17 Ridiculous Myths About Animal Shelters and Their Pets!€¦ · This would help stop pet overpopulation, by focusing on promoting adoption and making it affordable. Pet stores work

17 Ridiculous Myths About Animal Shelters and Their Pets

© All Rights Reserved. www.logfiresfortheheart.com 1

17 Ridiculous Myths About Animal Shelters and Their

Pets!

by

John Ward

http://www.logfiresfortheheart.com

© All Rights Reserved 2 2



17 Ridiculous Myths About Animal Shelters and Their Pets Copyright (c).

No part of this publication may be stored in a retrieval system, transmitted or reproduced without the prior agreement and written permission from the author or publisher.

Disclaimer:

The publisher and the author disclaim any personal liability, loss, or risk incurred as a result of the use of any information or advice contained herein, either directly or indirectly.

The author, publisher has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information provided in this book. The information is provided “as is” with all faults and without warranty, expressed or implied.

In no event will the author or publisher be liable for any incidental or consequential damages, lost profits or any indirect damages.

While every attempt has been made to verify the information provided in this book, neither the author nor his affiliates/partners assume any responsibility for errors, inaccuracies or omissions. Any slights of people or organizations are unintentional.

You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing the health of any animal, yourself or any other person. You should always consult and check with your own vet or doctor.

Any reference, herein to any specific commercial products, process or service by trade name, trade mark, manufacture or otherwise does not necessarily or imply its endorsement, recommendation or favoring.


Introduction:

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“Saving one dog will not change the world, but surely for that one dog, the world will change forever.”

..............Karen Davison

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As an owner of 2 dogs and a cat, all rescue animals, I am one who advocates adoption quite strongly.

This is the main reason I have put this report together in the hope that it might help someone adopt some of the beautiful animals in shelters who desperately need a home.

Appreciate any feedback, stories or even pictures of your pets. Just go to our site at:

http://www.logfiresfortheheart.com/contact-us/

Love to hear from you.

Kind regards

John Ward



An average of one animal is euthanized in the United States every 11 seconds. This is a frightening statistic.

This amounts to 2.7 million animals every year and it is caused by the fact, that there is no one to adopt them.

This is an unrealistic situation, since most Americans are known to be animal loving.

Adopting the perfectly adoptable pets is a way to curb the useless killing. This would help stop pet overpopulation, by focusing on promoting adoption and making it affordable.

Pet stores work on a supply and demand basis and it would be better if people chose to adopt from shelters and rescue groups. This will lead to less pets being born, in order to feed the demand.

Spaying and neutering of all pets can also help reduce unwanted litters.

With the many misconceptions that surround shelter pets it becomes hard for people to adopt from them, when they want to add a four legged family member to their home.

As already stated, this has led to the problem of pet overpopulation. Some of the common myths include;

· Myth 1: Pets in Shelters Have Behavioral Issues.

The fact remains, that these animals are in the shelter for a number of reasons and it is not their fault. Some of these reasons include:

• Owners getting sick or passing away • Families separating


• Owners forced to move • Not realizing the time and financial commitment that comes with

owning a pet.

When these things happen, the pet is left with nowhere to go besides a shelter.

The fact the previous owner did not know how to treat the pet may lead to mental and behavioral disorders, but with training, this can be rectified.

Pets are not human but at the same time, they are not perfect. Expecting to find a perfect pet is futile but this does not mean one cannot find a lovable pet, that can be obtained from a shelter.

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Dogs have a way of finding people who need them and filling an emptiness we didn’t even know we had.

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·

Myth 2: The Shelters Do Not Have Pure Breeds. Most Are Mutts.

This is not true. About 25 percent of the pets that end up in shelters are purebred, some even have papered pedigree. That is one out of every four.

Many shelters have partnered with breed specific rescue centers that help to place adoptable pure breeds into foster homes. This is a better alternative to keeping them in the shelter, which takes up valuable space.



There happens to be rescue centers that deal with every single breed of pets. They can provide loving and adoptable pets of every age and size, just waiting for new homes.

The rescue organizations focus on key areas such as adaptability, trainability, health and grooming as well as all making them sociable.

This means that if you need a specific breed and haven’t had the luck in finding one at a local shelter, then contact a breed specific rescue organization to find if they have the one, you are looking for.

Depending on circumstances, the rescue group will help find the perfect match for you. But please remember, that at the same time, a mixed breed cat or dog can make a perfect pet.

