Great Washington Post article on adopting pets, rather than purchasing them

Crossposted from the Washington Post

Don't buy a pet: Look to the shelters

By Betsy Karasik
Saturday, December 18, 2010;

The story of Target, the heroic mongrel who thwarted a suicide bomber in Afghanistan, only to be euthanized by mistake in an Arizona shelter last month, evoked nationwide sorrow and outrage. But heartbreaking as that story was, a far greater tragedy is that an estimated 3 million to 4 million dogs and cats are euthanized in U.S. shelters each year. Those numbers do not include others that are feral and/or homeless. Meanwhile, Americans buy animals from puppy mills, pet shops and breeders because they are fixated on owning a particular breed. Indeed, someone I know of recently drove several hundred miles to pay $1,600 for a puppy she had never met.

I understand loving the splendid variety that selective breeding can produce. As a child, I adored our family's Irish setter and Afghan hound, and I would pore over dog, cat and horse books memorizing the different breeds. Certainly the world would be a sadder place without the diversity of Neapolitan mastiffs or Egyptian pharaoh hounds. But while some people will always breed animals as a labor of love, the national obsession with owning "purebred" (really, selectively bred) dogs is narcissistic. Ultimately, it has fatal consequences for millions of deserving animals who don't happen to be status symbols. Which leads me to support what unfortunately is a radical concept: that people should select companion animals based primarily on their temperaments.

How does one judge an animal's temperament? One excellent way to know what you're getting is to adopt from a foster family, easily found through shelters, rescue groups or Web sites such as PetFinder.com. Foster caregivers can often provide more information than breeders about an animal's personality and in-home behavior. Most shelter facilities perform some level of temperament assessment on the animals they make available for adoption, which helps to ensure a better match between the animal and its adoptive family and to reduce the number of animals returned to shelters. But not all facilities have the resources to thoroughly evaluate animals, and some animals who are shy or shelter-stressed may perform poorly on assessments yet still make excellent companions. Focusing on personality, asking the right questions and keeping an open mind are far more likely to lead to the right choice than relying on breed stereotypes.

I don't come to this issue from the moral high ground. My first two cats were pedigreed Maine coons I bought in Seattle and shipped home to the District. They were magnificent animals and wonderful companions, but I now look at that phase of my life much as a vegetarian might look back on eating veal: an ethical misstep that was the product of ignorance. What changed this pattern was finding a scruffy little white cat in a remote area of the Blue Ridge while hiking with my boyfriend one frigid November day. This tiny cat was dirty, emaciated and coughing spasmodically, but she was smart and friendly enough to follow us for a mile back to the car.

When we tried to pick her up, though, she fought like a Tasmanian devil and we had to throw a towel over her and stuff her into my backpack to get her into the car. Fang, as we jokingly named her, eventually regained her health and is, as I write, napping contentedly in my lap. She may not have the regal ruff or tufted ears of a Maine coon, but she has about the best personality of any cat I've ever met - sweet, playful, feisty and polite.

As the saying goes, all dogs have a pedigree - it's just that some we know and some we don't. There is nothing superior about a "purebred" dog or cat; in fact, mixed breeds benefit from a phenomenon known as hybrid vigor, meaning that they are less susceptible to genetic disorders and live longer on average. Sadly, many "purebred" dogs come from puppy mills, which are still legal nationwide despite being scandalously unethical operations where animals are confined to small cages their entire lives, breeding constantly under factory-like conditions. And while feral and shelter animals can certainly have significant health problems, I've seen too many friends who purchased animals from breeders end up heartbroken to discover that their pets suffered from life-threatening congenital defects.

If Americans who plan to buy a dog or cat would just take a short walk through a shelter and look at the animals' faces, they would realize the impact their decision can have. Even people who seek certain breeds because of allergies can often find them at breed-specific rescue groups. Saving an animal from starvation and homelessness is its own reward, but the beauty of rescuing an animal is that, from an emotional standpoint, it turns around and rescues you right back.

Betsy Karasik is an artist and writer living in Washington.

Small dog found in College Park

College Park Animal Control is holding a small silver/black dog which was found in the North College Park neighborhood on the evening of December 20, 2010. Dog will be held for three business days, becoming available for general adoption or transfer to rescue on Friday 12/24/10.

If this could be your dog, please contact ACO Cooper at 240-375-3165 with additional details.

Seen a small white dog (bichon?) in Cheverly?

We've received reports of a small white dog wandering on Forest Road. If you see this dog, please contact us. We'd like to bring this small dog in from the freezing temperatures! You can reach us via the "contact us" button on the right-hand side of the page, by leaving a comment, or by emailing cheverly.animals@gmail.com.

Thank you!

Found pup in search of a forever home

This little guy was found in the woods near Mt. Rainier and needs a home!

