MYTH BUSTER!

By The Barbi Twins, founders, TwinBunnies.com

There is NO pet overpopulation, but rather a pet crisis which is directly related to the lack of laws and spay and neuter programs. The pet crisis is also because people are unwilling to commit for life to their pet, just like a family member, or they are unwilling to adopt imperfect or older pets. The chances of an older dog getting adopted is less than 10% and the chances of an older cat getting adopted is less than 1%. Rabbits aren't even considered pets, they are "property". They all end up killed or abandoned on the streets



Completely "No Kill" rescues are rare and over their limit, sometimes they maintain dangerous hoarding conditions. A cage is not conducive or fair for any animal to live the rest of their life in.  If just 1% of the population were willing to adopt from shelters, all of them would find homes and there would be no need for any rescues!

If everyone was willing to do their part or some small contribution then we can move towards helping the pet crisis.  How?

HANDS ON!!

1. Adopt a rescue animal from the shelter where they are killed. Get the one that is the most adoptable--older mix breed. Then research your species on how to handle them so they are never a "problem" that has to be returned. For instance, get scratching posts for your cats so you never consider cruel declawing! Learn how to train and handle your dog so they are socialized and pleasant, not a "burden". All pets, including rabbits, need space and exercise! Remember, a pet's misbehavior is the fault of humans resisting to learn proper "handling" techniques. It could also be a warning sign that there is a medical issue. It is NEVER a sign of problem pet!!!
2. Commit to your pets as if they are family members. If you insist that you can no longer keep them, become proactive and research a good home for your pet instead of dumping the them on the overwhelmed rescue community. Post everywhere and join animal Internet chat rooms, but insist on home checks!
3. Foster shelter animals or rescues.  If you can't commit 100%, then sponsor or foster pets. Get involved with making them more adoptable by exercising them, handling them and seeing to their medical needs. Make sure they have the best nutrition and receive love so they don't manifest their abandonment issues.
4. Get involved in TNR (trap, neuter and return) with ferals (stray cats). You can volunteer at most organizations that are active with TNR, or learn to do it yourself, it's easy.
5. Go to shelters and rescues and volunteer your time.  You can handle and exercise the animals, which is the most important! Or you can donate high grade food or requested supplies rather than money to shelters and rescues that you have researched.
6. Become pro-active with email campaigns that help pass bills and email adoption blasts. Get involved with friendly protests that help with animal rights on the big picture.
7. Become Eco-animal friendly.  Move towards raw veganism, anti-fur/leather or boycott products that are tested on animals, even if you start out one day a week.
8. Realize that all animals completely depend on our compassion for their well being and we have a responsibility to see that through...why?, because we can!!

SAVE ONE LIFE - SAVES MANY!

ADOPT AN ANIMAL FROM ANY SHELTER.
Rescue an animal by adopting from ANY local shelter or rescue organization.

• One adoption makes room for one more animal in need.
• One adoption lessens cage stress
• One adoption saves a life that is needlessly destroyed in 1-7 days (most city/county shelter kill dates - and the killings are not humane).

Less than 1% of cats and 10% of dogs are adopted

(the rest are killed or hoarded in unnatural conditions