Ways You Can Help Pets and Wildlife
Ways You Can Help | We cannot call ourselves civilized if we turn our backs on the creatures of this world that are in such dire need of our help. We cannot call ourselves humane if we allow the inhumane treatment of animals to continue. Animals, both pets and wildlife, are suffering today - this very moment - because of the irresponsibility of those who are responsible for them. Animals, both pets and wildlife, are suffering today - this very moment - because of the cruelty inflicted by those who have no respect for any of the living creatures of this world. One person can make a difference - history has proven that. |
Please help. If you can help even just one animal, YOU WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE! - The Gable |
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Your local pound/animal shelter is filled with wonderful animals desperately needing homes. Mixed breeds make wonderful pets but even purebreeds are available. If you have the resources and the commitment that is required to have a pet, please consider adopting an animal from the pound or shelter. SAVE A LIFE - GET A LOT OF LOVE IN RETURN! |
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There are too many unwanted animals and not enough shelters for them. If you can't afford it, there are organizations that will help cover the cost of spaying or neutering your pet. Call 1-800-321-PETS for info on low cost spay/neuter certificates. |
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How would you feel if you hit a dog or cat while driving? How would you feel if that dog or cat was YOUR pet?! How would you feel if a young family was in a fatal crash because the driver swerved to miss hitting your pet? |
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Speeding is dangerous to pets, wildlife and YOU! Be particularly careful at night and early morning and when driving through wooded areas. Brake if you safely can but never swerve for an animal. If you do hit an animal, stop and get it help if at all possible. Be extremely careful with injured wildlife (read my Emergency Help tips). |
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If your pet bites someone, you may have to pay fines, medical bills and even a court judgment. Your pet may have to pay with his life. |
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Make sure your pet's shots are up to date and that it has a collar with tags and I.D. in case you ever get separated. |
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With the possible exception of responsible breeders of champion stock, there is no reason NOT to spay/neuter. Unwanted litters will be prevented. Your animals will be healthier and happier. So will you. Call your local pound. Ask them how many unwanted purebreds they had to put down last year. My last dog, Duke, was a purebred golden retriever that someone DUMPED! |
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That "sicko" who beats the dog today might beat the kid tomorrow. No living thing should have to suffer abuse. |
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Wildlife is just that - wild. You can never predict their behavior. That adorable little baby raccoon will grow into a razor-toothed, sharp-clawed predator that can tear your house, and YOU, apart! If not spayed or neutered, there is no telling how vicious any kind of wildlife can become during mating season! |
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If you tame wildlife, you lessen its chances for survival. It loses fear of the most dangerous predator it has - HUMANS! If you touch wildlife, you endanger both yourself and the animal. Many animals are carriers of rabies and dangerous parasites trasmittable to humans. Just your possible exposure to rabies can result in a completely healthly animal being killed for testing. See my Rabies Info page to learn more. |
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First, know the law. There are places where it is illegal to feed wildlife. If feeding is allowed, it should only be done occasionally (so the animal doesn't become dependent on that food source) and from a distance (so the animal doesn't lose its fear of humans). |
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I don't mean legal licensed hunters (regardless of how you may feel about them) but the "sickos" who illegally trap, maim or kill animals for "fun" or because the animal was getting into their garbage, attic, or whatever. They don't even care if the animal is a nursing female or a baby or even a protected species. In Florida, you can call the Game & Freshwater Fish Commission at 1-800-342-1676 to report wildlife violators. |
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If you come across injured or orphaned wildlife, or have wildlife that are making pests of themselves, call a licensed wildlife rehabber in your area. While some Animal Control Officers work with local rehabbers and may even pick up and transport the animal to the rehabber, others may have no resources but to euthanize the animal. Check first. The rehabber will know what to do! |
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Volunteers are always needed. Find a rescue/rehab/release group in your area. They will welcome whatever time you can donate. If you're a softie like me, you can spend a great deal of time, money and love on a handful of furballs with the reward of one day watching them as they leave you and return to the wild. |
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Unwanted pets or wildlife that you kept as pets should NEVER be dumped. Without proper preparation for return to the wild, the wildlife won't survive and will suffer greatly. Cats that survive may become feral and increase an already overburdened population suffering disease and starvation, and worse. Some dogs might take to packs and the problems associated with them, including attacks. Most become traffic fatalities as they search out humans. Call your local humane society for domestic pets and a rehabber for your wildlife pets. |
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Yes, I've said this already but it is a message that must get through. What you choose to do about it today will have far reaching consequences into all of the tomorrows to come. SPAY/NEUTER YOUR PET! |
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Help make the world a little greener, a little cleaner. Protect and support nature, conservation and the environment - not just for our four-legged friends, but for the generations that will follow us. |
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Below are links to some very worthwhile organizations and sites devoted to helping animals and wildlife. Visit them. Help them if you can. |
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- THIS VERY MOMENT! Please. |
National Wildlife Federation |
International Wildlife Coalition |
World Wildlife Fund |
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