Approx. 5 month old male, was found with sibling and mother; cold scared, hungry. All dogs were seen by vet and are currently being treated for whip worm. Puppys are getting socialized and feeling stonger every day. One puppy still needing loving home.

Contact: 301-325-8406

Bush kitty needs a home

This sweet little guy is in need of a home. He was discovered living in the bushes of a residential living complex. Some caring residents have taken to feeding him and are currently getting a makeshift shelter together for him to live in while he's still outdoors as severe allergies sadly prevent them from taking him inside.

Bush kitty is timid, but warming up quickly. It doesn't take much, but when he knows he can trust you, he's full of love and affection! This handsome boy is thought to be 4 months old and is on his way to be fully vetted and neutered next week.

If you have it in your heart to adopt such a wonderful cat and get him off of the streets, please contact us via cheverlycarneys@gmail.com. You won't regret it!

Low-Cost Shot Clinic

December 5, 2010
Location: Forestville, MD

SPCA/HS of Prince George's County Spay/Neuter Clinic
8210 D'Arcy Road
Forestville, MD
1:00pm to 3:00pm

Open to the public -- county residence not required. Rabies shots are $8; distemper shots are $12. (We MAY offer nail trims for $10, but ONLY when staff is available and ONLY for animals already being chipped or vaccinated.)

We also offer microchipping for $25. Cash and credit card only; no checks. All animals must be leashed or in a carrier. Bring an up-to-date rabies certificate; without it the animal will be given a 1-year vaccine.

Help stop the spread of parvovirus in PG county. Get your dog vaccinated!

Washingtonian Magazine's Pet Issue

Washingtonian Magazine is preparing for its 2011 Pets Issue and has posted an online survey for the general public. Go to Washingtonian Pets Survey 2011 and help support the animal-related services and groups that you use and would recommend.

Kittens available for adoption

APAW Veterinary has received multiple abandoned kittens and is now looking for good homes for them. Check out these cuties below--and contact APAW directly if you'd like to inquire about adopting at 301-552-3700.

Big husky lost in University Park--NOW HOME!

Crossposted:

Samba is still missing. We've looked all over UP and College Heights.
We're distraught. She has one brown eye and one blue eye. She is very
skinny because she's sick - and she is missing her collar. We need to
get her home and to the doctor. Here is a MD number if you see her:
301-531-4439

PG SPCA Fundraiser at Franklin's, 11/15

There's a PG SPCA fundraising day at Franklin's on 11/15--all day. Please tell your server that you'd like to participate, and a portion of your bill goes to help the animals!

Free Spay/Neuter Days, November 13-14

Location: Forestville, MD

Saturday, November 13 and Sunday, November 14

Thanks to a generous grant from the Snyder Foundation for Animals, Inc. the SPCA/HS of Prince George's County, Inc. will provide free spay/neuter surgery for the pets of qualified, limited-income county residents. If your pet needs a rabies shot, you will be required to cover that cost only.

Appointment required. For more information, please call (301) 262-5625, ext. 5 or send an email to clinic@pgspca.org.

DIRECTIONS TO THE CLINIC:
Take the Capital Beltway (I-495/I-95) to the MD-4 North/West/Pennsylvania Ave (Exit-11B towards Washington) and turn RIGHT onto Forestville Rd/Ritchie Rd. At the third stoplight, turn RIGHT onto D'Arcy Rd. The clinic is on the left side directly across from the former Prince George's County animal control facility.

Dog found in Cheverly rescued by HART

Luke, the big dog found by the Cheverly Metro at the beginning of September, has been rescued by HART.

Here is his info on the HART website:

http://www.hart90.org/PetDetail.aspx?id=6722

To those of you who walked him, offered to donate toward his expenses, offered to foster him, emailed on his behalf, or publicized his info, thank you. And a big thanks to HART for helping this guy!

Little black & tan dog found in Hyattsville is at MoCo shelter

Crossposted:

An unaltered male tricolor dog the shelter is calling a Pug/Chihuahua mix was found near 41ST STREET, HYATTSVILLE and taken to the shelter on 10/17. For more information, call the shelter at 240-773-5960 and ask about 245 - ID#A345190.

His record is at this link and the photo can be viewed here.

Please watch for lost posters, and pass this information along to your neighbors. The number and web address for the shelter are below. Please note that the shelter computers are malfunctioning this week and information on Pet Harbor is not being updated, so it's doubly important that you call and visit the shelter.

Thanks very much.

Robin Siegel
Volunteer, Montgomery County Animal Shelter
http://www.flickr.com/photos/robinsiegel/sets/72157594579349103/
http://mcmdlostpets.blogspot.com/
http://www.mchumane.org
240-773-5960

Black lab spotted

A large dark dog--perhaps a black lab--was seen around nine tonight on the top of Crest Ave.

