2017 has been a record breaker year for Foothills Humane Society in regards to dozens of un-sterilized animals coming through the door at one time in a single day… literally!

There was one week where seven puppies were adopted and transported to a reputable rescue, and within hours of leaving the shelter, 10 puppies came in after miraculously having been found in a dumpster where they would have had no possibility of survival.

These large quantities of animals overwhelm the resources of the shelter and we feel it pertinent to remind pet owners in our community of their responsibility to not only see to the food, shelter and vaccination needs of their pets, but at appropriate ages to have them spayed or neutered to prevent unwanted litters.

“Back yard breeders” are unlicensed breeders who pay little attention to proper genetic matching of their mating pair of animals, in addition to those who repeatedly over breed their females. It is not uncommon for those over bred mothers to then throw litters of pups with genetic flaws causing them to have medical problems for life and sometimes even behavior issues.

The scent tracking ability of dogs allows them to pick up on the pheromone scent of a female in heat for five miles, and no matter how short that un-neutered male dog’s legs are, he absolutely will travel the distance to do what is natural for dogs to do. Puppies and kittens are able to get pregnant at the slight age of four months. In all actuality, those are babies having babies.

Please accept this plea for your help and contact us at Foothills Humane Society for information regarding our low cost spay and neuter program. The savings is considerable and you will reduce the possibility of unwanted puppies and kittens. None of these beautiful animals should suffer alone on the land of our community or for that matter languish for months at a time in any shelter environment until someone adopts them.

And although FHS has an exemplary record of live releases yearly, the influx of stray animals is astounding and continues to surpass the release numbers. Be a part of the solution and call us at 828-863-4444 Ext. 100 or come in to 989 Little Mountain Road, Columbus.

Staff would be pleased to see you, to know that you care and are willing to work with us to save as many as we can.

Sharon Rose

Columbus, N.C.