The Animal Shelter....by Lisa

I discovered a new form of inexpensive entertainment—going to the animal shelter. There’s one not far from where I live, a really nice one that doesn’t smell bad, that is clean and bustling with busy volunteers—you know, the people wearing sweaty t-shirts and shorts, with sweaty brows and chapped hands, who do so much for so little recognition. They are the ones who stop mopping long enough to tell you that Tiger is a really good dog, sweet with people, good with other dogs, and would make a great pet. The ones who spend hot summer days walking a series of dogs, both hoping that a forever home will be found before time runs out. And time does run out for some, because space is limited and the influx of pets needing new homes never really goes out, they just keep coming in, seeking shelter, solace, and another chance. There’s Dweezel, the foxhound/pit bull mix, with the white body and brown head, who doesn’t bark or jump when you talk to him. Then there’s Cuddles, with her big ears, who drinks and drinks and drinks and then has to pee and pee and pee, so she needs a special family that will limit her water so she can have a better quality of life. And there’s Ella, the pretty and docile Rottweiler. Where I live, there are a few breeds that aren’t allowed—breeds that are frequently seen in the shelter. The usual list of supposed hooligans: German Shepherds, Chows, Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and Doberman Pincers. Sadly, for the most part, these breeds can make good family pets. And when they are mixed breeds, say Shepherd and Lab, they are great—loyal, loving, friendly, smart. Some weeks there are many young pit bulls. They sit and look at you with their wrinkled foreheads, their quiet seriousness beckoning you to love them. The next weekend they are gone—I’m not sure if they found homes. Did I tell you they have cats? Tiny crying kittens by the litter, grey tabbies, orange tabbies, white cats, black and white cats, long haired and short haired cats. Some days, many of the cats have freshly shaved bellies with brand new scars, so that they can’t create more needy kittens. Visitors and volunteers make them purr with contentment. Won’t you take just one home? Actually, two would be a big help, and they will keep each other company. I like Jenny, she’s 8 months old and has a new scar on her belly. She has short hair and big green eyes, and she loves to be held. Maybe Gabby could get used to having a cat around. Well, if you can’t take a pet home, can you at least leave a few dollars behind to help with their food and vet bills? Here’s a link to Petfinder, in case you need to open that little empty space in your heart and home where love expands to include one more creature.  http://www.petfinder.com/index.html