Despite increase in adoption rates, animal shelter capacity remains high

[The Gazette]

Sumter County Animal Services continues to work hard to put as many animals as possible either back with their owners if lost, or in the best possible situation to be adopted. In June, many successful stories occurred. Adoptions at Sumter County Animal Services doubled in June from May. In addition, the number of animals transferred

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[fdpaq0580]

Over breeding leaves a multitude of animals unwanted and homeless. The greed of breeders is responsible. Animal pimps whose only interest is profit, not animal welfare are the source of problem.

[villagetinker]

I have had cats for almost 50 years, at one time 4 at the same time! All were strays and up to recently we had personally rescued these cats. The most recent were rescues (adopted) from local agencies. I have one in my lap now, trying to learn to type.
My point I am doing what I can to help these poor animals, and they seem to appreciate it.

[fdpaq0580]

I have had cats for almost 50 years, at one time 4 at the same time! All were strays and up to recently we had personally rescued these cats. The most recent were rescues (adopted) from local agencies. I have one in my lap now, trying to learn to type.
My point I am doing what I can to help these poor animals, and they seem to appreciate it.

Good! But, wouldn't it be better if there wasn't a glut of homeless and unwanted cats and dogs? If every pet was planned for and had a home waiting for it? (We can't even do that with our own species.)
You are a kind and caring individual and your efforts are appreciated by other animal loving humans. But most animals live in the moment and "appreciation", as humans interpret the term, is likely not even on your cats list of emotions. They know that their bellies are full, they are comfortable and that you are associated in some way they can't understand, (remember, they're animals, not furry little humans). Gratitude is an unknown. "Please" and "thank you" are not in their vocabulary.

[ThirdOfFive]

Good! But, wouldn't it be better if there wasn't a glut of homeless and unwanted cats and dogs? If every pet was planned for and had a home waiting for it? (We can't even do that with our own species.)
You are a kind and caring individual and your efforts are appreciated by other animal loving humans. But most animals live in the moment and "appreciation", as humans interpret the term, is likely not even on your cats list of emotions. They know that their bellies are full, they are comfortable and that you are associated in some way they can't understand, (remember, they're animals, not furry little humans). Gratitude is an unknown. "Please" and "thank you" are not in their vocabulary.
"Good! But, wouldn't it be better if there wasn't a glut of homeless and unwanted cats and dogs? If every pet was planned for and had a home waiting for it? (We can't even do that with our own species.)"

What a great point!

[ThirdOfFive]

I have had cats for almost 50 years, at one time 4 at the same time! All were strays and up to recently we had personally rescued these cats. The most recent were rescues (adopted) from local agencies. I have one in my lap now, trying to learn to type.
My point I am doing what I can to help these poor animals, and they seem to appreciate it.
As one cat person to another...Kudos. Our Kitty is a rescue cat from a St. Paul, MN animal shelter. We rescued her mere hours before she was to be euthanized. She's been with us now for over 10 years and a more delightful personality, human OR critter, you'll never find.

[Charm1]

I have had cats for almost 50 years, at one time 4 at the same time! All were strays and up to recently we had personally rescued these cats. The most recent were rescues (adopted) from local agencies. I have one in my lap now, trying to learn to type.
My point I am doing what I can to help these poor animals, and they seem to appreciate it.

I have always supported local animal shelters as they serve such a big need, and always will.
I have a small dog, but recently moved into a new home with my fiance who has a cat. I am very allergic to cats, unfortunately, so we need to find a new home for this beautiful cat.
He is a gray Maine Coon cat and is very affectionate. I just hate that we have to rehome him, but I am miserable with him in the house and he is miserable staying in the garage.
We called Leesburg Animal Shelter and Sumter County too, but both say they are not taking any new animals at this time.
Any suggestions?

[casamarietta]

please don’t use the word “breeder” in this context. the reasons for unwanted animals are puppy mills and irresponsible pet owners. as a breeder of purebred dogs for over 40 years, my goal was to breed healthy dogs who fit the standard for their breed and were still able to do what they were bred for, retrieving, herding etc. i vetted every prospective owner for puppies that i didn’t keep and the dogs went with a contract that specified that they could not be bred and were to come back to me in the event that the new owner could no longer keep the dog. 99% of the folks that i consider family, who travelled with me to shows and events with our dogs did exactly that same thing. these folks are BREEDERS.

