EHS Adopts
It’s a nice spring day and your neighborhood is bubbling with activity; joggers dash past, children play in their yards, and dog-owners take their pets for a walk in the fresh air. Chances are, the friendly Labrador who lives next door was adopted from one of the nation’s numerous pet adoption branches. In fact, 2.7 million pets are adopted each year according to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.) Pet adoption has became a huge part of helping stray animals and reducing euthanization of pets in America.
Here at EHS, many students have taken part in adopting animals and making a difference in the community. Senior Hailey Allen has experience with Humane Societies and pet care. “I used to volunteer for them (humane societies) in 8th grade. They gives homes to animals who just need a second chance.”
Allen has two adopted dogs named Nike and Bella. After volunteering at shelters when she was younger, she was inspired to adopt her own pets. “My favorite thing about my dog nike is that he keeps me from being bored. He is also certified for people with emotional problems,” she admits.
In addition to Allen, seniors Baillie Beebe and Evhan Sours are passionate about animals. “My favorite thing about adopting pets is knowing that I saved an animal that might not have lived otherwise,” Beebe stated. Along with adopting pets, she works at The Eudora Animal Hospital located off of K-10. This animal hospital is a local resource for the community to get quality pet care.
“Most of the animals (in humane societies) are strays but some are turned in by owners who cannot care for them or keep them.” Guy Shain, co-owner of The Eudora Animal Hospital informed. “Most of the animals have not had any basic care when they arrive at a humane society, therefore they will provide the needed care (vaccinations, deworming, spay/neuter, etc).”
As a nation, 3.9 million dogs and 3.4 million cats enter animal shelters every year. Of the millions, 30-40% are euthanized. The rest of the animals are either returned to their owners or adopted into a new family. Not only do Humane Societies and other organizations provide shelter and care for otherwise terminal pets, but improve communities by keeping strays out of neighborhoods.
“If humane societies were not present, the stray pet population would be much worse and those stray animals would suffer from diseases, be injured, and most likely not survive for long,” Mr. Shain agreed. “My family has 3 dogs and 3 cats. One of our cats was a foster kitten which we had to bottle feed. Our newest cat was a barn cat we adopted from my mom. Two of our dogs were purchased and one was adopted from a family member.”
Sours has an aunt that works in Texas to help animals. “I have four non-fish pets, all but one of which were adopted from our aunt who rescues animals in her local area in Texas. The Humane Society there is simply overflowing with animals,” Sours told us. Evhan takes great care in taking care of his pets and created a special bond with one in particular, “All of the pets are lovely, but Samwise has taken a particular liking to me and is the sweetest cat I have known.” Just like Evhan people can create a life-long connection that is beneficial for both the owner and the pet.
Taking care of pets can be hard work but has a huge reward. Not only do you develop a relationship with a special animal, but you help your community. Students at Eudora and around the nation have taken great strides towards eliminating strays and homeless pets. “Be sure you can actually care for your animal because they depend on you. Always show them the love that they show to you,” Hailey closes.
