A Pet's View / December 2005
All Fur Love
Thousands of children will receive a small, furry bundle of love as a present this month. The sweet warmth of puppies and kittens has always represented the giving, loving nature of the season. But for every puppy and kitten that will find a happy new home for the holidays, hundreds will be left to fend for themselves, cold, hungry and alone.
Before buying from a breeder, consider the puppies and kittens from the local humane society or shelter. Young animals of every breed and every combination come through the doors of a shelter. Or, consider a pet that is grown. Dogs over a year old have usually lost the excess energy and chewing tendencies of their puppyhood, and many are already house trained. For homes with very small children, older dogs can often be a better choice.
Kittens remain kittens only briefly but they often live twenty years or more. Although shelters are overwhelmed with kittens in the spring because it is breeding season, in the winter, those babies have become grown or almost grown cats. But, they still need homes.
Nothing melts the materialism and commercialism of the holidays to insignificance like the cold nose and warm heart of a rescued pet. It’s easy to lose sight of the reason for the season under piles of glitter and presents, but it shines through in the eyes and unending devotion of a lost, lonely pet. Parents looking for ways to teach children to share and to think of others first, will find few as effective as bringing home an abandoned creature and making it part of the family.
If there is no room at the condo, remember the homeless pets that must endure long winter nights locked in cages. Shelters welcome national brand pet food, office supplies, paper products, cleaning materials and cash donations to help pay for veterinary care and transportation.
Celebrate the spirit of the season with a burst of humanity-at the animal shelter.
The Humane Society of Parkersburg, corner of 29th and Poplar off Murdoch Avenue, open Monday through Friday from 10-5 and Saturday from 10-4. 304-422-5541.
The Kanawha/Charleston Humane Association, 1248 Greenbriar Street, open Monday through
Saturday from 12-6, Sunday from 12-5. 304-342-1576
The Ohio County Animal Shelter, RD2 Box 370BB in Triadelphia, WV, 304-547-1013.
The Belmont County Animal Shelter, 45244 National Road West, St Clairsville, Ohio, 740-695-4708.
The Marshall County Animal Shelter, 12th Street in Moundsville, 304-845-9770.
In New Martinsville area, the Wetzel County Animal Shelter, RR2 Box 57, 304-455-5348.
The Brooke County Animal Shelter, 1801 Allegheny Street in Follansbee, WV, 304-527-3987.
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