What To Do....

I wanted to follow up yesterday's post...with this:

When I am out driving I always wonder what I would do if I saw/found a stray. The answer is a quick one if the dog is small or a puppy. Though it is pretty tough with our current living situation. If it was a bigger dog that might be dangerous due to being scared I'd really have to think that one through.

However, I say all of this because...
I strongly believe that more people would pick up strays if they knew what would happen next. Now take away the fact that we live in a condo...but if you picked up a stray and knew within 48 hours that animal could be in some type of shelter I think more people would be willing to help.

I am sure the situations are a little different everywhere...but here with The Nashville Humane Association...there policy is that you have to have an appointment for intake and it can take 1-3 weeks. Now we got really luck with our situation...it was a combo of me being a volunteer and knowing a few people...but also they had the room and they were puppies. I know that these rules and guidlines are there for a reason and if a shelter is full its full. But it would just be nice if there was a known procedure. Most people who do care just don't know what to do. And some care...but really can't take on a stray for an unknown amount of time.

My wish of course is for there to be no more homeless animals and all animals have a good, loving home. I know that is reaching a bit far....but I also know its all a chain effect and one step at a time kind of deal. I am a strong supporter of getting the information out there...letting people know the importance of spaying and neutering...letting people know that adoption is always the best option...and letting people know there are alot of needy animals out there...homeless and in shelters. But, I also think educating the public on what to do when they see a stray...is needed. A few months ago I saw two dogs running around the city. The were larger mixes and looked hungry. It was a Wednesday so NHA was closed...so I called Metro. I felt horrible after. I felt like I had just bought these dogs a death sentence. I swore I would never call Metro again. I don't know if I bought them a death sentence...but I knew they needed help and they clearly weren't getting it running around the city. I was scared to put them in my car...and if I could actually get them in the car...then what?