Pets that have been accustomed to a loving and comfortable home typically don't adjust well to shelter life.
They refuse to eat.
They become depressed, showing signs of being un-adoptable.
They become the first to be euthanized.
This is a preventable problem that can be eliminated if you follow these steps.
IDENTIFY A CAREGIVER
Someone who will care for your pets with the same love and attention you have. Short term for the days or weeks after an emergency or long term, should you die or become permanently incapacitated.
PREPARE WRITTEN EMERGENCY INSTRUCTIONS
If something happens to you and your pets need to be looked after, have a Pet Emergency Contact Card placed somewhere it will be found easily. This Pet Emergency Card can be found at 2nd Chance 4 Pets. Here's another one from Critter Cozy. There are multiple others you can find with a quick Google search. Find the one you like. Print it out, fill it out and put it on your refrigerator, in your wallet/purse so any friend, family member or emergency medical personnel will see it and be aware that your pets will be needing attention too.SET UP A FUND SPECIFICALLY FOR YOUR PETS
Food, shelter, medical care.....these expenses won't stop even if you're not around to pay for them. Help your pets' new caregiver with a savings account to cover ongoing needs.
You can find more information on how to follow these steps and much more by going to 2ndchance4pets.org and clicking on their Resources tab.
This is such useful information. It is easy to overlook the needs of pets in the midst of everyday life. Our dog was deaf, so we made sure there was notification of her special need, for emergency services, etc. but we missed many of the recommendations above. Good to know for next time!
ReplyDeleteHi Donna! What kind of dog was she? Did she respond well to hand signals? Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteThis is amazing as I was talking about this to my friend this morning before reading your post. We lost 5 dogs last year (all rescues) and two of them we had for 18 years. Now, we have two new ones and they are 11 and 7 years old. Every time one dies I say NO MORE. But then we get more. Now I am saying NO MORE because I don't want them to be left behind. Very timely and informative post
ReplyDeleteCarol, seeing your post makes me so happy! You are an angel for rescuing and sharing your home with those pups for almost 2 decades. How many dogs have you rescued in total? Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteThis is an excellent reminder to prepare backup plans for our pets ... just in case.
ReplyDeleteYou just never know, Helene. Especially useful for those who live alone, I think. Thanks for stopping by!
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ReplyDelete