" You left me in the Cold
Said I was too Old

I wanted to know Why
You left with no Goodbye

I waited in the Rain
Never saw the lights through all the Pain "

Poem thing I wrote to go with the picture

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Tens of thousands of unwanted animals are surrendered to animal shelters each year. Many more are abandoned in areas where their likely fate is death by accident, starvation, disease or from predators, with the estimated number of companion pets killed by motor vehicles in the United States annually being 26 million cats and 6 million dogs.


Four million cats and dogs — about one every eight seconds — are put down in U.S. shelters each year. Often these animals are the offspring of cherished family pets. Spaying/neutering is a proven way to reduce pet overpopulation, ensuring that every pet has a family to love them. The cost of spaying or neutering a pet is less than the cost of raising puppies or kittens for one year.


How do dogs end up in shelters?

Each year millions of innocent dogs and cats are tortured, neglected, abandoned, and abused. These "castoffs" or strays struggle to survive under stressful and, often, horrific circumstances – alone at the mercy of the elements, without food or water, without the care or aid of human beings, without love and compassion, and without hope of companionship, friendship, help, or support from people. Ultimately, these animals end up in municipal animal shelters or welfare organizations, and if they are too weak or ill, or in any way display aggressive behavior (keep in mind that they are terrified and traumatized in their new environment), they will be euthanized.

Some of the animals in animal shelters or rescue organizations have been born and raised in puppy mills and never experienced life outside a crate. Others are the inadvertent victims of greedy and irreputable backyard breeders. Others have been someone's family members and have been surrendered to an animal welfare organization or shelter because of various reasons (i.e. divorce, separation, relocation, financial loss and so on) that we may never comprehend.

The numbers of abandoned pets escalate over the Christmas and Easter periods when 'owners' choose to abandon their animals rather than arrange alternative accommodation for them while they are away, or pets given as Christmas presents lose their 'cute and cuddly' appeal and are discarded. Many animals end up at animal shelters and if no homes are found for them, through no fault of their own, they are killed.
Owners who choose to drop a pet off at one of these shelters are only giving that pet a 36% chance of survival.


Pet stores, breeders, and puppy mills.

Can you imagine forcing your pet dog to live his or her entire life in a small wire cage with no human companionship, toys, or comfort, and little hope of ever becoming part of a family? That is what life is like for a puppy mill breeding dog. Help us stop this cycle of cruelty that contributes to pet overpopulation and the suffering of countless dogs.

"Puppy Farms", or "Puppy Mills", mass-produce puppies for sale on the internet, through ads, brokers or at pet shops. Unsuspecting buyers contribute to the problem.

Pet shops encourage impulse buying, and when cute puppies and kittens lose their appeal and grow into adult dogs and cats they are often dumped or end up at an animal shelter.

There are many reasons to adopt a rescue dog rather than purchasing one from a breeder or pet store. Many people assume that if they buy a dog from either of these sources, it will be healthier and sounder. This is a misconception, as many dogs sold to pet stores come from puppy mills where, until they are sold, are kept in deplorable conditions, confined in crates that are small and cramped and piled upon each other, fed inadequate diets, given dirty or contaminated water, and provided with little, if any veterinary care.


Adopt a Pet


If you decide to get a puppy or kitten, dog or cat, go along to an animal shelter and select one from there. Most will be the results of unplanned pregnancies, found abandoned, or delivered to the refuge at an early age. All pets taken from a welfare agency are checked, and treated if necessary, by a veterinary surgeon before being placed. All are either desexed before leaving the shelter, or are issued with a desexing voucher.

By adopting a companion animal you are taking the responsibility of caring for the animal for its whole life - that is a great commitment and one that is not to be taken on lightly. There are many issues to consider before introducing a companion animal into your family, and these include; desexing, identification & registration, surgical procedures and responsible ownership, as well as deciding on where to obtain your new friend.


Advantages of adopting a shelter dog

1. You'll save a life

One of the most significant benefits of adopting a shelter dog is that you are saving the life of a sentient creature that is in desperate need of a loving home. Innocent and vulnerable, she depends upon human beings for her care and well-being and will learn to trust and love her "guardians."

2. Sense of fulfillment

It is very fulfilling to save a life and watch it blossom and flourish with love, care, appreciation, and respect.

3. Improved quality of life

Rescue dogs have the ability to lift your spirits as well as improve the quality -- and increase the longevity -- of your life. The health benefits associated with adopting a companion animal like a dog are many and even scientifically substantiated. Your furry friend will benefit both your physical and emotional health.

4. Unconditional love

A rescued dog knows he has been "saved" and is grateful, loyal, and unconditionally loving. He is eager and content to become a beloved member of your family.

Adopting a rescue dog may require more time, attention, effort, and patience from an adopter than a dog that has not been abused or neglected. However, the joy and gratification to be derived from saving a dog in need are boundless.



<sub>Sources: [link] [link] [link] [link] [link]

Painted from scratch in Adobe Photoshop CS5 with a Wacom Tablet. Referenced from my own photos.

Art copyright *CobraVenom</sub>