·

Myth 3: Lack of Knowledge On What One is Adopting.

It is true that at times, shelters do not have accurate information about the animals under their care, especially if they were found as a stray.

However, this is not always the case. If you are looking for more specifics about the pet you want to adopt, it is advisable to look to rescue groups.

They will be able to give you a better picture of how the pet behaved in another setting such as a home, rather than the shelter.

A pet living in a foster home for the rescue group, should be able to tell you how the pet will fit into a home. In addition, you will also know what issues need to be addressed.


At times, they will allow you to bring the pet home on trial basis, which helps ensure, it will be a good fit for your home and family.

The shelters and rescue groups try as much as possible to make the best match between the adopter and pet. They want to avoid a mismatch which can lead to a return of the pet to the shelters, which no one wants.

On the other hand, breeder farms are more interested in profit, rather than getting the right match. This then leads to one adopting a pet that is not a good fit, which in turn leads to the vicious cycle of pets being taken to shelters.

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Until one has loved an animal a part of one's soul remains unawakened.

…………….Anatole France

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Myth 4: Shelters Are Full of Old Animals.

Most people want puppies and kittens and yes you can get one from a shelter. The younger animals sometimes require more specialized care and attention.

They are then placed under foster care until they are ready for adoption.

The fact that you might not see a kitten or puppy on the shelter websites, does not mean they don’t have any ready for adoption. Just enquire and ask.



It is also advisable to remember, that older pets are also loving and at times have various advantages over their younger counterparts.

Young pets are not always right for everyone. One has to make sure adopters understand that extra time and energy is required to bring up a young pet until it is of age.

Myth 5: Shelter Pets Have Health Issues That Will Require Expensive Treatment.

Contrary to this myth, it may end up saving you a considerable amount of money.

This is because pets are only released for adoption, once a veterinarian clears them from the shelters and rescue groups.

The shelter pets, who are unwell, are mostly affected by treatable diseases such as worms, respiratory diseases and skin parasites.

But in most cases animals that come from shelter and rescue organizations are perfectly healthy.

The adoption fees include necessary vaccines, spaying/neutering surgery, heartworm test, flea/tick treatment and a microchip.

In the event that you bought a pet through other means than a shelter or a rescue organization, then the above responsibilities would cost you an average of $300-$500.

In most cases the adoption fee varies from location to location and is much lower overall. At times the fee is waived making an adopted pet quite a bargain.


Animal shelters act as a huge asset to the communities they serve, including the residents and above all the animals. It is too bad that their contribution to society is often misunderstood.

Some of the other serious myths that are associated with shelters include;

Myth 6: All Animal Shelters Are Directly Managed by Larger Organizations e.g. (ASPCA, HSUS)

This has been found to be false. According to Ayse Dunlap, of the Cleveland Animal Protective League (APL), which services about 16,000 animals a year, there are no affiliations at all.

She goes on to say that most rescues and shelters are run on grants and donations from their communities, except in the case where the government is involved.

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"Compassion for animals is intimately associated with goodness of character, and it may be confidently asserted that he who is cruel to

animals cannot be a good man."

…………….Arthur Schopenhauer

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· Myth 7: Shelters Lack Animal Experts

This is false and according to Dunlap, shelter workers are very knowledgeable and serve as a great resource.

In many cases the shelters have veterinary technicians who volunteer their work. You may also find some shelters with actual veterinarians, behaviorists and other animal specialists.

Most of these people have interacted with the pets, long enough to know their likes and dislikes. Also they are aware of the pet’s personality and even the food that they prefer.

By the way, if you choose to adopt a pet and I hope that you do, it is advisable to ask about the food it is currently being fed.

Most pet shelters receive food donations from pet food companies. It is advisable to feed the pet the same food until you consult your vet.

· Myth 8: Animal Shelters Only Have Dogs and Cats.

This is again false information, since many rescues and shelters have much more to offer, other than just dogs and cats.

Some of the other animals include: rabbits, guinea pigs, gerbils and even birds like parrots.

This gives the adopter a wide variety to choose from, which is quite appealing.


Myth 9: Shelter Pets Are Usually Quite Dirty.

When pets are brought in to the shelters and rescue centers they are usually very dirty, because of the treatment they have been received.

However, once they are cleaned up, given medications, shots and surgery; if required; they are very appealing to the eye.

Some shelters and centers go to the extent of regular grooming sessions. Those who offer these voluntary services in the shelters, are tasked with clipping nails, brushing and bathing the pets/animals.

