Very important topic. We struggle here in a rural mountain community within walking distance of major interstate. Mostly people are dumping cats and that's a huge problem with feral cats and elderly neighbors who put cat food out which in turn draws in ground hogs, skunks, possums, and raccoons to their feeders. Along with that population explosion and the consequences and damage to property as they seek shelter the entire neighborhood is stressed with packs of dogs and feral cats. New neighbors who bought property online, actually came up with a solution in part. They captured the cats and had the older males neutered and found an agency to spade the mothers and adopted out the kittens along with giving them shots. It's helped keep the population down. Still its so cruel in the winter when they freeze to death. Disabled and allergic we can't take any of them in.
I'm here as my mother's care giver (she's almost 93) but I actually live in Florida and this second hurricane is no doubt going to result in people who no longer can keep their beloved pets and add to the dumping of pets. Most landlords will not allow but one pet if they allow any, and with dogs they limit weight to under 25 pounds. Major housing shortages with investment clubs turning available properties into Airbnb's. Sadly, this is going to be a horrible death sentence for many furbabies.
Thank you for sharing these valid points. Cats don’t last long here in East Texas in the wild either. There are too many natural enemies. We keep our cat indoors. Our last cat, a rescue, used to try and escape outside at night whenever he could. One night he got away from me and, unfortunately, he never made it home again. It was so sad. The dogs do much better having access to the forest, although we have large dogs that are less likely to be hunted by predatory birds etc.
It is so encouraging to hear that your community at least came up with some answers for how to help the abandoned cats in your area.
Thank you, Lois, for this beautiful and inspiring post of advocacy and rescue. I luvluvluv seeing the photos of your dogs who are all amazing souls and, I must add, incredible writers.
I love animals. It is unfortunate that they have to be subjected to disasters. People leave them pinned up, chained or in cages, thinking they will be safe. Turn them a loose if you can't transport them, they have an amazing survival instinct. Glad you care about them.
Very moving. It is really sad so many animals are abandoned. Mexico is particularly tough on street animals as even though there are now, in some areas, free neutering clinics on a bi-or tri- annual basis. I wrote a blog a while back titled How Will Mexico Tackle Its Street Dog Problem? I didn't quite get death threats --but there were some unhappy campers who let me know it wasn't my business and the dogs were happy as they were. We adopted a sweet beach dog named Smiley. He would hang out for a couple wks, then move further down the beach, and eventually, maybe 3-4 wks later, be back. He had it wired, but not all dogs do. His mom, Princess Coconut, also a street dog, hung out at the fanciest restaurant in town, and always followed home a sweet young couple w/ the best 'doggie' bag. She'd stay by their side for a week, and when they left, another couple was in her cross-hairs. She was one smart cookie. I love rescue dogs. I guess they're like middle children—they know they have to negotiate with everyone to make it, haha. So nice of you to take on a new addition. All the best, Lois.
What a beautiful story Jeanine. I notice that different countries handle the strays in different ways. Some countries are very effective and generous in the way they treat the abandoned animals. Those of us who are “dog” people will always have a few dogs following us, whether they belong to us or not. My husband and I take care of a colony of feral cats in town as well because there is no local shelter. The group ranges from two to six cats - always growing and shrinking. I’m not sure what happens to the cats when they “disappear.” They’ve never allowed us to catch them, but we have been feeding them regularly for two years.
Thanks Lois. Haven't had many feral cats. Think the jungle is too dangerous for them maybe due to their size, though our Max the cat could handle them for a long long time (he crossed the Rainbow Bridge, the sweetie).
Thank you, Renato. All my dogs were Therapy Dogs when I was working full time. They were very talented and good at their work. Each had their own area of specialty.
Very important topic. We struggle here in a rural mountain community within walking distance of major interstate. Mostly people are dumping cats and that's a huge problem with feral cats and elderly neighbors who put cat food out which in turn draws in ground hogs, skunks, possums, and raccoons to their feeders. Along with that population explosion and the consequences and damage to property as they seek shelter the entire neighborhood is stressed with packs of dogs and feral cats. New neighbors who bought property online, actually came up with a solution in part. They captured the cats and had the older males neutered and found an agency to spade the mothers and adopted out the kittens along with giving them shots. It's helped keep the population down. Still its so cruel in the winter when they freeze to death. Disabled and allergic we can't take any of them in.
I'm here as my mother's care giver (she's almost 93) but I actually live in Florida and this second hurricane is no doubt going to result in people who no longer can keep their beloved pets and add to the dumping of pets. Most landlords will not allow but one pet if they allow any, and with dogs they limit weight to under 25 pounds. Major housing shortages with investment clubs turning available properties into Airbnb's. Sadly, this is going to be a horrible death sentence for many furbabies.
Thank you for sharing these valid points. Cats don’t last long here in East Texas in the wild either. There are too many natural enemies. We keep our cat indoors. Our last cat, a rescue, used to try and escape outside at night whenever he could. One night he got away from me and, unfortunately, he never made it home again. It was so sad. The dogs do much better having access to the forest, although we have large dogs that are less likely to be hunted by predatory birds etc.
It is so encouraging to hear that your community at least came up with some answers for how to help the abandoned cats in your area.
What a great family! This is a great message, Lois.
Thank you, Lois, for this beautiful and inspiring post of advocacy and rescue. I luvluvluv seeing the photos of your dogs who are all amazing souls and, I must add, incredible writers.
I love animals. It is unfortunate that they have to be subjected to disasters. People leave them pinned up, chained or in cages, thinking they will be safe. Turn them a loose if you can't transport them, they have an amazing survival instinct. Glad you care about them.
Very moving. It is really sad so many animals are abandoned. Mexico is particularly tough on street animals as even though there are now, in some areas, free neutering clinics on a bi-or tri- annual basis. I wrote a blog a while back titled How Will Mexico Tackle Its Street Dog Problem? I didn't quite get death threats --but there were some unhappy campers who let me know it wasn't my business and the dogs were happy as they were. We adopted a sweet beach dog named Smiley. He would hang out for a couple wks, then move further down the beach, and eventually, maybe 3-4 wks later, be back. He had it wired, but not all dogs do. His mom, Princess Coconut, also a street dog, hung out at the fanciest restaurant in town, and always followed home a sweet young couple w/ the best 'doggie' bag. She'd stay by their side for a week, and when they left, another couple was in her cross-hairs. She was one smart cookie. I love rescue dogs. I guess they're like middle children—they know they have to negotiate with everyone to make it, haha. So nice of you to take on a new addition. All the best, Lois.
What a beautiful story Jeanine. I notice that different countries handle the strays in different ways. Some countries are very effective and generous in the way they treat the abandoned animals. Those of us who are “dog” people will always have a few dogs following us, whether they belong to us or not. My husband and I take care of a colony of feral cats in town as well because there is no local shelter. The group ranges from two to six cats - always growing and shrinking. I’m not sure what happens to the cats when they “disappear.” They’ve never allowed us to catch them, but we have been feeding them regularly for two years.
Thanks Lois. Haven't had many feral cats. Think the jungle is too dangerous for them maybe due to their size, though our Max the cat could handle them for a long long time (he crossed the Rainbow Bridge, the sweetie).
Lovely stories and great photos, Lois! What an amazing dog family you have there.
Thank you, Renato. All my dogs were Therapy Dogs when I was working full time. They were very talented and good at their work. Each had their own area of specialty.
Yup. We have a rescue. She's a total hoot!
Rescues are the best!