Dog pound needs our help to reduce its overcapacity
During this season of joy and merriment, some abandoned, lost, neglected or simply unwanted dogs sadly are finding no room at the inn.
The inn we speak of is the Mahoning County Dog Pound on the West Side of Youngstown. The shelter on Industrial Road for those dogs for whom good fortune has bypassed has been operating at or beyond capacity much of this fall season. What’s worse, no short-term end to the dilemma appears in sight.
In terse economic terms, the overcrowding is a product of supply and demand. The supply of dogs keeps on growing for a multitude of reasons. The demand for dog adoptions, meanwhile, is simply insufficient to keep pace.
In stark human terms, however, much of the overcrowding stems directly from irresponsible pet ownership. Many owners do not recognize the importance of spaying and neutering dogs to prevent the birth of litters of unwanted pups. Some do not understand the necessity of ensuring their canines do not roam freely – and dangerously – off their home turf. And the most irresponsible and heartless subject their pets to the fury of nature’s wrath – bone-chilling cold in the winter and sweltering heat in the summer – with little or no food or shelter.
In such cases, the lucky dogs are those that find shelter, warmth and professional care at the pound. They also find compassion from Friends of Fido, a group of dog lovers who take time daily to walk, play and bond with the pound’s four-legged tenants.
In the long term, a new county dog pound twice the size of the current facility with state-of-the-art amenities will open later next year on North Meridian Road. That will enable the dog warden to house twice as many guests. But it will not address the universal and gnawing need to find these unfortunate animals warm, loving, secure and responsible homes permanently.
After all, the pound is and always has been designed as a temporary oasis for dogs. The overarching need for caring and responsible adoptive pet parents will remain as important as ever.
WAITING LIST GROWS
That need is critically important today. Although the dog pound has a successful adoption rate, it can’t keep up with demand for its limited space. The pound has room for 48 dogs but has had to set up folding cages to shelter 70. There’s also a long waiting list of people who want to surrender their animals.
With all of those factors in mind, those contemplating taking on the responsibility of pet ownership should make the pound a first stop, not an afterthought, in their quest to find a pet companion.
Antiquated myths about dog pounds as the dumping ground for old, forlorn and vicious dogs must be put to rest. Dogs at the West Side shelter receive the most professional care. Some have come in emaciated and flea-infested and have left healthy, hearty and beautiful. Low adoption fees cover needed shots, licenses and spaying or neutering.
Of course, adoptions aren’t for everyone. Those contemplating dogs as gifts should not act impulsively if not absolutely certain the needs of the dog will be taken care of long after the luster of the holiday season wears off.
For those who can make that commitment, there are many from which to choose. Visit the pound or its website for a look at some of the adorable critters seeking stable, loving homes.
Then take the first steps to adopt to create a win-win proposition. The pound wins by lessening crowding, and the proud pet owner wins by gaining a new source of long-term friendship and happiness.