Things you can do to help animals
Posted Mar 11, 2010 By Tanya M. Ursual
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Tweet ThisEMC Lifestyle - If you read this column weekly, then chances are you are an animal lover. You are one of those compassionate people who cares deeply about the welfare of animals. Compassion is, in definition, the awareness of the suffering of another and the desire to end that suffering in some way. It is what makes us human and is one of the most important qualities we can possess. If you care about the welfare of animals and have wondered what you could do to help, here is a list of eight things you can keep in mind.
1) Adopt a shelter animal and give it a second chance at a good life. Avoid purchasing an animal and choose instead to take in an animal already seeking a good home.
2) Be a responsible pet owner yourself and set a good example for others. Treat your own animal with dignity and respect and others will see that an animal's loyalty can be earned through kindness and positive, reward-oriented efforts.
3) Always spay/neuter your pet. Inform others about the importance of spaying/neutering their own pet in an effort to control the pet population. An uncontrolled population of pets leads to abandonment and situations where there are more animals then good homes available.
4) Support your local animal shelter. They are helping animals every day but need your support to keep up their efforts. You can either volunteer at the shelter, support them financially or even just attend their events to show you care.
5) Learn to recognize the signs of animal cruelty. Notice things like missing fur, wounds, thinness, limping, fear or animals that seems neglected or left too long in cold weather.
6) When you suspect animal cruelty, abuse or neglect, follow through and call the cruelty line. Your call could make all the difference for an animal who does not have a voice of its own.
7) Teach children how to care for animals. Reinforce that animals deserve to be treated with kindness and respect. Parents, talk to your children and lead by example. Teachers, perhaps incorporate this important message into a classroom activity of some kind.
8) If you find a stray animal, call your local Animal Control Officer. It is important that strays go to their appropriate shelter until their owners or a new adoptive home can be found.
Doing even one of these things can ensure the well-being of animals, in both the short and long-term.
THIS WEEK'S PETS
Just in time for your next special occasion, here is Tolkien our black and white tuxedo cat. This handsome one-year-old, short-haired, female feline is all fun and festivities. She comes fully dressed in her spring ready-to-wear formal outfit. So break out the champagne and celebrate a new beginning in style with Tolkien.
Spooky came to the shelter as a stray - he could hardly open his eyes, and was a very quiet and somewhat grumpy cat. He had corneal ulcers in both eyes, which we treated for over a month. Once the ulcers healed, he was diagnosed with entropion in both eyes, which was probably the cause of the ulcers. Entropion is a painful condition where the eyelid is slightly inverted and the eyelashes press inwards on the surface of the eyeball. It is usually genetic, so poor Spooky was probably born with this condition.
Thanks to a kind donor, Spooky's eyelids were surgically repaired. His disposition changed almost immediately - he became a sweet affectionate cat, who plays and explores the world he can now see and enjoy. Spooky now looks forward to finding a home of his own, and someone to love!
Baily is a good-natured, two-and-a-half-year-old, black Labrador Retriever mix that came to LAWS as a surrendered pet. Her previous owners did not have time to spend with her, and as a result, when left alone inside the home, Baily experienced separation anxiety and became destructive. We feel that, given time, training and lots of love, Baily will become more secure and adapt well to a new adoptive home. Her new owners may find that crate training Baily will help her feel safe when she is left alone. There are many resources available on the web to deal with separation anxiety. Of course, a stay-at-home family would also be great for Baily until she adjusts to her new life and gains self-confidence.
Avery is a nine-month-old, Lab and Mastiff Mix. This oversized goofball is all heart. His previous owner just couldn't keep him any more. Avery is well mannered, and good with children and cats. This big puppy can't wait to become part of a family again!
Lanark Animal Welfare Society is located on Glenview Road, just off of Highway 43, about 2 kms west of Smiths Falls. The shelter is open Monday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Write to us at P.O. Box 156, Smiths Falls, ON K7A 4T1 or contact us at 613-283-9308, fax 283-0982 or email at shelter@lanarkanimals.ca. Visit our website at www.lanarkanimals.ca.
To report an animal that is being abused or neglected call the LAWS cruelty line at 613-283-9360. All calls are confidential. If you have found or lost an animal please visit our website to find the phone number of your local animal control Officer.
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