This week, our friends at 12 Guardian, a rescue organization, were struck by 2 missiles, devastating their building where pets had been staged in advance of a planned evacuation. Miraculously, not a single animal or person was hurt in this attack. All of the pets will be examined by a veterinarian to ensure they didn’t receive concussions, as they were directly under the blasts.
Brave volunteers continue to risk their lives to save innocent animals from the front lines. Hundreds of animals- both owned and stray – are being rescued each week. Many families refuse to evacuate without their pets, while others are forced to leave animals behind in the care of local volunteers. Abandoned and injured animals are also being recovered by dedicated teams operating under extremely difficult and dangerous conditions.
We’re supporting local evacuation teams working across eastern, southern, and northern Ukraine. These volunteer-led groups play a critical role in transporting civilians -often elderly individuals, people with limited mobility, or families with children- as well as assisting with the evacuation and care of animals.
To add to regular pet food support, we are now providing 150 plastic dog kennels and 150 plastic cat carriers to evacuation teams and shelters in key regions. These resources ensure both pets and rescued strays can be moved safely and humanely.
The pond’s edge is glassy, the middle wind-rippled. From the birch tree I peer into the water. Pondweeds corkscrew up to the surface, blooming tiny flowers. Lily pads open themselves to the sky. I wait.
On the far shore a beaver slaps her tail. The woods creatures pause and look, then return to foraging. I wait.
Sun and shadow move across the far hill and meadow grasses sway. High summer has passed and the earth exhales toward autumn. I wait.
As the sun sinks toward the horizon, ephemeral insects dip and dance above the water. A flicker of silver rises toward the pond’s surface. I lean into the wind and dive. As the fish spirals out of the water, shedding sun-glinting droplets, I intercept it. Then I spread my wings and fly, hearing the whoosh, whoosh of my wings in the wind.
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Of the approximate 135 million pets in the US, about 1/3 of them go missing, and 80%+ (45 million) of those cats and dogs are never found.
When people see a cat outside, it’s not uncommon to assume that a cat is feral rather than lost. It can be difficult initially to tell the difference between a lost cat and a feral cat, because both are likely to be wary), but here are some tips that can help you to tell the difference.
Lost/stray cat:
Might meow—feral cats do not meow at humans
May be skittish initially but may come to tolerate being approached or might seek out human help/contact
May hang out near houses, because of the familiarity
Might be friendly, as the cat has socialized with humans at some point.
Is alone (feral cats can be part of a community of feral cats)
The fur may appear dirty or ungroomed
Is diurnal (out during the day—because of adopting human schedules)
Has a collar or microchip
Feral cat:
Does not meow at humans
Is hypervigilant
Is skittish and not friendly and/or takes a long time to become trusting
Are more likely to be nocturnal or crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk).
May have the ear tip clipped
What to do for a lost cat:
Provide water and food
Provide cold weather shelter (cats were originally desert animals, and they do not do well in frigid weather)
If the cat is friendly, try to lure it inside so that the local animal shelter can pick it up or you can take it to the shelter (or to your vet)
Check for missing cats and advertise “found cat”: Put up signs, call the local shelter and vets, and check lost listing and advertise online at https://www.pawboost.com/, https://nextdoor.com
Assess whether it is sick or injured; if so, call your local animal shelter for help
What to do for a feral cat:
Life is rough for feral cats—they typically die within two years. Consider providing water and food
In certain angles of light, my spots are visible. They call me a black panther, but I am really a black leopard. When I was young I roamed with my mother in the riverside forest of Thailand. At my mother’s side I learned stealth and patience, how to slip silently through the forest, to drink from the rushing river, to kill only as much as we needed to sustain ourselves, to respect the boundaries of other, to know freedom.
By night the scent of the forest was fragrant with flowers and the earth was cool beneath our feet. By day the forest was a dozen shades of green.We slept cradled in the boughs of trees, safely hidden by the tangle of leaves.
One day we came across some tree branches plaited together on the ground. We walked around them, sniffing, exploring. My mother put a tentative foot on it and the ground gave way beneath her. She tumbled into a trap from which she could not get free.
I stayed by her through the night into the next day, when humans arrived. They talked excitedly when they saw us. I retreated into the forest, but not quickly enough. I was captured, my mother was killed, and they took us out of the forest. My mother’s body was used for ceremonies and luxury clothing. I was too little to be of use that way, so I was sold into the exotic pet trade.
I changed hands many times. Some of my owners, as they called themselves, were kinder than others. Eventually, I traveled across the water and came to this place called a zoo. My cage here is bigger than the cages in which I was accustomed to living. I can stride six paces in one direction, turn, and stride six paces in the other direction. People come to look at me, and mostly I ignore them. Sometimes I turn my golden-eyed gaze on them. In the eyes of the bigger people I see a tinge of fear. In the eyes of the little people I see only wonder.
There is a man who brings me food and water and talks to me in a calm voice. He told me that soon, soon, they will build me a bigger enclosure and I’ll have rocks, trees, a little trickle of a stream, and space in which to move.
Sometimes when the night sky is black and the stars glitter, I feel pulled toward my wild nature. My urge to roam is deep and strong and visceral. I close my eyes, and in my dreams go to the riverside forest and remember the fragrant night wind, the soft earth beneath my feet, the sound of the rushing river.
