If you watched Oprah today, you already know where I’m headed.  If you didn’t catch it, at least check out the summary of it at www.Oprah.com

Oprah admitted to not having obtained her dogs through a shelter but now says it is the only way she will ever obtain a dog again – after seeing what really goes on at “puppy mills.” 

The saddest part for me was the segment on the Fort Worth Animal Shelter.  Having visited there myself in the past, it was particularly sad knowing that over 40 animals a day are euthanized.  The program showed the Animal Shelter’s staff preparing some adorable dogs for euthanasia – as the dogs wagged their tails before being led to the room where they would be “put to sleep.”  It was also terribly sad watching the multiple body bags being dumped into a trash dumpster – which will later make its way to a landfill.   I will say this – it’s not always easy to adopt a pet from a shelter.  When our kids were much younger (about 7 and 3), it was virtually impossible to adopt a dog from the Fort Worth shelter.  I remember going there in search of a dog only to see sign after sign (on each of the cages) that indicated the dogs could not be adopted into families with children younger than 8 years old.  I’m not certain why this is the case but I guess it was because younger children could become too rough with the dog which in turn could cause the dog to become aggressive – which might result in the animal being returned to the shelter.  However, if you are a responsible parent AND pet owner, you will supervise the interactions between your kids and your new pet!   When there are over 40 animals being euthanized daily (at just that one shelter) – why not consider a family with younger kids? 

Oprah announced that the Fort Worth shelter would begin (later this summer) providing free spaying and neutering, in hopes of having more animals adopted.  What a great idea!  Adopting a pet is not cheap but neither is the lifelong commitment to the pet.  I don’t understand pet owners who don’t  spay or neuter their animals!  There are clinics that offer this service at a reasonable price.  Hey, here’s an idea – why don’t members of the American Veterinary Medical Association offer free spaying and neutering a couple times of year?  Every little bit helps.

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Remember our little Lucy (adopted from a local shelter)?  She is due to be spayed before too long.  We will do our part – now, please, do yours!