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CONLEY COMMENTARY (WSAU) – An email was sent out from the Portage County Humane Society this week. It said that four dogs are on the “kill list” – that is, the animals will be put down if they aren’t adopted by the end of the year.
The email was sent out by staff at the shelter, not the managers at the humane society. The shelter’s Executive Director said they do not euthanize animals to free up space. And she adds that 99.5% of dogs in the shelter are saved, that is, they are rehomed.
There are certain situations where a dog needs to be put down. If they are hurt or injured to the point where they are in pain, they should be destroyed. Some dogs are vicious and are unsafe to be adopted. A dog that I once owned had to be destroyed. Abiah had epilepsy, which revealed itself as she became older. When she had a seizure she’d foam at the mouth and writhe on the floor. It was both scary and heartbreaking to watch. And if you would try to help her, she’d try to bite. She was more and more difficult to control as her body betrayed her. I still regret that she lived for only two years.
There are some humane society policies that I disagree with. Many shelters won’t allow adoptions during the holidays. Pets make bad surprise gifts. The receiver of a gifted animal needs to be fully aware, and willing, to take on the responsibility that’s being given to them. But for families who’ve already discussed that they want a dog, Christmas or New Years is a fine time to welcome an animal. I don’t agree with shelters that will make them wait.
Many shelters are still overcrowded from the COVID years, when many people thought they wanted a pet while they were homebound. They didn’t contemplate how the animal would be cared for when their lives returned to normal. And many shelters here are still crowded from hurricane orphans – pets they took in from hurricanes Helene and Milton.
A pet is a big responsibility. Yet almost all pet owners have a positive experience with their animals. There is something indescribable about a living thing that loves you unconditionally. If your heart is open to it, please consider adopting a pet that is waiting for you right now.
Chris Conley
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