THE CHICAGO IL REAL ESTATE MARKET, AND OTHER THINGS CHICAGO, FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF A LITTLE WHITE DOG!
No, you dogs! We're not still hungover from New Year's Eve! Well . . . perhaps a little!
We dogs here in Chicago - many of us don't know how good we have things! Many have loving families, a back yard to romp in, good food to eat (still haven't gotten use to the "Liver Bits" entrée, however), and plenty of trees to mark.
Sure we have our Homeless Dogs problem here in Chicago - unfortunately, the Chicago Department of Animal Care and Control had to euthanize roughly one-half of the 20,000 stray or relinquished animals it took in throughout 2009.
In more-rural Downstate IL, however, the problem is often more acute. Many families have out-of-work breadwinners far south of Chicago. With household incomes reduced, or, in some cases, non-existent, many can't afford to take care of us furry lil' companions. Adoptions from local shelters in these rural areas is quite spotty.
Many animal advocates support transporting downstate homeless dogs and cats to Chicago and our Suburbs, where they hope their adoption would be easier, and their chances for a new life far better.
As reported in a Chicago Tribune story Christmas week by John Keilman, one IL Rescue Organization - Illinois Animal Rescue, through its spokesperson Sally Matay, brings up about 60 dogs and cats each week from downstate. She says the majority of the animals she transports to the Chicago Area are adopted very quickly into new, loving homes.
Across the country, in Los Angeles, Best Friends Animal Society began transporting smaller breed dogs, like me and Gracie, a couple of years ago, to other areas of that state. As we could have predicted, those dogs were snapped up quickly as well. Today, they have a waiting list for adoption!
The practice of bringing pets up from Downstate IL has been going on for some time, as prospective pet owners in and around Chicago hear the only option for unwanted animals in less populous areas of Illinois is euthanasia. But the increased popularity in services like Matay's provides added hope for solving a big unwanted pet problem away from Chicago.
In sparsely-populated Richland County IL, Animal Control Officer Sandy Millman impounded over 820 dogs and cats in 2009. Only 28 of these were adopted locally. Few downstate pet owners, she contends, consider spaying or neutering their animals, due to the cost, and the lack of public awareness to do so. Others may be indifferent to the plight of dogs and cats they own.
Many, she continues, have started to breed dogs for profit, due to the slack economy and high unemployment in many areas in Downstate IL. When the puppies don't sell, they are often simply dropped off at local pounds or shelters.
Back in Chicago, some contend that importing animals from other locations puts a strain on local adoption programs. However, many shelter operators, including the Anti-Cruelty Society in Downtown Chicago, feel there is still plenty of room in the City of Chicago and Chicago Suburbs for unwanted downstate pets. According to Dr. Robyn Barbiers, as quoted in Keiliman's article, the Society takes in over 7.500 unwanted dogs or cats each year.
Programs to help homeless dogs, and cats as well! What a nice thought, and a nice effort, as we begin the New Year . . . yes?
Still feeling a bit of a headache from the other night, you dogs? Do what me and Gracie did -
Put plenty of hot, black coffee in your water dish!
Happy New Decade . . . from Chicago's Blogging Doggies!
See our post today via BlogChicagoHomes.com.
YOUR ACE REPORTER ON FOUR PAWS,
BUDDY HOLLY MOSS & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
(With a Lil' Help from Gracie Ella Moss)
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