Pet Overpopulation

Pet overpopulation is a huge problem all over the country. The simple truth is there are too many homeless dogs and not enough good homes. Having our pets altered is a solid and effective defense against overpopulation in that it places few and fewer offspring in kill-shelters. Below are a few of the grisly statistics compiled by national publications and animal rights organizations.
If we are aware of the problem, perhaps we can be part of the solution.

• It costs U.S. taxpayers an estimated $2 billion each year to round up, house, kill, and dispose of homeless animals. (USA Today)
• Over 56% of dogs and puppies entering shelters are killed, based on reports from over 1,055 facilities across America. (National Counsel on Pet Population Study)
• An estimated 5 million cats and dogs are killed in shelters each year. That's one about every six and one half seconds. (The Humane Society of the United States) Millions more are abandoned, only to suffer from illness or injury before dying. (Doris Day Animal League)
• In six years one unspayed female and her offspring, can reproduce 67,000 dogs (Spay USA)
• The perceived high cost of altering is not the problem, but the lack of education on its benefits. On average it costs approximately $100 to capture, house, feed and eventually kill a homeless animal - a cost that ultimately comes out of our pocket. Low cost spay/neuter services are far below that amount. (Doris Day Animal League)
• The cost of having a pregnant female can be much higher than the cost of spaying
• Seven dogs & cats are born every day for each person born in the U.S. Of those, only 1 in 5 puppies and kittens say in their original home for their natural lifetime. The remaining 4 are abandoned to the streets or end up at a shelter (The Humane Society of the United States)
• Each day 10,000 humans are born in the U.S. and each day 70,000 puppies and kittens are born. As long as these birth rates exist, there will never be enough homes for all the animals (Spay USA)
• The public acquires only 14% of its pets from shelters; 48% get their pets as strays, from friends, from animal rescuers, 38% get their pets from breeders or pet stores (The Humane Society of the United States)
• In a study of relinquishment of cats and dogs in 12 U.S. animal shelters, 30% of the surrendered dogs were purebreds. The same study indicated that 55% of the surrendered dogs and 47% of the surrendered cats were unaltered. (Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science)

The Humane Society of the United States provided these statistics:

• Number of cats and dogs entering shelters each year: 8–10 million (HSUS estimate)
• Number of cats and dogs euthanized by shelters each year:4–5 million (HSUS estimate)
• Number of cats and dogs adopted from shelters each year: 3–5 million (HSUS estimate)
• Number of cats and dogs reclaimed by owners from shelters each year:  Between 600,000 and 750,000—15–30% of dogs and 2–5% of cats entering shelters (HSUS estimate)
• Number of animal shelters in the United States: Between 4,000 and 6,000 (HSUS estimate)
• Percentage of dogs in shelters who are purebred:  25% (HSUS estimate)
• Average number of litters a fertile dog can produce in one year: 2
• Average number of puppies in a canine litter: 6–10

Adopting a Dog - The First 7 Days

Click here to check out this article aimed at helping potential adopters realize how rewarding adopting a rescue dog can be!

The Importance of Spaying/Neutering Your Pets

Anyone who adopts a pet from PAWS Rescue will have one very important thing accomplished - their pet will already be spayed or neutered.  Spaying and neutering animals is a very important process for pet owners. The most obvious benefit for spaying and neutering is avoiding unwanted litters.  The Humane Society of the U.S. estimates that between 6 - 8 million homeless animals enter shelters across the U.S. every year.  This is a result of irresponsible pet owners refusing to spay or neuter their animals resulting in massive over population.  

Aside from the very obvious reason to prevent over-population, there are several little known reasons to spay and neuter your pets.  

• Animals are more relaxed and less anxious.  Anxiety exhibits itself in animals with hyperactivity, aggression, and other common behavioral problems.  
• Increased life expectancy.  Spaying decreases uterine infection and lessens the risk of mammary cancer in females.  Neutering foils the chance of getting testicular and prostate cancer.  

A FEW FACTS ABOUT DOG BEHAVIOR:

Most bites to humans are by UN-NEUTERED MALES.

The largest percentage of roaming dogs are UN-NEUTERED MALES.

The largest incidence of dog to dog aggression is in UN-NEUTERED MALES. 

(Facts found on: http://www.diamondsintheruff.com/whyspayneuter.html)

ACCORDING TO THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES:

• 5 million dogs and cats are killed yearly in U.S. shelters. That is 13,800 every day or 575 dogs and cats killed every hour, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• In six years, one female dog and her off spring can theoretically be the source of 67,000 dogs.
• In seven years, one female cat and her off spring can theoretically be the source of 420,000 cats.

(Facts found on : http://community.gorge.net/prod/spayneuter.html)

In the words of Bob Barker, "Help control the pet population.  Have your pets spayed or neutered."

Just one Dog....

The story of how you can make a difference for just one dog....

What happens after adoption?

PAWS Rescue is committed to working hard and finding adoptive forever homes for all dogs we bring into our care.  We've had dogs from a few days to several months.  The time and care that we put into these animals will be most apparent when they are eventually adopted.  There will most likely be some anxiety and confusion on the part of a dog for several days until they are used to their new environment.

Adopting a dog in a big responsibility.  Are you prepared to add this responsibility to your family?  Read our article here to help you decide.  Once you have decided that you are ready for this added responsibility, there are several things you need to be prepared.  Food, bowls, a leash and collar, bed, and maybe a few toys are a necessity.  You might also consider whether a crate is needed based on the dog/puppy you are adopting.  

After your new pet is home, they will mostly likely be very confused and unsure of what is happening to them.  It is important to remain calm and loving with them while also providing them with the structure and discipline they need to know that you are going to keep them safe.   Your pet's foster family will most likely tell you what brand of food they have been eating.  We highly recommend starting them at your home with the same diet as to decrease any sickness or stomach upset that might occur.  Once your pet has had a chance to adjust, you can slowly change their diet to one that you prefer.  If your pet does get stomach upset such as vomiting and/or diarrhea, you can simply boil chicken with rice and feed them small portions until they are back to normal.

From the very beginning you want to remain consistent with your new pet.  Take them out to a regular spot to use the restroom at regular times.  Establish the rules from the beginning.  Give firm corrections but not harsh.  Giving lots of love and attention and frequent walks will help reassure your pet that you are going to take care of them and respect them and they can look up to you and feel safe.

         

Keep in mind the first few weeks of adopting a pet can be a little uneasy. Accidents will occur and things may not always go as planned, but please remember to be tolerant with your new pet. Give them at least 2-3 weeks to adjust to their new environment.  If possible seek out the services of a professional trainer to help ease the transition for both you and your new friend.  It is also uncomfortable on the pet to adjust and become familiar with a new home and owners. 

Save a life, adopt a pet!

The fun side of Adoption

Thanks to the Public Relations Class of GMU for making such a fun video and keeping our blog up to date.  Couldn't have done it without you!!