A survey states that dogs are purchased to provide a person with a rare comfort and unexplained joy. In contrast with this, the number of abandoned pets is now common. In war-torn areas like Zimbabwe, pet dog abandonment is inevitable (inexcusable though).  What strikes a chord is the growing number of pet abandonment by people in adjustable circumstances.

In Japan, the season of personnel transfers in military bases have added to the number of strays the country has. Identity of their owner is known by a microchip implanted in pet dogs and a requirement by the base. Sadly, even if identity of owner is confirmed, shelter workers search the base only to find out they have been left deliberately to fend for themselves.

Hitting closer to home, a pet advocate found puppies, cats and dogs abandoned; all chanced upon in a week. One puppy was found dead while another had its paw cut off. The kittens were starving while the other dogs were in a state of abuse and neglect.

The advocate says that pet owners neglect to properly care for their pets, not anticipating that by not having it spayed or neutered result to lots of baby versions of their pets that need food, care and shelter too. They realize the cost and upkeep of having to care for a family of dogs makes owners scared, propelling them to abandon the helpless creatures in the wild.  Ironically, instead of surrendering unwanted pets to a shelter, they rather leave them on the side of the road. The reason being, they can't fathom the pets being euthanized if brought there.

Shelters are synonymous to havens for abandoned pets which help put them up for adoption. True, there are some pet shelters that euthanize animals too sickly, too old or too young and frail for the sake of the safety of the other animals in the shelter. Information campaigns through the internet and newspapers enable shelters find suitable homes for unwanted pets.  Everyone must understand that surrendering unwanted pets to shelters give them a better chance of survival than being thrown on the side of a dirt road. It rather funny hoe some pet owners repay a pet for its love and loyalty….