NATIONAL DOG DAY- Awareness of Homeless Animals

Annually celebrated on August 26, it is National Dog Day.  This day encourages dog ownership of all breeds, mixed and pure, and embraces the opportunity for all dogs to live a happy, safe and “abuse-free life”.  This day is intended to honor dogs for all that they do for us. In addition to giving love and companionship, dogs help us out in countless ways. They are watchdogs for our safety. They lead the blind. Dogs aid in search and rescue, and they seek out bombs and drugs.

It is a goal, for many on National Dog Day, to find homes for all dogs in need of a loving family.  The goal of the National Dog Day foundation is to rescue 10,000 dogs each year.

Many pet owners consider their pets to be an important part of their family, and therefore, treat them the same as they would any other family member―spoil them on their birthdays with special treats and toys, take them on fun family vacations to the beach or up north camping, even sharing their darkest and deepest secrets with their furry friends. However, not all pets receive this kind of loving royal treatment. In fact, most do not. In the United States, there are more animals living on the streets and in homeless shelters than there is living safely in homes. With between 2,000-3,500 cats and dogs born each hour in the United States alone, compared to only 415 humans who are born each hour, it is easy to understand why the number of homeless animals is so unbelievably high.

What Happens to Homeless Animals in the United States?

In each city, in every state, there are hundreds of homeless animals that are in search of a good home. Here are just a few statistics about where these animals typically end up:

  • In the United States alone, there are an estimated six to eight million homeless animals that enter shelters each year. However, only about half of these animals are adopted.
  • Most animals that enter shelters are not “street” animals or offspring of other homeless animals, but puppies and kittens of family pets.
  • The reason in which animals end up in animal shelters is evenly divided between animals who are given up by owners and those that are picked up by animal control.
  • Five out of ten dogs in shelters and seven out of ten cats in shelters are euthanized simply because no one adopted them.

What Can You Do To Help Homeless Animals?

There are certain factors that cannot be changed about the amount of homeless animals that we have in the United States, such as the fact that both cats and dogs have high reproduction rates which plays a large role in their number of births. However, there are certain steps that you can take as an animal enthusiast to limit the problem:

  • Spay/Neuter your pets: One of the most important things you can do as a pet owner to limit the amount of homeless animals is to spay or neuter your own pet. This will ensure that they cannot bring any more animals into the world that need to be taken care of.
  • Adopt from a shelter or rescue group: By choosing a pet from a shelter, you are not only saving an animal from a possibly horrible fate, but you are also reducing the amount of homeless pets in the world.
  • Donate or volunteer: If you are not ready to adopt or own a pet, simply donating your time or money to an animal shelter or rescue group can significantly help with the amount of homeless pets in the United States by providing funding to house and feed local sheltered animals.

Featured Dogs: Bert and Ernie 4-5 months old

Bert 8-19-14 001Bert makes a striking impression! He has contrasting black, brown and white markings! Bert is so excited about his new chance at life. His favorite dream includes belly rubs, cuddles, walks, regular meals, toys, a clean bed and plenty of unconditional love. He is full of puppy energy and love. He needs consistency and training.

 

 

Ernie 8-19-14 002Ernie is a happy-go-lucky little puppy whose tail is always wagging. He loves to play, explore in the backyard and house, and has almost figured out how to fetch. He is a smart little puppy and is working on other basic doggy manners. He will make a superb addition to an active family. High energy

 


Other Available Dogs:

Stella- Puggle. Great little dog, housetrained good with other dogs and loves going for walks.

Featured Cats: 3 little kittens. Not available to go home for 2 weeks

Kiwi 8-13-14 003Kiwi is one fun-loving (and adorable!) little kitty. She has a curiosity that can’t be matched and is always looking for a new adventure. Kiwi’s never come across a toy she didn’t like or a person she didn’t immediately befriend. Gray and white 6 weeks old

 

 

Twix 8-13-14 001Twix, he purrs as soon as you reach out your hand to pet him, and he is getting into this “holding and petting” thing. He’s so quiet and sweet when you hold him that you may forget he’s even in your lap, except for all of the purring. Orange male 6 weeks old.

 

 

Cupcake 8-13-14 002Cupcake is one fun-loving (and adorable!) little kitty. She has a curiosity that can’t be matched and is always looking for a new adventure. She has never come across a toy she didn’t like or a person she didn’t immediately befriend. Gray and white tabby 6 weeks old.

 

 

Other Available Cats:

TuesdayTuesday Morning- Female black and white. Needs to be the only cat in home. Friendly girl.

All animals will be spayed or neutered prior to leaving shelter and receive 1 year rabies vaccination and city license. Ages are approximated.

The City of Mesquite Animal Shelter located at 795 Hardy Way is open for adoptions from 11am until 1 pm, Monday through Saturday, Sunday 1pm -3pm. Please call 702-346-7415 during these hours to speak to the front desk. Animal Control may be reached by phone or voicemail at 702-346-5268.

The animals submitted to the media may have changes so please visit our Petfinder website for a current listing and more detailed information on the animals. www.mesquiteanimalshelter.petfinder.com.