TGIF! The weekend has arrived and today, Thursday we celebrated Shelter Pets Day. As the mom of a rescued dog, and only having rescued all my life, a Mutt lover, today is a very important day for so many reasons. It is a day dedicated to pets that were originally from the shelter and pets that are still in the shelter.
Millions of cats, dogs, and other animals enter shelters annually, through no fault of their own. Because they were abandoned, surrendered, or lost, these pets deserve a second chance at life in a loving home. Celebrating Shelter Pets Day shines a spotlight on the remarkable companionship and unconditional love these animals can bring us.
Adopting a shelter pet transforms the life of an animal but also changes the lives of the adopters, enriching our lives and making us better people, helping some combat loneliness, health issues and so much more.
My first rescued dog was when I was a child, his name was Caesar, a big goofy mutt who we had to rehome when we left South Africa. Then we found Whiskey on the streets in Israel, this was the days before microchips, and she came to live with us and when we went back to South Africa she came with us and lived a good life till the age of 14.
I then went back to Israel and rescued 3 cats, Sasha, Shula and Pichevkes, they all lived long good lives with me each passing a year in between. My late father used to call me the Crazy Cat Lady and that was the days before internet.
Since in the States I rescued Baby, who ran with me from the Domestic Violence Relationship and when we were free and living in our own home, she unfortunately got IMHA and passed away within 48 hours. I waited 3 months in January 2011 I rescued Layla and the rest is history. Layla taught me so much that opened my eyes to the problem of shelters being overcrowded with Shelter Pets, which breaks my heart. When Layla passed away in May without even hesitation I in July rescued Nili who is settling beautifully and my new fur kid.
My beautiful Baby
Layla in the shelter
Nili in her cage in the shelter
Why celebrate today, we must celebrate the lucky pets that have found homes, the shelters and rescues that give the pets a second chance at love, they deserve awards for the amazing and tireless work they do
How can we celebrate daily:
- Adopt a Pet
- Supporting a Shelter
- Share a story
- Foster a Pet
- Advocate for adoption
Now you all know why I am against Breeders and Puppy Mills, there are so many beautiful pets in shelters waiting for homes, and we must speak out for them as they do not have a voice.
Have a wonderful weekend and please be safe
Nili and her mom