The Big Issue
There is a generalized pet overpopulation issue no matter where you live. It's a sad truth. It happens all over the United States...and beyond. From lack of knowledge to limited funding, pets are able to reproduce as soon as their bodies are physically able if there is not human intervention (spay/neuter).
It is easy for us to forget that our pets are still animals. When they sleep in the bed with us, we put them in clothing, and use them as our emotional support, we lose track of the fact that they are still animals. Animals do not have the same mental capacity as us, which in some ways makes them far superior to us, but in others, they don't understand things like we do.
They don't know that there are too many animals and no place for them to go. They don't understand that if they have another litter those same adorable puppies very well may not have anywhere to go when they aren't cute little babies anymore or are too challenging for their new owner.
Where to Help
Animal shelters and animal welfare groups everywhere are stretched thin. Everyone wants to help these homeless animals but until we get to the root of the problem, it will continue to feel like a battle that cannot be won.
Between animals on the streets, people who are moving, animal/human matches that just aren't right, there are so many ways that an animal can find itself homeless. And when the population of animals far surpasses the openings in homes for them to go...we end up at a crossroads.
In lower income areas like the US island territories and rural southern states, the problem is even more real. It is a normal sight and happening that animals live on their own to wander the streets, left to reproduce, get ill, get hit by cars, etc. And yes, this happens in our own back yard here in upstate NY as well!
Helping Everywhere
It can be a challenge for rescue groups to decide where to help, pleas some in from all over the place come in daily. Situations where animals will lose their lives if they aren't helped many an organization have to pick and choose who and what they can help. Some southern shelters literally give dogs away just so they can have more openings to continue to keep intake open. They do not have a choice. In island territories there are packs of dogs running loose with deadly infections, broken limbs, skin conditions, etc. that they are living with every day because there is no way to keep up.
Local dogs get dumped if people have nowhere to bring their animal or can't find them a new home in a period of time. Some have situations where their income level is low, and they end up in a cycle of pet reproduction in their home due to not spaying/neutering. Animals do not care whether they are breeding with their brother/sister/father/mother...instinct guides them!
what do we do
In the end, we all have big hearts, and we extend them in every place that we can. Sometimes those extensions just go further than others. We all need to work together to make for a better tomorrow. Between local animals and extending a kind hand to other areas...it is important for us to all have a positive relationship with one another. Afterall, aren't we all going into this with the same mission? Don't we all just want what is best for the animals and humans alike no matter what part of the country we live in? The animals are just a product of their environment and situation.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to any rescue near you. There are many ways to receive help. Food banks, low-cost spay/neuter programs, etc. We are all doing our best to try and solve the bigger problems. Education plays such a huge role in getting to the root of the issues. And we promise to do the best we can in the most compassionate ways we can!