Animal protection organizations and concerned groups and individuals from around the world come together in August each year to raise awareness about the pet overpopulation epidemic. Most dog caregivers consider their dogs as important members of their families, and pamper them with love and care, but not all dogs receive that kind of treatment. In our country, there are more animals roaming the streets and languishing in shelters than there are living safely in homes. According to Petag.com, between two and three thousand cats and dogs are born EVERY HOUR in the United States, compared to only 415 humans being born each hour, which obviously results in a tremendous overpopulation of needy animals. Stray dogs are susceptible to illness, injury, inclement weather, being hit by cars, and abuse by humans, and unlike wild animals, domestic breeds do not usually possess the instincts to help them in survive on their own. They are dependent on human assistance.

Will Doig, in an article on Salon.com, gives estimates for the total number of feral dogs and cats in the U. S. to be around l00 million, but stresses that the actual number is probably much higher, especially in economically hard-hit cities where neighborhoods are being abandoned, or residents are without employment. Reduced city budgets also have meant more limited animal control and shelter services. It is a volatile issue as to what should be done with stray dogs. Do you know how your community or state deals with this problem? In many states, including Iowa, ordinances states that “it shall be lawful for any person, and the duty of peace officers within their respective jurisdictions (unless such jurisdiction shall have otherwise provided for the seizure and impoundment of dogs), to kill any dog when the dog is not wearing a collar with rabies vaccination tag attached.” Although it is legal, most law enforcement officers try their best to find more humane solutions, but it is legal! Sad but true.

Every community has homeless dogs needing good forever homes, Documentation asserts that most street animals are the offspring of abandoned animals, so one of the most important things we can do to help homeless animals is to educate the public about the importance of spaying and neutering them. This will ensure that they will not bring more unwanted animals into the world.

By choosing a pet from a shelter rather than a pet store, you are saving an animal from a possible horrible fate, and if you are not ready to adopt a pet, consider donating your time or money to a shelter or rescue group. While you may take special precautions to ensure that your own pet is safe and happy, we encourage you to reach out to homeless pets, Animal homelessness is everyone’s problem!

A Stray’s Prayer

Please send me somebody who will care…I am tired of running and sick with despair.

My body is aching and so racked with pain; I bark and I howl but it’s all in vain.

Will someone please love me and give me a home?

I rummage in garbage and am tired and hungry and cold.

I am chased me with sticks; and hit with stones while I run the streets

Just looking for scraps. I am a good dog, but I am a victim of man.

I’m worm and ridden with fleas; my body is covered with sores.

All I want is a human to love and a safe place to live indoors.

I don’t think I’ll make it too much longer on my own,

Cause I’m getting so weak, and I’m, oh, so alone.

I hide in the bushes and cry, knowing that I am about to die.

I’ve got so much love and devotion to give; all I need is a new chance to live.

Will somebody please care enough to rescue me?