Stop breeding already

We know how tempting it might be to let little Fido keep his man parts in hopes of running into that perfect fluffball to carry his adorable puppies. But try this first: Go to the Butte Humane Society website and scroll through the pictures of all the sweet, furry faces of dogs that need good homes. Then consider the fact that, in the United States, more than 7 million dogs enter shelters each year. Of those, 2.7 million adoptable dogs—those that would make great household pets—are euthanized, according to the Humane Society of the United States.

Clearly we have a problem with pet overpopulation. The statistics are much, much worse for cats, though felines tend to do better on their own, in the wild, than their canine counterparts.

So, what can we do about these disturbing facts? First, we can spay or neuter our animals to avoid unintended reproduction. Second, we can stop purchasing pets from backyard breeders. Want a purebred? Check for rescue organizations that specialize in the breed you want. If you’d prefer a mutt, there are plenty out there eagerly awaiting their “forever home.”

Pets make amazing companions and they give nothing but love. Let’s offer the same in return.