It seems that every year at this time we find ourselves in the same situation. Shelters across the country are either at capacity or beyond capacity. The bottom line is it is taking its toll on rescue organizations and the people who run them.
We preach neuter and spay to no avail. At this point, I am not sure what the answer is.
There are low-cost neuter and spay clinics available. In some cases, the clinics are free. Still, here we are, with our rescue centers at capacity.
With all of the programs available and all of the rescues working so hard, sometimes I can’t help but wonder: Are we enabling people? Are we saying, “It’s O.K. to go out and get that pet you can’t afford and we will take care of the bill”? We have provided pet food pantries for those who can’t afford to feed their pets. Again, are we saying, “It’s O.K., we will feed your pet”?
We take your pregnant females until they deliver and the kittens are weaned, and we return your female cat, all spayed, to you at no charge.
We take your pets when you decide you no longer want them.
We are the ones you call when you are looking for help with vet care.
It seems that rescues have no limitations on what is expected of them. Despite our best efforts, we cannot be everything to everyone.
We are tired, we are emotional and we are all suffering from compassion fatigue. What does that mean? It means we will take on more than we can handle and our hearts will not let us say no when it comes to the sick or injured.
So for all of you out there who have pets that are not altered, please do the right thing: neuter and spay your pets. That is the only way this madness will end.
Can you imagine the reality if there were no spaying and neutering clinics or food pantries? Better yet, can you imagine if there were no rescue organizations?
We work hard and we believe in the work we do. We are here to educate and to help when needed. The only thing we ask is for you to make educated decisions and do your homework before getting a pet. Do not get a pet if you cannot afford one. Neuter and spay.
Thank you for your continued support, and as always, thank you for reading our column.
The Ark Animal Sanctuary is located at 102 Old Woodstock Rd., Houlton. Visit them online at arkanimalsanctuary.org/home, call 532-7387 or check out their Facebook page.
