I was raised in a small town in northern New Hampshire, where we would visit the local animal shelter to adopt our family dogs. Unfortunately, shelters are often overwhelmed with cats and dogs. While they strive to take in and protect as many animals as possible in need of refuge, it is simply not feasible due to the sheer number of pets. According to Best Friends, save them all, in 2023, more than 400,000 pets were euthanized because of a lack of space in shelters.

I remember the day we met Murphy, a middle-aged dog who had been found on the streets. Around the holidays, our family decided to adopt a dog, and that’s when we came across Murphy. He was a shaggy mutt with a unique appearance and matted fur, which made him look unkempt. Unfortunately, he was nearing the end of his time at the pound. My dad, being the kind man he was, said, “We’ll take him.” The shelter worker hesitated and asked, “Are you sure?” Dad responded confidently with a quick, “Yes,” and that’s how Murphy the Wonder Dog came home with us.

Murphy was a free-spirited dog who could escape from just about anywhere. He loved to roam but always found his way back home. Over the years, he was frequently picked up and taken back to the pound or the police station. Fortunately, because we lived in a small town, Murphy was always returned to us.

While I appreciate living in a no-kill state, I believe it is insufficient until all dogs and cats are protected. We can collectively strive for a kill-free environment!

How can you help

-Stand against breed-specific legislation; no dog should be euthanized due to its breed. Avoid supporting companies that endorse breed discrimination.

– Stop supporting puppy mills. If you’re thinking about buying a puppy, ask questions and make sure to see the entire litter along with the mother dog to confirm they are being properly cared for. Be on the lookout for any red flags, and if anything seems amiss, report it to local authorities.

-To prevent unwanted litters, consider spaying or neutering your pet.

-Pet-friendly housing requires us to inform landlords that having a pet does not necessarily cause property damage.

-Adopting a dog from a shelter gives another dog a chance.

-Unsure if you want to commit for 15+ years, foster a pet, or rescue a senior.

-To help recover your pet if they get lost, create a plan. Consider microchipping, using GPS tracking, and utilizing social media and local resources.

-Support your local shelters by volunteering your time or making a donation.

Luke is from North Carolina. In 2023, according to Best Friends, Save Them All, over 38,000 pets were killed in North Carolina alone. Luke is one of the lucky ones who managed to be saved.

Kudo was from Georgia, a high-kill state. Although these states are trying to protect pets, they are overwhelmed by the number of animals in need. Best Friends, Save Them All is a national program dedicated to helping protect these animals. While one person alone cannot save all of them, we can make a difference by working together to ensure that every animal has a chance to be saved.