[fdpaq0580]

please don’t use the word “breeder” in this context. the reasons for unwanted animals are puppy mills and irresponsible pet owners. as a breeder of purebred dogs for over 40 years, my goal was to breed healthy dogs who fit the standard for their breed and were still able to do what they were bred for, retrieving, herding etc. i vetted every prospective owner for puppies that i didn’t keep and the dogs went with a contract that specified that they could not be bred and were to come back to me in the event that the new owner could no longer keep the dog. 99% of the folks that i consider family, who travelled with me to shows and events with our dogs did exactly that same thing. these folks are BREEDERS.

Sorry if you are offended, but every business has good and bad. There are responsible/ethical breeders, and there are those who are only in it for the money. Those puppy mills are still breeders, just seriously lacking in any consideration for the creatures they create, caring only how much they can sell them for.

[Pixelpups]

Good! But, wouldn't it be better if there wasn't a glut of homeless and unwanted cats and dogs? If every pet was planned for and had a home waiting for it? (We can't even do that with our own species.)
You are a kind and caring individual and your efforts are appreciated by other animal loving humans. But most animals live in the moment and "appreciation", as humans interpret the term, is likely not even on your cats list of emotions. They know that their bellies are full, they are comfortable and that you are associated in some way they can't understand, (remember, they're animals, not furry little humans). Gratitude is an unknown. "Please" and "thank you" are not in their vocabulary.

Like just about everything in this world, it comes down to responsible people - spay or neuter pets. Puppy mills couldn't thrive, if people didn't buy their product. BTW, I am against "forcing" breeders out of business. Make sure they comply with humane treatment of their stock and work at educating the public against poor quality breeders. There is a real problem with impulse buyers of pets.

I'm not sure what caused the gratitude commentary. Pets are social creatures. They understand many human behaviors. We like cuddling; they like cuddling. They're trainable - sometimes with behaviors we don't want and don't realize we're teaching them.

[Lea N]

I have always supported local animal shelters as they serve such a big need, and always will.
I have a small dog, but recently moved into a new home with my fiance who has a cat. I am very allergic to cats, unfortunately, so we need to find a new home for this beautiful cat.
He is a gray Maine Coon cat and is very affectionate. I just hate that we have to rehome him, but I am miserable with him in the house and he is miserable staying in the garage.
We called Leesburg Animal Shelter and Sumter County too, but both say they are not taking any new animals at this time.
Any suggestions?

Oh, how I wish I could take her. Unfortunately having a pet right now isn't in the cards. I just googled cat rescues and found an organization called "Cat Protection Society". I can't tell you anything about them, except that they are in Eustis. But here is there phone number 352-589-6228. I wish you the best finding her a good and loving home.

[Boomer]

I have always supported local animal shelters as they serve such a big need, and always will.
I have a small dog, but recently moved into a new home with my fiance who has a cat. I am very allergic to cats, unfortunately, so we need to find a new home for this beautiful cat.
He is a gray Maine Coon cat and is very affectionate. I just hate that we have to rehome him, but I am miserable with him in the house and he is miserable staying in the garage.
We called Leesburg Animal Shelter and Sumter County too, but both say they are not taking any new animals at this time.
Any suggestions?


I have a quick question:

I know very little about cats, but is the Maine Coon cat the breed that is especially known for personality?

I think that was the kind a friend rescued, years ago, from a parking lot. She adored that cat and said it had “the personality of a dog.” Being a dog lover, she was giving the rescued cat the highest praise possible. She also said “Sadie” was highly intelligent and very curious and provided the family with lots of love and entertainment.

I have always had dogs, and I did not know anything about the breeds of cats. I have other friends with cats — some of them can be quite aloof and/or shy. ( not the friends — the cats) That Maine Coon my friend found though was a real charmer. :)

I hope you soon find a wonderful home for your fiancé’s kitty.

Boomer


Oh my! When I did my quick proofread after going to print, I noticed that your screen name is Charm1. Well…….I guess your fiancé’s Maine Coon cat, as charming as he may be, has now been relegated to Charm2 and must move out.