Aiken SPCA gives thanks for so much 12/2/2008 12:16 AM By GARY WILLOUGHBY Aiken SPCA executive director
Last week, as we enjoyed another beautiful day in Aiken on Thanksgiving, we shared many traditions such as gathering with family, eating too much great food, getting into an argument with your very outspoken uncle about politics and watching the Detroit Lions lose on TV.
Another tradition is giving thanks for everything we have. At the Aiken SPCA, we are thankful for many things, too.
We are thankful to all of the thousands of supporters we have in the CSRA and beyond.
We are thankful for each volunteer who finds time to walk a dog, help at the thrift store, and help out at our special events or anywhere else they are needed.
We are thankful each time someone brings a dog to the shelter to have it microchipped, not to surrender it.
We are thankful when someone is proactive and brings their dog or cat in to have it spayed, instead of coming up with a litter of kittens or puppies they don't want and can't care for.
We are thankful for the nearly 700 people who chose to adopt a pet from us in the past year. Many others also chose to adopt from Aiken County Animal Control or one of the other outstanding animal welfare groups in our area.
We are thankful that Aiken County Public Schools allow us to have a Humane Education program in local schools to help create a new generation of educated and responsible pet owners.
We give thanks to the City of Aiken, Aiken County and the state of South Carolina for their proactive efforts to fund low-cost spay and neuter programs for pet owners on fixed incomes.
These programs make a big dent into the pet overpopulation in our communities.
We are thankful to local retirement communities, assisted living facilities and nursing homes that work with our pet therapy programs so seniors who can't have pets anymore can still spend some quality time with these well-trained and loving animals.
While we are thankful for everything mentioned above, there are still many things we would like to see.
We would be thankful if people would stop surrendering their pet they have had for years, just because they are moving. There are too many places that allow pets for this excuse to be valid anymore.
We would give thanks if people stopped getting rid of their pets because their new boyfriend or girlfriend didn't like pets or because they decided they don't have "time" for the pet anymore. When you adopt an animal, you make a commitment to care for that animal for its life. They are not disposable.
We would give thanks if people stopped letting their unaltered pets run loose in the neighborhood, adding to the thousands of animals who unfortunately get euthanized in Aiken County each year.
Finally, we would be thankful if people who do own pets, take them to the veterinarian every year, give them flea and heartworm preventative, fresh food and water and a safe place to sleep. This holiday season, keep all of the homeless pets in your thoughts. If you have space in your home, visit one of the local shelters or animal welfare organizations and give a pet a home for the holidays.
To meet some of our animals for adoption, visit us at 401 Wire Road in Aiken or visit www.aikenspca.org.
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