We are a consumer society. Gone are the simple days where animals and man lived and worked together in harmony, each knowing their specific jobs and thereby demonstrating understanding and respect for each other. The electronic world has invaded us all, even in the West-O-Plex. It’s not at all unusual to see a cowboy talking on his cell phone while on horseback, and I don’t even want to approach the topic of high tech horse breeding!

In this new and fast paced world, it’s not surprising that dogs and cats have become disposable, much like a two year-old computer. Even in our little (but fast growing) community all you need to do is visit the Weatherford/Parker County Animal Shelter and see all the homeless dogs and cats to know that many people are not patient or intelligent enough to give the animal a chance.

According to the SPCA, 7 million adoptable dogs & cats are killed each year; mainly due to overpopulation. And 25-30% of dogs for adoption in animal shelters are purebred. Here’s our neighborhood’s cold, harsh truth: In the Summertime, adoption rates average only 20%. The Weatherford/Parker County Animal Shelter takes in approximately 25 animals daily. That means only five of those are getting out of the shelter alive.

As overwhelming as this brutal information is, there are three things that you can do to help the plight of homeless animals.

1) Spay or neuter all of your pets and any outdoor cats you are feeding. When we spay and neuter our pets, (and encourage and help friends and family members to fix their pets, too) we bring a halt to the endless cycle of animals being born who end up as homeless pets at shelters. And pets who have been fixed suffer from fewer health and behavior problems.

To find low-cost spay/neuter services near you call SPAY/USA at 1-800-248 SPAY or visit http://www.pets911.com.

2) In the words of the SPCA, “Adoption is the living option.” Adopt a pet from a shelter or rescue group. NEVER buy from a pet store, though some pet stores like PetSmart make a conscious effort to support rescue groups instead of puppy mills.

Many pet stores are the patrons of the disreputable breeding factories known as puppy mills, where female dogs are kept in small cages their entire lives, forced to produce endless litters of babies who are sold to pet stores.

If you're looking for a specific breed, there are numerous breed rescue groups that will help you find the dog or cat of your choice.

When you adopt from any of these humane groups, you will also get the very best advice and help, since the people there are not concerned with making money from you, but on making the best match and giving the best life possible to a pet in need.

3) Use your skills to volunteer. Many shelters are overwhelmed with work and could use people just to help socialize and walk dogs and play with cats. In fact, don’t be surprised if they’re so busy that they have trouble even incorporating volunteers. Be patient but persistent. If you are good on computers, you may volunteer to help with their input/output database or reports. Personally, I give my time by taking photos of the pets to put in the paper and keep the PetFinder site updated. Use your imagination and you’ll find something you can do to contribute. In a generous gesture, Mitchell and Evan Seigals along with Cory Churchill provided a mobile adoption unit for our local animal shelter last year. You may have seen it last week at the Peach Festival in which every dog but one that was featured was adopted, and several cats as well.

As unpleasant as the truth is, ignoring the problem does not help. Genesis 1:26 tells us that we have been given dominion over animals. It is our duty to act in a humane way towards their care. They are God’s creatures and we should all do what we can to help the care and placement of abandoned, abused and unwanted animals in our area.