Editorial

Make room in your life for a pet

Posted

Bob Barker ended every episode of “The Price is Right” by reminding viewers, “Help control the pet population. Have your pets spayed or neutered.”

Bringing the animal population under control is no overnight task, and there are millions of unwanted dogs and cats in shelters across the country.

The situation is no different locally. Facilities such as the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter, Last Hope Animal Rescue and North Shore Animal League have dozens of pets looking for good homes. And there is no shortage of good homes, so we encourage residents to consider pet adoption.

For a small fee, you can get a healthy, lovable cat or dog. These pets never forget who rescued them, and reward their new owners with love and loyalty.

Adopting a pet essentially saves two lives — the dog or cat that you take home, and the one that can now be placed in the shelter. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, about 2.7 million animals are euthanized

every year, often because there is simply no place for them to go.

Now is a great time to consider adopting a pet. The school year will be ending and children will be spending more time at home, where they quickly bond with a new furry friend.

Keep in mind, though, that owning a pet takes work and some expense. In addition to feeding your dog or cat, there are litter boxes to clean and vet bills to pay. Make sure you have the time and can make the modest financial commitment. You’ll discover that the benefits of pet ownership far outweigh the challenges.

The Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter, in Wantagh, just launched its Summer of Love program, in which adoption fees will be waived through Sept. 12. What better opportunity to find a new companion?

There are no shortage of shelters in our area to find the perfect pet. We hope you’ll consider welcoming a new companion into your life.

Places to adopt

Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter

3320 Beltagh Ave., Wantagh

(516) 785-5220

www.toh.li/animal-shelter

Last Hope Animal Rescue

3300 Beltagh Ave., Wantagh

(631) 425-1884

www.lasthopeanimalrescue.org

Bobbi and the Strays

2 Rider Place, Freeport

(516) 378-4340

www.bobbiandthestrays.org

North Shore Animal League

25 Davis Ave., Port Washington

(516) 883-7575

www.animalleague.org

Courageous Cats Rescue and Adoption

(516) 526-0235

www.courageouscats.org

Ruff House Rescue

www.ruffhouserescue.com

Turtle Rescue of Long Island

www.turtlerescues.com