Steph, Duke, Daisy & Charm
If they could talk…would you listen? I think most of us wish our animals could talk, but unfortunately they cannot. They need our help. I’ve been involved in animal rescue for many years and it’s very rewarding and very heartbreaking at the same time. Millions of very adoptable animals are euthanized in shelters throughout the US every year. Their only sin was that they landed in a shelter that takes in more pets than they have space to care for, or they are in a shelter that is not willing to go the extra mile for them. I know that last part seems hard to believe, but that is reality.
Ridley
The Shelter Shack was born out of the first shelter dog I ever cried over. His name was Ridley and the short story is that he never made it out of the shelter. You can read Ridley’s full story here. Needless to say his life ended too soon, and the reality of the sheltering world hit me hard. I wanted a way to honor his memory, and inform the public about the plight of shelter pets.
Outside of being in animal rescue, my “real job” is as a Project Manager for a Media Production Company. I’ve been doing that for over 13 years now. It’s given me insight on the ways of marketing and advertising at the retail level. It seems to me that if more shelters would market and advertise their adoptable pets the way retailers market and advertise their products, maybe there would be more adoptions and less euthanasia. It’s something worth thinking about.
My hope is that by reading this blog you will walk away with an understanding of the issues that effect shelter animals, and why it’s so important that we advocate adoption of these animals as opposed to buying from a pet store. I also hope you’ll realize that pets aren’t disposable and that your new pet is a family member for the life of the pet. Be prepared for the training it will need. Be prepared for the expenses you will incur. Be prepared for the illnesses it will get. Be prepared for it to grow old. Be prepared to be there for him when he crosses the rainbow bridge. Most of all…be prepared for the unconditional love you will receive.
I wouldn’t trade my Shack Pack in for anything in the world. They make my life whole, and go by the names of Daisy, Charm and Frankie. If you want to learn more about them, they’ve got their very own section of the website under the About Us selection called “Let’s Meet the Shack Pack”. You will also find posts from them from time to time. They want to talk to you, and I hope you’ll listen.
Cheers!
Steph Hulett
