Animal Shelters Overflowing - time to push spay and neuter - again

Just read in the Bonner County Co-Op magazine that the new shelter at Ponderay, Idaho is now filled to capacity. When I was there a month ago it was a little over half full. And they have a brand new building with, I think, room for 100 dogs.

This is partly a result of economic conditions - I read about people abandoning dogs because they can't afford to feed them - but also a result of letting down the pressure about spay and neuter. Shelters all over the U.S. are full.

It takes a consistent effort on the part of rescue groups to get the funds and then make sure they're used for spay and neuter. That means lots of fund raising efforts, and hopefully, some effective grant writing. It also means cracking down on puppy mills and educating all those folks who think that backyard breeding is a good way to earn a few extra bucks.

Too often, rescue groups get no help at all from City and County government - even though those entities have to pay staff to round up strays. You'd think they'd be anxious to solve the problem at its root rather than proceeding with business as usual. You'd also think they'd enforce the laws against puppy mills. If you have the personality for it, start pushing your local officials to take action.

Meanwhile, today, talk to someone about spay and neuter. Encourage them to stop being part of the problem by telling them how many unwanted dogs suffer because of human indifference.

And if you know how to write and follow instructions, contact your local rescue group and offer to help them find grant money. Or just volunteer to head up a fund raising event or start an awareness campaign.

We won't see a day with no more homeless pets unless we all keep working hard.

On-line Auction from Hope for Pets - shop for Christmas!

Thanks to Kathy Rice for sending us notice - Looks like a great place to find early Christmas gifts!

HOPE for Pets' On-Line Auction is in it's third and final week. The auction ends at 8:00 p.m. on November 21. The On-Line Auction is carried over to a Silent Auction at our HOPE for the Holidays Bazaar on November 22.

If you are unable to attend our event Saturday, you can still win the auction item you are bidding on. With Absentee Bidding you place the highest bid you are willing to pay for the item. One of our volunteers will continue your bid up to your maximum amount at our Silent Auction on November 22nd.

Auction items range from exotic vacation getaways to donated items guaranteed to delight and surprise. Whether it's for your home or to be given as a gift, we have something that fits your needs! Go to www.hopeforpets.org and click on the Auction link.

A portion of the funds raised will go to our Jordan Medical Fund with the remainder used to buy equipment for a new Spay/Neuter Clinic. We need your help and support! If you do not see an item you are interested in, please consider making a monetary donation.

A Plug for Priest River Animal Rescue

Off to the right you'll see a new addition - a contest in which some animal shelter will win $10,000.

I voted for Priest River Animal Shelter because I helped start it about 6 years ago, and because our small town has a great need for more spay and neuter funding.

So, unless you have a favorite of your own, please go vote for PRAR by November 1.

Thanks,
Marte