Local Voices Opinion Column in Sandusky Register- Adopt a Shelter Pet!

If you are considering adding a furry, four-legged family member to your home, may I encourage you to check into adopting a dog or a cat from a shelter rather than purchasing a new pet?

My mind is always keyed into adopting animals, but especially now as we approach National Rescue Dog Day (May 20) and Adopt a Cat Month (June).

When an animal from our shelter here at the Humane Society of Erie County gets adopted, it comes already spayed/neutered, vaccinated, blood tested for certain diseases, dewormed and flea free.

After the much more expensive purchase of a pet, a new owner would be responsible for all of the additional medical and veterinary costs that our shelter has already taken on by the time a dog or cat leaves our care.

Adopting an animal over the age of 6 months has its advantages, too. Most enter their new home a step or two ahead with housebreaking, and you can get the true personality of the animal before adopting it.

We are believers in second chances. Most of the dogs and cats in our care have gotten the short end of the stick so far in life and just deserve a second chance at a great life.

It is said that a rescue pet loves their owners more intensely because they know they are rescued. We believe that here because we see it every day.

The investment we put into our animals is done completely through donations. Although we have the words “Erie County” in our name, we are not a county agency and receive no city, county or federal public funds of any kind. We depend on our donors, supporters, volunteers, grants and fundraisers to operate.

In addition to the medical care that each one of our animals receives, they get daily exercise and food, toys and fluffy beds — all through the generosity of our supporters. The dogs and cats in our care never run out of time while waiting on a new home. They are safe, fed and warm each and every day until the perfect family comes to take them home.

Although shelter life is obviously not desirable for any animal, we work hard each day to give these animals a great life until they get their chance at a forever home.

If you are interested in adopting, please access our adoption application on our website or you can grab a paper copy from our 24/7 drop box outside our front door. There is no fee or obligation to apply.

We strive to place every animal into the perfect home so that it’s a forever fit for everyone. We want to match the lifestyle of the family with the energy level needed to keep their new pet happy and healthy.

If you are interested in donating toward the care of the animals in our shelter, you can do so in many different ways including one time or monthly gifts, community rewards programs or shopping off of our wish lists.

For more information, please visit our website at humanesocietyoferiecounty.org or our Facebook page. You can also give us a call at 419-626-6220.

Melissa Gundlach

Executive director, Humane Society of Erie County

1911 Superior St., Sandusky

Humanesocietyoferiecounty.org

419-626-6220