It is good to keep this in mind that animals have their natural smell and does not mean they are dirty.

· Myth 10: Adoption Fees Are Too Expensive.

This is a topic that is subjective, but please keep in mind all what the rescue center or shelter has done for the pet.

Money and time was spent to obtain the pet as well as feeding, medication, shelter, foster care and ensuring the right vet treatment has been carried out.

That can amount up to a $500 investment. Most shelters/rescues go to the extent of giving the pets a heart worm test, flea preventatives and rabies/bodetella/distemper vaccinations.



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People that say “Money can’t buy happiness” have never paid an adoption fee.”

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This amounts to over $500. The adoption fee is quite low considering all these factors and it is very hard to find a pet from a breeder or pet store for such a low price.

There is also the important fact that you are saving a life.

·

Myth 11: You Won’t Get to Know Your Chosen Shelter Pet Well Enough Before Adopting.

Most rescue groups and shelters allow for home visits and encourage one to interact with the pet, in visiting rooms, before going ahead with the adoption.

At times the adopter can take the pet home for a trial period. This at least gives the adopter and the pet some time in getting to know each other.

At times there are adopters who are ready to adopt the pet immediately, because they have interacted with these animals previously.


The pet is also able to quickly adopt to its new environment, rather than having to be transferred back to the shelter in case of a mismatch. It saves the pet suffering from stress which is a thing, no one wants.

· Myth 12: Animal Shelters Are Sad Places.

This mainly depends on how one approaches the shelter. Some will go into a shelter and see confused faces staring back at them.

Others will walk into a shelter and see faces which need a home and someone to love them.

It is advisable to have a positive attitude and imagine how the pets would be, if not in a shelter. They would be out there in the cold with no food, with no friends and living in a harsh environment.

It’s always good to see the glass half full and have in mind, that the shelters have given the pet a second chance in life.

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Thank God I got the rejects. These animals are very, very affectionate.

……….Eartha Kitt, about her two poodles, who weren't up to the breeder's "standards"

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· Myth 13: Rescue and Shelter Pets Have Bonding Issues.

Due to the fact that the pets are in search of a new home it becomes easier for them to bond; especially when they realize they are being given love and attention; unlike their previous life.

However, some may have a hard time adjusting, due to initial fear and anxiety. However, with care, love and patience, the pets generally come around very quickly.

Myth 14: Rescue Shelter Pets Need Extra Training.

Regardless of the age breed, or life experience, every pet requires some training, in order to co-exist with humans.

Most of the shelter pets have undergone training, whether in their shelter homes, foster homes or with volunteers and professional trainers.

The pets are evaluated for their activity level and nature, so as to be matched with their best possible home.

· Myth 15: Rescue Shelter Pets Have Little to No Known History.

In most cases, rescue pets are taken there by their previous owners, which means that you can gather information about the pet’s history.


It is therefore easier to become aware of past issues such as health, nature and daily activities.

On the other hand, some consider it easier to start a fresh with your new pet. The important things such as health, will have been cleared by the center’s own vet.

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Animals are reliable, many full of love, true in their affections, predictable in their actions, grateful and loyal. Difficult standards for

people to live up to.

Alfred A. Montapert

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Myth 16: Rescue Pets Have a Lot of Opportunities to be Adopted.

In many shelter and rescue groups, a pet has seven days to be adopted.

All shelters work under a tight budget, staff and space. It is therefore difficult for them to save and rescue every pet.



· Myth 17: Rescue Dogs Are Second-Rate to the Dogs and Puppies in Pet Stores.

Most of the pets which are found on web sites are from puppy mills. These are only interested in profit, rather than animal welfare.

They do not consider the genetic quality, when breeding and this can cause hereditary defects.

In some cases, the lineage record is often falsified. Adopting a dog helps to stop the cycle of cruelty within the puppy mill industry.

One has got the assurances of having a good pet rather than buying one from the pet farms. Adopting from the shelter amounts to saving a life and giving an animal a second chance.

Again as an owner of two dogs and a cat, all rescued, I can vouch for the great choice that I made. They have brought so much joy to our home.

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I very much believe in rescuing animals, not buying them.

………. Candice Bergen, on finding her dog, Lois, a terrier/basset hound

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Documents

17 Ridiculous Myths About Animal Shelters and Their Pets!€¦ · This would help stop pet overpopulation, by focusing on promoting adoption and making it affordable. Pet stores work