Fabulous dog being fostered in Cheverly

Beamer (two-year old lab mix) has been in Cheverly for a month--and is doing so nicely! She is great with other dogs and a model house guest! She's a little shy at first, but warms up quickly. You can follow her adventures on her blog! For more info, check out her petfinder page, too.

Saturaday, Oct 16 - National Feral Cat Day

Celebrating the 10th anniversary of National Feral Cat Day helps to remind our community that Trap‐Neuter‐Return (TNR) and other humane programs for feral cats are in the best interest of the cats and the community. Please keep this in mind as you enjoy your day.

Free Cat & Rabbit Adoptions for One Week...

...at the League (Animal Welfare League of Arlington)! To ease overcrowding for the cats already waiting for homes and make room for new cats and kittens coming in to their shelter every day, they are offering free adoptions of all cats at least one year old and $50 kitten adoptions from October 9-17. All cats are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated. All rabbit adoptions are also free during that same week. Won't you come meet a pet who needs you today?


If you are in the market for a furry friend (like Bowie, above), we highly encourage you to check them out.

Rescued Cheverly kittens available for adoption

Because of strong dedication and great persistence by some of our wonderful town residents, these two ADORABLE kittens were rescued from a hard life of living on the streets. They're a couple of months old and both are social, happy and healthy. The black one is still a bit shy at first, but warms up quickly.

If you're interested in finding out more about these kitties or even meeting them, please contact cheverlycarneys@gmail.com.





We'd also like to recognize the devotion and effort of everybody involved in helping to TNR the feral mother of these two. So far this year, several wonderfully committed volunteers have stepped forward to assist, coordinate and TNR other neighborhood feral cats. We should also extend a big thanks to those that stepped up to foster, market and adopt out several homeless Cheverly cats and kittens.

We still have a long way to go, but it's great to see so many involved in reducing the homeless and feral cat population of our town. If anybody else is interested in helping in this matter, please use the Contact Us button to let us know. We're building a coalition!

Lost 2 pitbull puppies!!!! (Hyattsville/Riverdale)

Crossposted:

Lost 2 pitbull pups near i-295 Riverdale hyattsville area. One is a 9 month old brown brindle with white chest, paws, partial back of neck, very tip of tail and from the nose thru the middle of the eyes. The other is a female pup 5 months old black(seal) and white paws, chest, neck, and right side of the snout. If you have seen one or both please send me an email,text, or call @ 202-674-4485 or Orlandorei37@aol.com. My kids and wife and I miss them very much!!! God bless!!!!

Two lost black dogs seen in Mount Rainier

We received the following:

I saw two small black dogs running around at Bunker Hill and Eastern (Mt Rainier/DC border) yesterday around 2:15 p.m. Both maybe about 20 lbs? One matted up, the other not visibly so-- but i was looking at them from across eastern ave (yikes). so i wasn't that close to them. i took a pic, but the dogs were right next to each other, so in the pic there looks as though there is only one. bad pic, but see the pic below.

Someone just told me that she saw them in Mt. Rainier today (9/28/10) on 32nd between Shepherd and and Taylor.

Another lost cocker spaniel!

Via another Cheverly resident, this morning:

I saw a wandering cocker spaniel (I think -- I'm lousy with dog breeds) near the Kilmer/Lake curve. The dog was quite dirty around the belly and legs -- it looked like it had been loose for a while. It was wearing a red collar. Though the dog came toward me, it repeatedly shied away when I tried to check for tags.

Twenty minutes ago, the dog was heading down the Lake hill from Kilmer. I hope it is home safe soon (if not by now).

Handsome big boy running out of time at the shelter

This handsome boy, found in Cheverly, is running out of time at the shelter. If you can foster or adopt, please, please let us know (contact the shelter directly about adopting)! He's about 2 years old, around 80 lbs, and appears to be housetrained. He is great with people and good with other dogs, too!

http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/17340201

This dog comes with $200 in sponsorship to a rescue that can take him; there may be additional funding available.

Found: cocker spaniel

A golden cocker spaniel was found in a wooded area just off of the park road going to Euclid Street Park. The dog is safe now and has been reunited with the owner. This dog was an outside-only dog and escaped from his yard--please keep your pets inside when unattended, so that they are safe!

The power of identification

We don't usually post personal tales here--but here is one from this evening.

A neighbor came by my house this evening with a lovely dog that she had found while walking her own dog. I currently have four dogs in my house (three are mine, plus a foster), and I cannot hold on to another dog right now while looking for an owner.

My neighbor has a rescue dog, too, and has met many of my fosters as well as other dogs that I've found. Together we were able to remove the dog's collar, contact the owner, and hold a reunification in the yard in about five minutes! The owner had been out looking for his girl for more than three hours and was just delighted to hear from us!

