Since 2010, nearly 1,000 animals returned to Wake County shelter

[WorseBeforeBetter]

"Parents don't want dog." (Shouldn't you have checked prior to adopting?)

"Dog was adopted to run deer out of yard ... doesn't." (THAT'S your reason for adopting a pet?)

"Husband won't let her keep him." (Boot the husband!)

"Too affectionate." (WTF?)

"Owner is infirm, needs a quieter, older cat." (Then WTF adopt a kitten?!)

"Cat is lonely." (Sigh. Spend more time with s/he. Adopt a companion kitty.)

"Kitten was actually a male." (You didn't bother to check while at the shelter?)

http://www.wral.com/lifestyles/pets/image_gallery/14490430/

I guess I should be thankful these animals were returned to the shelter rather than just let loose... or worse. My two cats came from the Wake County shelter. One had *issues*; the other was a maniac kitten. Now we're all one big happy family!

'Wife said no': Wake shelter records show why animals are returned

[MADem]

1. Shelters in the northeast generally vet the FAMILY getting the pet.

Everyone has to meet the pet, the pet has to be matched to the activity level of the family, nervous dogs don't go to homes with little kids, there has to be either proof of home ownership or a pet permission from a landlord, etc. Some places even do home visits and won't let you have a dog if you don't have a fenced back yard.

On the bright side, those numbers go back five years--starting in 2010. And some of those pets are the same pets, recycled:

Since 2010, nearly 1,000 animals have been returned to the Wake County Animal Center in Raleigh, some as many as four times.

Read more at http://www.wral.com/-wife-said-no-wake-shelter-records-show-why-animals-are-returned/14097269/#GuXEjMVK4gv191Tj.99

It's still 200 pets (some recycled) a year returned, but at least it's not a thousand.

[WorseBeforeBetter]

2. That's how it was in Northern Virginia at the two shelters...

I volunteered at. They were VERY strict, and rightly so. The Wake County shelter is improving, but not nearly fast enough.

I interpreted the article as 1,000 animals returned since 2010, so yes, about 200 per year.

[appalachiablue]

3. What lame reasons; right that it's best the animals were returned. I'm familiar with

the Alexandria Animal Welfare League in NoVa where I adopted my second pooch, and the OBG, Oldies But Goodies Cocker Spaniel Rescue organization in the DMV Metro area. Thanks for the post on God's critters.

[WorseBeforeBetter]

4. That's where I volunteered...

in Alexandria! It was shocking to see how things ran here in NC, especially learning of gas chamber facilities.

North Carolina Abolishes Gas Chambers For Dogs And Cats
https://www.thedodo.com/north-carolina-ban-gas-chamber-870376473.html

Our Gov and First Lady are supposedly huge dog lovers -- they need to shine more of a spotlight on animal welfare.

[appalachiablue]

5. Love Alex., worked for the City's Historic Office, adopted my pooch from the League in the 90s.

Hope they're doing OK, I try to donate a little annually to help out. Very sorry to hear of the situation in NC, good that the Gov. and First Lady are dog lovers. So much has happened in the last 5-10 years economically, politically, and GOP governance- Art Pope there, crazies here too. Glad to know of abolishing the horrid facilities, so cruel. Communities and cities are overrun with need as you well know. I would have 5 if I could!

[WorseBeforeBetter]

6. I'm tempted to adopt one of those returned kitties.

Two cats is OK, but three is venturing into crazy cat lady territory. Guess I can live with that! I really want to start fostering dogs, but my work schedule doesn't allow. I did just interview for a great position that allows one day per week from home, so fingers crossed. Think I could do it with three days at home and "normal" 8-hour days.

[appalachiablue]

7. Good wishes for that position & 2 cats. Three days home is H-E-A-V-E-N.

[WorseBeforeBetter]

8. Thanks, and I agree!

[Midnight Writer]

9. LOL, I have set a limit of three adopted pets at a time

For me, it is the crazy cat guy syndrome. I would take them all if I could, but it's just not doable. I have adopted dozens of cats and dogs in my life, mostly strays but many from shelters. Have never had a "bad one". Not once. Taking a pet is a commitment, and a serious one. I am stunned by folks I know who "give up" their pets over minor inconveniences.

A few years ago, I took an old Tom who had cancer. He was the most loving cat I ever owned. I gave him the best home I could and he had a happy last couple of years. I wouldn't have returned him for all the gold in the world. The love they give is more than the love they take.

[WorseBeforeBetter]

10. Nice post, Midnight Writer.

I'm going to swing by the shelter next week... I may be upping my limit of 2!