Letter to the Editor
Hudson Star-Observer
12/21/2007
Alison Semotink PAWS member
Considering giving a pet as a gift? Research your options carefully. The decision to add a pet to your family is a life-long commitment.
Who can resist the face of a puppy pressed up against the window at a pet store? But, do you really know where that puppy comes from? The Midwest, including Wisconsin and Minnesota, is home to many puppy mills. These puppies are advertised online, in the newspaper and in many pet stores. Consider the price many are asking for the animals; the business can be very profitable.
In doubt? Both Wisconsin stations WGBA in Green Bay and TMJ-4 in Milwaukee aired exposes about puppy mills in Wisconsin and dog auctions (Thorp) in 2007 showing this deplorable business. And in our local news, a permit that was granted in 2007 to a massive breeder in Morrison County, Mn who received a permit to set up a 600 dog breeding facility.
Are there compassionate breeders? Absolutely, but be sure to do your homework and visit the home where your puppy was raised. Ask to see the parents of the pup. Are the parents socialized and free to exercise? Do the sellers take time to interview you as well? Are there numerous dogs on site or is the number of litters limited?
You can make a difference. With over 4 million dogs and cats euthanized each year due to neglect, victims of puppy mills and homelessness, consider adopting your next best friend. A great resource is www.Petfinder.com. Yes, you can find purebred and mixed breeds at animal shelters and at breed rescues that are loving, social and healthy. Choose wisely when choosing a pet. Thier commitment is lifelon, so should be yours.
The Meaning of Rescue
by Kim Pope
Now that I'm home, bathed, settled and fed.
All nicely tucked into my warm new bed.
I'd like to open my baggage, lest I forget
There is so much to carry, so much to regret.
Hmmm... Yes, there it is, right on top.
Let's unpack loneliness, heartache and loss,
And there by my bed hides fear and shame.
As I look on these things I tried so hard to leave,
I still need to unpack my baggage called "Pain".
I loved them, the others, the ones who left me,
But I wasn't good enough, they didn't want me.
Will you add to my baggage? Or will you help me unpack?
Will you look at my baggage, and then take me right back?
Or do you have the time to help me unpack?
To put away my baggage, and never repack?
I pray that you do - I'm so tired you see.
But I do come with baggage, will you still want "me"??
Submitted by Michelle Odden, a PAWS foster home
The greatest pleasure of a dog is that you may make a fool of yourself with him and not only will he not scold you, but he will make a fool of himself too.
~Samuel Butler
submitted by Shar @ Pawsitive
Spring is right around the corner and to us that means litter season is too. With the warmer, longer days there is always an increase in litters of kittens and puppies. Infortunately, along with litters there are thousands of kittens and puppies that do not find homes.
Unwanted pets have a life of loneliness. Roaming the streets of our St. Croix Valley communities, they have to find food, water, and shelter. Yes, they are in your neighborhood!
Please do not contribute to the pet over-population problem. Spay and neuter your pets. If you are considering a new pet, stay away from "For Sale" ads, pet stores, and "Free" ads/signs. Adopt from shelters and rescues. There are plenty of unwanted pets looking for loving homes
10 Reasons to Adopt a Cat
A cat:
• will fight depression and loneliness
• is entertaining to watch and fun to play with
• will cuddle up with you on a cold evening
• is independent and can be left alone
• will ward off unwanted mice and pests
• is comfortable in small spaces like apartments
• is very clean; they bathe themselves!
• needs just 15 minutes a day of playing
• is easy to house train, especially adult cats
• Indoor cats and spayed/neutered cats live for up to 20 years
• can help teach a child responsibility and humane values