I met these dogs at the county pound. All were available for adoption. Unfortunately, time was running out.
They were on death row. Seventy-two hours had elapsed since they were picked up as strays, and no one had come forward to claim them. Neither had anyone volunteered to adopt them. The cards bearing the letter "E" now hung from their cage doors. That's "E" as in euthansia. All these dogs were dead by the time most folks had finished their morning coffee the next day. Why? Because more animals were on the way.
Most counties in the United States kill seriously ill and injured animals that are brought in as strays that no one claims. They also kill perfectly healthy and adoptable dogs and cats to make room for the other stray animals they know come into the county animal control system every day of the week. It's not the fault of the dedicated and caring workers. Given the constraints of budget versus the overwhelming problem of too many animals and too few caring animal owners, they appear to have no option.
I don't particularly like the phrases "dog owner" and "cat owner." These words imply a sense of property rather than a valuable living soul. I believe a pet should be considered part of the family, not a disposable commodity. If you're considering bringing a dog or cat (or any other creature) into your family, please realize fully that it is a lifetime commitment. These creatures are the essence of unconditional love and acceptance. Love your animals. Play with your animals. Train your animals. Tag and license your animals. Never let your animals run loose. And spay/neuter your animals. Pet overpopulation combined with human insensitivity and lack of caring are the primary reasons behind the four faces you see above. I photographed them for a publicity campaign for a local animal rescue organization. Their faces remain with me to this day.
Save a life. Adopt your new family member from your local shelter or animal rescue organization.
