Thousands of displaced animals need a home

Ah, it is the New Year. The time of reflection, resolutions, and a clean slate to start the year on the right foot. A lot of people have New Year’s resolutions that they follow or at least try to follow.

For those who have a hard time thinking up of a resolution or a goal to accomplish, consider starting the New Year by adopting a new friend into your lives.

A majority of the thousands of dogs, cats and other animals rescued from the Gulf Coast region following Hurricane Katrina will be spending yet another year at shelters across the country, including at the Idaho Humane Society in Boise.

This does not just apply to hurricane victims. This also goes for the many other unwanted dogs and cats who are forced to stay at shelters. They are all waiting for the chance to be adopted by loving families.

The sad thing about this situation is that many of those pets will not be around long enough to get that chance. According to the American Humane Association, as many as 5.5 million dogs are euthanized every year in shelters across the country because there are not enough loving homes for them and there is only so much space. In a nation full of opportunity and justice for all, this is

very disturbing.

Despite all the sadness, there is hope. There is something we can do to ensure that at least some of these animals have a place to call home.

This year, I ask that you take a day or two to pay a visit to the animal shelters around the valley. Once you step inside a room that houses cats and dogs waiting for homes, I guarantee that you will want to take one of them with you.

Having a pet can actually be good for you. Research has shown that pets can help control your blood pressure, especially those living very stressful lives. The American Heart Association has often referred to high blood pressure as the “silent killer” and many people do not realize that they have it.

My family personally brought in two animals to our home in the past five years. We took in a cat that roamed houses in our neighborhood searching for food and was the target of trash from kids that caught the bus on our street corner.

We also adopted a part husky from the humane society in Boise during Thanksgiving break. Having these two as a part of the family has made a big difference in our lives.

So as you resume commuting to classes and back, think about the aforementioned statistics. Consider welcoming a homeless dog or cat into your home and experience the joy they will bring with them.

John Romlein II is the environment/animal issues coordinator for Boise State Volunteer Services Board.

JOHN W. ROMLEIN II
Guest Opinion

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