a store and pay so much, when there are so many animals that need to be rescued!

Alex Reed said...

I'm glad you wrote about this because I like animals. On dogsindanger.com, one of the reasons given for dumping dogs in shelters is "having no time for pet". Unfortunetly, some people adopt animals on a whim and when the feeling passes they get rid of it. What's sadder is that a dog will never betray its owner while people try to use other people every waking moment.

Joyce Ogirri said...

This was an informative story. The picture you chose drew me into the story. People need to realize before they purchase an animal all the expenses that go along with it. I think the Central New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals website has a lot of useful information. I think its also good to know what upcoming events the CNYSPCA is having because it could be a possible story idea like the Rabies Clinic that's happening on Dec. 1. I think the The Declaration of the No Kill Movement in the United States is an interesting concept.