Some Sobering Statistics YOU Need to Know...

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I thought about posting this on the Rescued Doodles group, but it is something every member of DK needs to be aware of.
While browsing some of my favorite rescue websites this morning, I came across the following statistic:
Every day in the U.S., 10,000 babies are born
Every day in the U.S., 70,000 puppies & kittens are born.

If you do the math, this comes to more than 25-and-a-half BILLION cats and dogs per year in the United States alone.
Even accounting for the estimated 10's of millions of free-roaming and feral animals, this is an unacceptable number. Even worse, these numbers are from 2002...I doubt that it has improved much since then.
8-10 million kittens, cats, puppies, and dogs enter U.S. shelters each year. My Jack was one of the 54% who made it out alive. That leaves about 4.6 million who didn't.
Please, if you have not already done so, have your pets spayed or neutered. Make the appointment today.
(If you are not already a breeder, and are thinking how much fun it would be to have a litter or two of puppies running around your house, please think again. Breeding dogs is not something to be taken lightly, and it is NOT a good way to get rich...ask any of the breeder-members here.)
Please...make that appointment today.
Jack and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

[9pavxfihcp80]

Absolutely agree. Preventive measures are always a better alternative.

[Paula]

Great post! Thanks for the reminder. Jack is one lucky doodle boy having you for a mom! There are many wonderful dogs in shelters. I rescued my last dog, Joey, from a shelter and he went on to have 9 wonderful years with us.

[Lynne Fowler-Oodles of Doodles]

If laws were changed to only allow licenced and responsible breeders and shut down ALL puppy mills around the country, imagine how many more unwanted, sheltered dogs would be out of that number.

[Nancy Sunderland]

I agree with you Lynne, why on earth these mills are allowed to remain open is a mystery to me...

[Lynne Fowler-Oodles of Doodles]

Thanks Nancy. The laws and attitudes towards animals needs to change, first. Until all animals are seen as having feelings then there will always be those who exploit them and why WE have to be their voice.

[gene]

I agree Karen. As the proud father of 2 rescues and a foster father of a rescue myself, that is very depressing. I would love to help them all...but know I can't. Just makes me sad.....

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

You do so much, Gene! More than most people (even rescue people) could manage!
As Lynne & I always say:
"If one by one is good enough for God
It will have to do for me."
Thanks for all you do for the doodles.

[Leslie and Halas]

Those numbers are shocking. I can't believe so many are born every day. Halas is neutered. His breeder required it, but I would have done it anyway. I think a lot of breeders require it or do it before the puppies even go home, so that helps. But that's a case of responsible breeders continuing to be responsible. It's the irresponsible breeders and those who support them (often unknowingly) that help add to the problem. It's sad.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

And all the puppies who come from the blasted pet stores, too.
And all the people who think they might want to breed their dog for fun.
It IS sad...but when people come together as we have here, it gives me so much hope!

[Tamara & Giada]

That is awful!!! Never would dream of breeding for fun!!! ALL my pets except for Giada have been rescues, and have already vowed to myself all my future pets will be rescues.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

That's wonderful, Tamara. But I also never mean to imply that there is anything wrong with buying a puppy from a conscientious, ethical breeder. Rescue is not always the right choice for everyone, although when it works, it's life-affirming. The important thing is to be an informed dog-parent...and this site certainly helps us all do our best. Thanks for your comments.

[Gwen A]

Go to together like Cute and Cuter.