by Suzanne K. Gassner
Another Form Of March Madness
If you listen very carefully you can almost hear it. And if you take a deep breath you can even smell it. The subtle signs of spring are all around us and it won’t be long until all that is quietly stirring blooms to life. Yes, spring is almost here! With the scent of spring comes the promise of sunshine, warmer temperatures and lots of homeless animals.
This is a busy time at animal shelters all across the country for it’s the natural mating season of any dog or cat that is not spayed or neutered. This is a heartbreaking, chronic problem in our country. Each year millions of healthy, adoptable cats and dogs are killed because there are not enough responsible homes for them. An unsprayed female cat and her offspring can produce 420,000 homeless cats in a seven year period. In just six years, one female dog and her young can produce 67,000 unwanted dogs. The tremendous pet overpopulation problem strains the budgets and resources of animal welfare agencies dedicated to aiding homeless animals.
For the Humane Society of Missouri, this mission includes rescue, investigation of cruelty and neglect, comprehensive veterinary medical care, rehabilitation for horses and farm-type animals and education for all ages on the care and appreciation of animals in our lives. Our goal is to eliminate pet overpopulation through an affordable spaying and neutering option as in the options below:
City SNIP – free spay/neuter surgeries to St. Louis City residents.
SNIP – available to Missouri residents for $19.99 per surgery.
SNOW Spay/Neuter Now – available to Missouri or Illinois resident for $99.99 per surgery.
Surgery appointments can be made by calling 314- 951-1534. Don’t wait, many lives tomorrow depend on your responsible action today.
The typical storms in the Midwest are another factor in the number of animals turning up at agency doors. Lightning and thunder are common fears of many dogs and cats.
Anxious animals will climb fences, dig under enclosures or bolt out of opened doors in a vain attempt to escape the noise. Many lost pets are unable to find their way home and are often the victims of accidents, starvation and dehydration, animal fights, disease, abuse or worse.
How can we protect our pets? By being proactive. Even if your pet has never stepped foot outside of your home unleashed, consider the worst case scenario and prepare. Accidents do happen. Have your pet micro-chipped to be certain that permanent identification is in place. A micro-chip is the size of a small grain of rice and contains a number issued only to your pet. It is injected under the skin in the scruff of the neck and is no more painful than a simple vaccination. If a collar is removed or lost, your pet still has a voice and can be traced back to you. To help offset the number of lost animals, the Humane Society of Missouri is offering this valuable service during the month of March for the nominal fee of $19.95. Call 314-951-1534 to make an appointment.
We can all help to make a dent in the pet overpopulation and stray animal problems by taking quick, inexpensive action today to prevent heartache and loss of lives tomorrow. The Humane Society of Missouri stands ready to help!
Suzanne Gassner is the director of education for the Humane Society of Missouri. Visit the Humane Society’s website at www.hsmo.org and click on EDUCATION to register your child for fun summer programs. Our Kids for Critters Camps and Animal Adventure classes fill up fast. Register today!
Please visit our booth at the Healthy Planet Natural Living Expo, March 10 in Webster Groves.