Any month is a great month to adopt a pet, but the ASPCA has officially declared October as adopt a shelter dog month.
There are many beautiful things about adopting a shelter dog, cat, rabbit, or whatever pet you choose. I have been fortunate to have had many amazing dogs and a cat. My first dog Muffy, I adopted from the humane society in the early ’80s. He was a good boy and his time at the shelter was just about up before I adopted him.
Then came Sparky, a cat my neighbor kicked out of her apt when I was a student at SIU Carbondale, so I took her. Then Mackie, a beautiful westie. Then Wishbone, a beagle, very chill and sweet. And Jazzy, a schnorkie I met at a rescue meet and greet at a pet store. My latest is Kiba.
My son adopted Kiba, a pit bull mix in L.A., but he couldn’t take Kiba with him when he moved to a new place. I knew if he returned him to the shelter, he probably wouldn’t get adopted again since he was older and had been adopted and returned (due to no fault of his own), so I felt it was my responsibility to take him. I drove Kiba to STL from L.A. He’s been with me since June 2020 and to say he has changed me for the better is an understatement. Because of Kiba, I’m more compassionate and respectful of all animals and more patient with people.
Every day on Facebook, I see many great dogs and cats for adoption through rescue groups and shelters. A huge thank you to all the shelters and rescue groups, not only for all you do but for the heartbreak you must experience daily while trying to help. I know the shelters and rescues are full, yet they carry on and do their best with their resources. The sheer number of dogs and cats has got to be overwhelming. We all owe you a debt of gratitude for everything you do and try to do. Thank you to all the fosters and those who have adopted a shelter dog or cat.
The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated — Mahatma Gandhi.
In the September issue, I listed farmers markets in our area. A reader emailed me and said there is another excellent market: The Boulevard Farmers Market in Richmond Heights. They are coordinated by the same people who run the Tower Grove, Farmers Market. The Boulevard is open Sundays from 9-1 until the end of Oct.
Sincerely,
Susan Hunt-Bradford, Publisher
thpsusan@yahoo.com