Three cheers for identification! To the owner of this lovely dog--thank you SO much for having ID on your dog! We were so happy to be able to reunite you with your pup so quickly! To my neighbor--three cheers for you for helping this dog!

Yay ID! Yay neighbor!

Loose dog on 63rd Avenue

This dog has been caught and is with a neighbor. If this is your dog please call 240-381-5512.


Hi friends,

Just saw a loose dog on 63rd Ave, between Laurel and Inwood; he's friendly and curioius - wiggled away from me and ran on his way. Had tags; bone-shaped tag said "Sarge" I think. Looks like lab mix, golden with some gray on his muzzle.

Doggie dip pictures

Here are several pictures from the recent doggie dips--check out the pups having a blast! Thanks to those who sent pics!

URGENT: Cats in need of new home immediately!

A fellow Cheverly resident will be moving overseas soon to work for a US embassy in Africa. Unfortunately, their two cats cannot come along. They've been trying to find a no-kill shelter or someone to adopt them, with no success. Moskowicz is a male orange tabby and Velvet is a solid dark gray female with green eyes. They are siblings and the preference is to keep them together if at all possible. They are approx. 5 years old, spayed/neutered and are up to date with all vaccinations. They are NOT declawed, as they currently spend about half their time outside. Both are very affectionate, and have lived with dogs their entire life.

Please contact Chris at pinga245@yahoo.com if you or somebody you know is interested. Urgency is needed as the owner departs for Africa in the first weekend of October.





*On a related note, there are many reasons to consider adopting an adult cat. Here are just a few.

Dog found in Cheverly now available for adoption from the PG Shelter

This handsome big boy was found in Cheverly about a week ago, and taken to the shelter. His owner has not reclaimed him, and he is now available for adoption! He's about 80-100 lbs, very sweet, and LOVES attention! He is good with other dogs, and generally a lot of fun!

If you'd like to consider fostering, please contact us and we'll work with you to try and find a rescue group to commit to this nice boy!

Shelter contact info:

3750 Brown Station Road
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
301-780-7200

Beamer is coming to Cheverly tomorrow!

Meet Beamer (Miss Bea to her friends)! She's a sweet yellow lab mix who ended up in a high kill shelter in January. When the shelter was told it had to downsize from 200 to about 30 dogs in a matter of weeks, a vet took Bea in to keep her from being euthanized. Until she came to the DC area, she was living in an outside kennel with a few pals, hoping for a family of her own.

Bea is timid at first with new situations, and needs a family who will be patient with her as she settles in and learns that she's safe. She takes treats very gently, and cautiously wags her tail at any affection. She is happier with other dogs than on her own and would do best in an adult-only home.

Breed Estimate: Labrador Retriever mix
Sex: female
Approximate weight: 55 pounds (she's 10 pounds underweight right now)
Approximate age: 2 y.o.
Location: Cheverly!
Coat Type: short; typical lab
Personality: a bit timid but very sweet

Greenbelt Pooch Plunge, September 11 and 12

Have at it!

Washington Humane's Walk for the Animals

5th AnnualWalk for the Animals

Celebrating animals and walking to end pet homelessness. Activities. Vendors. Entertainment.

Saturday, September 25
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Marie Reed Learning Center
2200 Champlain St. NW
Washington, DC 20009

How could anybody resist a face like this?

Didi is a wonderful and sweet little girl. She is loving and affectionate. She loves to take walks and also curl up next to you. She really wants most to be someone's companion and she likes to hang out right by her boarder's side whenever she gets the chance. She likes other dogs and does well with children and adults. She will be a fantastic pet for just about anyone.

If you're interested in getting to know more about her, please visit her Petfinder page.

via another Cheverly resident:

A black and white sheltie named Lucy broke her leash and took off around noon from the corner of Kilmer and Belleview. Her owner is out driving looking for her but if you see or find her - she does have tags - try to entice her to a safe place and let her owner know.


If you've seen this dog, please leave a comment or let us know via the Contact Us button to the right of the screen.

Prince George's County Shelter Community Open House

Our local shelter's hosting a Community Open House on Saturday, 9/18 from 10am to 3pm. Their flier says they will have "pet vendors, local veterinarians, local animal rescue groups, responsible pet ownership seminars and workshops, and will offer child-friendly activities." They will also provide "information on low-cost pet vaccinations and spay/neuter clinics."

Check it out:

3750 Brown Station Road
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
301-780-7200

Missing a dog? Could it be this one?

Anyone missing or recognize the pooch in the attached pictures?
He was found tonight near the entrance to the Cheverly Metro. Very
friendly but (of course) no tags.

If you think you know who this dog belongs to, please let us know via the contact us button on the right hand side of the page.