Sandy was a female blue and black pit bull mix, and the scared but very friendly young dog had recently been taken into Animal Care and Control of New York City in Manhattan as a stray. On Saturday morning, the Facebook page Urgent Death Row Dogs stated Sandy had been euthanized:
“GONE 6/18/2013. Sandy ID#A0966735”
Sandy was a very adoptable young dog. She was only one year and ten months of age. She was described as shy, petite, and a dog who loved any affection given to her. Actually Sandy was “quick to give kisses.” She was reported to have had some corneal scarring, but dogs adapt quickly to their disabilities. The adorable canine had no problems sharing her toys, no problems with sharing food, or even taking treats.
Who wouldn’t want to adopt Sandy? Her photos were shared on Facebook 876 times, and there were even volunteers willing to donate money to help her find the perfect home.
Then Sandy started to develop a cough; a common occurrence at shelters.
No one came fast enough for Sandy; there just wasn’t enough time, but Sandy will not be forgotten.
Urgent Pets On Death Row is an all volunteer 501(c)3 organization of advocates who try their best to find homes for the “death row dogs.” As with most humane advocates, these animal lovers are outraged at the number of healthy and adoptable pets euthanized every year by the New York shelter systems and continue to legislate for reform.
“Urgent supporters believe that all animals surrendered to AC&C for any reason deserve compassionate, professional care and a sustained effort to place them in new homes.”
The statistics of pet overpopulation are truly overwhelming. According to the Humane Society of the United States, the following shocking figures state:
- 6 to 8 million dogs and cats enter shelters each year.
- 3 to 4 million dogs and cats are adopted each year.
- There are approximately 30% of those dogs reclaimed by their owners, however only 2.5% of cats are ever reclaimed.
- And sadly there are more than 2.7 million dogs and cats euthanized each year.
Do you want to make a difference in the world for these dogs and cats? Please spay and neuter, don’t buy pets from pet stores, educate pet owners about responsible care, and adopt pets from shelters and rescue organizations.
Animal shelters need more support from their communities and governmental agencies. There need to be more programs for low cost spay and neuter programs, more planned activities promoting humane education, more programs encouraging foster and adoption programs and responsible ownerships, and more funding for innocent animals who by no fault of their own find themselves in shelters.
Fly with the angels sweet Sandy.
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