This is one of the latest arrivals--the not quite weaned kitten who is now back up to normal weight.

Abandoned Animals-
Pet Ownership Gone Bad
(10/24/2008) by Lois Ann Zendarski

One night, very late, my husband heard noises outside. Going out to investigate, he saw a truck slow down, turn around in an intersection, turn off its’ lights, door open and slam shut and then speed off. A short while later, heading home, I saw 2 beagles--one white and brown, one white and black, were in the road. They were happy looking, tails wagging, sniffing about and just wandering. They were not recognized as any from the neighborhood and I found it bizarre that they were out in the road this late at night. I believe it was a case of abandonment of unwanted animals---yet another case of of pet ownership gone bad.

Abandoning an animal is a crime in New York State, and those who abandon animals can be charged with animal cruelty.

The beagles disappeared into the woods, and when I saw them again, their behavior had changed from happy to distraught, fearful, tails between their legs. They disappeared again, one showing up near our farm a few days later. Finally able to catch it, the white and brown one rolled on its back, very submissive. Her eyes and thinned body told it all- hopelessness and hunger. She was a very gentle dog, obviously trusting us to help. We got her into the car and she immediately situated herself on the back seat and heaved a heavy sigh.

The now bony beagle was taken to our local dog warden who told us that the dog appeared to have been spayed. It was kept for the requisite 5 days before being taken to the SPCA in Hinsdale after no one claimed it in town. Having been spayed and with such a good disposition, it is my hope that someone adopted this dog. The white and black beagle, I can only assume, met a much more tragic fate.

Several weeks ago a very young kitten appeared near the road. We tried catching it to no avail. About a week later, it was about a mile further down the road and was nearly impossible to catch. It was noticeably much thinner than when we first saw it and had fear-filled wide eyes. We brought some food to the area, and my daughter was able to pick up the kitten. The beige kitten couldn’t have been more than a few months old, and probably was dumped well before it was ready to be weaned from its mother. The kitten’s shoulder bones were prominent--another animal all fur and bones.
We have 5 other cats that we got in the same way--all dump offs-- discarded, unwanted animals. there were a few more cats we have been able to find homes for. Yes, I’ve heard we are ‘nice’ to take them in, but it is more of an ethical and moral responsibility to not let another creature suffer. Personally, I am not fond of cats, in fact, I have a fur allergy.

Those who drop off animals, those who tell their children that they “took Fluffy/Duke/Spot to a nice farm” are unaware of the problems they are causing for the helpless animals and for those who may eventually have to take them in. There is a mistaken notion that farms NEED cats and that they are doing farmers a favor. Those who dump their unwanted animals are not doing anyone a favor, but causing more problems for the animals and for themselves.

A pet that formerly had a home and is placed in a shelter is traumatized. Even more traumatic are those who are left by the side of the road to now fend for themselves. They don’t know why they are there. They are missing their home, their family, their familiar surroundings. Those left to their own may face a gruesome, untimely and horrific death, either through starvation or by being killed by a predator.

Is this what people want for animals???

For those who take them in, unwanted pets are both a financial and emotional burden. The abandoned pets must, at the very least, have rabies vaccinations, which requires either taking them to a vet or a clinic. Both take time out of very busy schedules.

Animals need to be spayed and neutered. “Low cost” spay and neutering clinics,are not FREE. It is $100 for dogs and $60 for cats unless you qualify as a low-income family through NYS. (www.agmkt.state.ny.us/ai/apc.html ) If taken to a veterinary hospital, the cost is significantly higher--- from $65- $135 for cats, $135-$170 for medium sized dogs. If the animals gets sick, the animal needs veterinary care or at the very least, someone to perform any variety of first aid procedures.
Pet shelters desperately discourage people from bringing in animals, advising callers to send out fliers with pictures and to ask friends to take the animal. Inundated with animals and with very limited resources,it is suggested that people use their services only if other avenues have failed. Most shelters are seeing a spike in surrenders, (foreclosure pets), due to the present economy.

Ten Lives Club based in Concord, NY is a no kill cat shelter, has a moratorium on taking in any more cats. According to information on their website, TLC has 300 cats at their clubhouse on Route 391, with another 125 cats and kittens in foster homes that rely on donations, fundraisers and adoption fees in order to be fed, housed, etc.

From November 1st, 2008 through December 31st, 2008 Ten Lives Club will have an adoption center --a prime storefront location at the McKinley Mall, next to Barnes and Noble. It is their hope to link families with feline adoptees.

Gina Browning, Director of Public Relations at the Erie County SPCA stresses responsible pet ownership. She suggests that people take an honest look at their particular situations and lifestyles. People act with passion and emotion and may be so in love with the idea of a puppy or kitten, but do not consider their lifestyle and household. Hoping to avoid impulsive adoptions, the SPCA has interview- only adoptions. www.yourspca.org. Adoption counselors are available to prospective pet adoption families

Holidays, especially, can bring about impulsive pet adopting and buying, hoping to have a puppy with a red ribbon waiting under the Christmas tree. Instead,the SPCA encourages people to purchase a gift certificate so that the recipient can select their own pet. It is in the best interest of both the animals and pet owner to adopt a pet that best fits their own lifestyle.

Petsmart Adoptions have place over 3 million animals and they encourage people to consider their schedules, lifestyle, and family members before adopting a pet.

I implore you to THINK before you purchase, adopt or decide not to have your animal spayed or neutered. Please be responsible. Research breeds as to what would fit into your family. Do not put the burden of your unwanted pet onto someone else.

This morning---------cat number 11 showed up at our farm.