Urban Critters

I saw this very cool quote today on the Alliance for Humane Action website, and I think it bears repeating. I wish we all had the courage to step out of our comfort zone from time to time, to challenge those things that need to be challenged; to say that something makes us uncomfortable - and hopefully as a result, to be a catalyst for change.

"You are not living in a private world all your own. Everything you say and do and think has its effect on everything around you. For example, if you feel and say loudly enough that it is an infernal shame to keep larks and other wild songbirds in cages, you will infallibly infect a number of other people with that sentiment, and in course of time, those people who feel as you do will become so numerous that larks, thrushes, blackbirds and linnets will no longer be caught and kept in cages.

How do you imagine it ever came about that bulls and bears and badgers are no longer baited, cocks no longer openly encouraged to tear each other to pieces, donkeys no longer beaten to a pulp?

Only because people went about shouting that these things made them uncomfortable.

When a thing exists which you really abhor, I wish you would remember a little whether in letting it strictly alone, you are minding your own business on principle, or simply because it is comfortable to do so."

~John Gallsworthy

Who wouldn't want this kind of love in their lives? Adopting a pet means unconditional love!

King County Animal Care and Control is experiencing peak capacity for the number of animals coming into their two shelters, which is typical for many animal shelters at this time of year.   

In an effort to encourage the public to adopt a companion animal (or two), King County's third annual Super Pet Adopt-a-thon is on Saturday, June 21 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on the grounds of the Kent Animal Shelter. 

This “super” adoption event involves over 20 animal adoption groups from around the state, bringing adoptable pets to Kent in one convenient location. There will also be dog trainers, animal accessory retailers and other animal-related organizations on site. Families are encouraged to stop by.  People can also bring their own pets to be micro-chipped for a small fee.

"Proceeds from a silent auction will be added to the donations in the County’s Angel Fund, which provides medical care and pays veterinary expenses for abused, sick or injured animals in the King County animal shelters, or in designated foster homes.  The Super Pet Adopt-a-thon is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about animal care and find at least one great furry member of the family to adopt.

Visit http://www.kingcounty.gov/pets to view all the animals available for adoption or for more details on the Super Pet Adopt-a-thon. 

King County has two shelter locations, in Kent and Bellevue, and is open Monday through Saturday (however, effective June 29, the Kent Animal Shelter will be open seven days a week to the public).