I’ll be honest and tell you that although I’m a huge, larger than life, cry at SPCA commercials type of animal-rights advocate, I was unaware of the realities of animal shelters. I wasn’t sure about the stigmas attached to actual shelter pets. I imagined them to be unruly, troublesome and unwanted for a reason and in need of a near-saint for adoption. After much time researching animal rescue, I discovered this couldn’t be further from the truth.
My initial goal in research was to find a way to give animals a longer chance at survival in shelters that kill millions of homeless pets every year to make room for the latest incoming group, many animals only after days of rescue. I couldn’t believe there were so many homeless and adoptable pets that were killed off as some kind of inevitable and acceptable “necessary evil.”
Then I came across places that DO exist to bring an end to the killing of animals in these shelters. They provide rehabilitation, low cost spay and neuter programs, a permanent home for those who are too badly traumatized because of ill treatment or who are old, crippled or chronically ill to such animals, and most importantly, an awareness to this movement. There are places that give pets a chance. One of these establishments is called Best Friends Animal Society. This place boasts a 3,800 acre sanctuary and is home to many animals other than dogs and cats including horses, exotic birds, bunnies, potbellied pigs as well as an assortment of other creatures…this I had to see for myself.
And thus began my transformation.
We flew into Las Vegas and drove the last three and a half hours into the small town of Kanab, Utah. I was set up to spent my nights on the property just outside the horse pastures in my own cabin. And yes, the property is remarkable. Breathtaking. HUGE.
My first night in I sleep like a baby and wake up for my grand tour. It went all morning. I know what you’re thinking… ‘Touring animal facilities? Wake me up when we’re done.’ But you’re wrong. In all honesty, I went home saying I could have taken a day to tour each facility one by one. And there are 62 animal care facilities. The staff is not only knowledgable, but insanely welcoming, kind, articulate and passionate about everything that I already cared about. I’m not exaggerating their kindness. Growing up in Los Angeles, I couldn’t believe people like this existed anywhere outside a Disney movie. Anyway, at this point I’m sold. So, great! I want to volunteer my time and help out! Where can you put me?
I don’t think there are many opportunities to spend your time helping……potbellied pigs?! I can’t say I knew what to expect. I was told this experience would be worth it.
Yet again, they didn’t let me down. These pigs are insanely intelligent. I’d even dare to say that some of them were smarter and better trained than my own dogs… they relieve themselves AWAY from their sleeping and eating quarters? They sit before getting their food? Where did I go wrong?! All kidding aside, these pigs awoke an unconditional love inside me that was like a flame to a brushfire. These animals touched my life. They made me laugh. They are as deserving of a home as any other “pet.” My eyes began opening.
That night I was able to take a shelter dog home for a “sleepover.” They handed over the leash to a very special guy named Reggie Boy. I noticed a thin strip on his snout was hairless and his nose looked unusual. Slightly off. His story? He had come to the shelter with a terrible infection on his face and ears resulting in a form of discoid lupus.
The Reggie Boy in my arms was nothing like this picture. I couldn’t even believe this was the same dog. This dog, who had suffered horribly, was no less worthy of affection. He made sure of that. The guy followed me into every room, rested at my feet during dinner, slept by the bed at night and woke me up with easy kisses in the morning. Why isn’t he in someone’s home already? I can only imagine there are too many people who were like me before I started digging, and don’t know there are some of the most lovable and fulfilling companions at sanctuaries like Best Friends.
My final morning, I volunteered at the puppy socialization class. Come on! Puppies! I had to! I’m surprised I left the sanctuary without one…or six. It was hard to give them back, no joke.
It’s important that I share this experience with all of you because it touched my life. While I can’t shove these adoptable pets into your homes, I can spread awareness. Spaying and neutering your pets will dramatically cut the number of homeless pets down, thus slowly diminishing the number of pets killed in sanctuaries that are not “no-kill shelters.” In 1999, over 46,000 animals were killed in Utah shelters. Today, that number has decreased by 30 percent because of places like Best Friends that offer a concerted spay and neuter campaign. Most importantly, if you would like a pet, look into your local animal shelters and rescue groups. There are more than enough pets waiting to be loved. Be a part of the change.