Looking at online listings for adoptable pets can be fun, but when you’re ready to decide on a dog or cat to bring home, it’s time to choose an animal shelter to visit. You may be surprised by which animal in your local shelter captures your heart and feels like the perfect fit for your home and life. Taking the time to interact with a potential pet in person can help you find the right pet for you, as well as give you the opportunity to ask questions of shelter volunteers.
When you feel prepared for your visit to an animal shelter, you can ease any anxiety you may have about shelter pet adoption and make sure that you’re ready for the commitment of pet parenthood.
Before visiting the animal shelter
While you can walk into an animal shelter any day they’re open, it helps if you can prepare yourself for the task of choosing a pet to adopt. Spend some time browsing online listings for your local shelter but don’t set your heart on a specific pet before you meet them. You may fall in love with a completely different animal at the shelter, so keep an open mind — and heart.
Consider what type of pet is the best fit
Before you visit a shelter, think about what you want in a pet.
Does your schedule allow for the needs of a dog, or is a cat a better fit?
Do you have the time to train a young dog or is an older dog more suited as a pet who already knows the basics?
Shelter volunteers can help you find the right pet for you. They know a lot about the animal’s personalities and temperaments and can answer your questions to pair you with the right animal for your family and household.
Do some research
Read up on the animal shelter online and learn what to expect from their adoption process. Every shelter and rescue has their own steps to adopting a pet, so make sure you understand required fees and the information you’ll need to fill out an adoption application. Some shelters may require a home visit to make sure your environment is suitable for your chosen pet, while others may only require you to fill out a form and provide references.
Gather your supplies
While you likely won’t bring home a new pet after your dog shelter visit, it’s still a good idea to have your home prepped for their arrival. Make sure to pet-proof your house or apartment, putting away any cherished personal belongings to avoid damage. Go on a shopping trip to purchase all the supplies you’ll need for your new family member, such as food and water bowls, a collar and leash, toys, and treats.
Choose a time to visit
Many animal shelters are fine with walk-ins during their posted hours, but if you want to make sure a volunteer is available to speak with you, it doesn’t hurt to call and schedule an appointment. Find a time that works for you and anyone else you plan to bring along, whether that includes other members of your family or a friend for moral support. If you’re not able to visit the shelter in person, ask if there are virtual animal shelter visits available.
Bring your entire family
A visit to the animal shelter should be a family affair. Bring along everyone who will share in the responsibility of caring for the new pet, so you can make sure the animal is the right fit for everyone involved.
Taking children along when you visit an animal shelter can be a challenge, so it’s important to establish rules for their behavior before you go. Bringing your kids along can help them feel involved in the decision and get them excited about caring for a new pet.
During your visit to the animal shelter
Keep in mind that shelter staff and volunteers are often busy, and you may have to wait before you can spend time with a potential pet. Prepare for the animal shelter visit experience to be a noisy one, with excited shelter dogs barking about new people in their space.
1. Be patient and understanding
Animals may act differently in a shelter environment than they would in a home. Be patient and understand that a rescue dog or cat could be overwhelmed by new people, especially if you bring children with you. Give the animal space to approach you on their own terms, and remind children to pet them gently.
2. Ask questions
Don’t hesitate to ask shelter staff questions about your potential new pet, such as how the animal shelter cares for their animals and what training the pet may have had. This is your opportunity to learn about an animal’s health history, any behavioral issues, and how well they do with other animals. You can also ask about the next steps in the adoption process.
3. Take your time
As exciting as it is to visit a shelter and look for a new pet, don’t be disappointed if you don’t find the right dog or cat immediately. Your goal should be to connect with an animal who fits with your lifestyle. Be sure to take your time and be open to any animal in the shelter being the right one for you.
Tips for visiting an animal shelter
When you’re looking for a dog or cat to adopt, seeing all the animals in a shelter can be overwhelming. Keep these tips in mind as you visit your local shelter.
Spend time with the animals to get a clearer idea of what pet is best for you.
Keep an open mind and give every animal the chance to steal your heart.
Consider pets who are less likely to be adopted, such as senior animals.
Stay safe and pay close attention to any posted signs or notices.
Commonly asked questions
How can I ensure a successful shelter visit when looking to adopt a pet?
The best way to ensure a successful shelter visit is to be patient with both staff and animals, and take your time when choosing a new pet to adopt. Don’t hesitate to ask questions of shelter staff, whether about the animals or the adoption process — or both.
Can I donate to the shelter during my visit?
Yes, you can donate to the shelter during your visit. Shelters are always in need of supplies and financial support to help care for their animals. The staff will likely be more than happy to accept a donation during your visit.
The concert will benefit a PA rescue and a NJ rescue. If you’re local, come out for an evening of diverse as well as food and drink! Steel City Coffee House, 203 Bridge Street, Phoenixville, PA 19406.
Good article. The only part I quibble with is the bit that dogs are the only non-primate species that makes eye contact. Every person who lives with cats knows of their intentional, direct eye contact from a cat—including in the form of slow eye blinking (affection) .
Untold Animal Stories 