The Dumb Friends League is a non-profit animal shelter that aims to end animal suffering and pet homelessness by taking care of abandoned and unwanted animals.
We talked to their Public Relations Manager to find out more about what it means to rescue pets, why adopting pets is important, and how a pet owner should care for their pet.
Check out our Maia Brusseau interview!
1. What are the most challenging aspects of rescuing pets?
More than 20,000 homeless pets and horses come through our doors each year.
As an open-admission shelter, we receive all kinds of animals.
Some are perfectly healthy, while others are old, ill, injured or frightened and in need of extensive medical care or behavior training.
It requires time, space and dedicated staff, volunteers and foster parents to get these animals ready for adoption.
And because we are an independent nonprofit and not affiliated with any national organizations, we rely upon the support of our community to make it all possible.
2. How do you find your motivation?
My own pets—and dearly departed pets—are my motivation.
They have all come from shelters and have all brought immeasurable joy and love to my own life.
It’s incredibly rewarding to know that my work helps people connect with homeless pets who are so deserving of loving homes.
3. Should we adopt pets instead of buying them? Why?
We always want people to consider the adoption option when adding a new pet to their family.
There are thousands of pets waiting to find new homes.
These pets usually end up at animal shelters due to “people reasons” – an owner is moving, a landlord won’t allow pets, someone in the family has allergies, or they just don’t have the time or resources to care for an animal.
These pets have done nothing wrong and are simply at the mercy of unfortunate circumstances.
Shelter pets are every bit as loving, loyal, trainable and well-behaved as any purchased pet, even if its former home was not a good fit.
4. Your advice for the pet owners who want to keep their pets as healthy as possible?
Make sure your pets receive regular veterinary care.
Just like people, pets benefit from preventive medical care and have a better chance of recovering from illnesses that are caught early.
If you notice changes in the amount of food they eat or energy levels, for example, be sure to consult a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Additionally, provide a healthy diet, plenty of water, exercise, play and love to help keep your pet healthy and happy.
Maia Brusseau, Public Relations Manager at Dumb Friends League
If you want to learn more about the Dumb Friends League, donate to their cause, or adopt an animal from them, you can find them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Have you ever adopted a pet? How was that experience for you? Tell us down below!
The TPR Team invites you to read informative pieces and specialized opinions from experts in all things dogs, cats, birds, fish, hamsters, rabbits, and all things pet, in general.
