Did you know that well over 100,000 dogs per year are euthanized at various county shelters in metro Atlanta? And whose fault is that? Don’t be quick to say it’s the animal control folks. It’s a people problem! The general public is the culprit.

Failure to value a pet as a family member and devote proper time, care, veterinary needs, provide proper shelter, protection, concern and commitment, cause these helpless pets to be in trouble. No one should decide on impulse to have a pet, and those who do decide to have one must acknowledge it is long term commitment. At last many counties have passed laws prohibiting dogs be chained out, and left unattended.

Folks make an emotional decision to buy a puppy at a pet store, (and its likely source was a “puppy mill”, the conditions that breeding stock is put through; I can’t even address in this space) Those same folks may not be prepared, or committed to the raising of that pup through its stages; putting up with it’s proper training, providing a quality of life for the dog, and practicing good flea and heartworm prevention and properly providing for its health care.

And then we see those who refuse to spay and neuter, multiplying the problem of uncared for or improperly cared for dogs.

Folks interested in having a dog, who are really committed to a dog’s life, should seriously consider a rescue dog from a local shelter, or go online  to find area breed rescues, or all breed rescues. One place to start is www.petfinder.com . 

As a community service Alternative Plans Insurance www.termbuys.com  is a major supporter of the rescue community, and is actively involved in the support, rescue and rehoming functions of Boston Terrier Rescue www.bostonterriertn.org . 

Many perfect fur kids are just waiting for a home.  Bypass the backyard breeders and cruel mills.  Do something really good--legitimate pet stores don’t need to trade in pups--adopt a homeless pet. 

Termbuys.com is a local life insurance agency.  Ron Baker is the local agent and firm supporter of adoption of pets through shelters.