California has much to be grateful for so far in 2023. COVID is essentially in the rearview mirror, massive rain and snow totals bailed us out of a multi-year drought, and summer’s first month has been blessed with below average temperatures.
To celebrate the year’s successes, the Oakdale Animal Shelter has decided to share more good news. The shelter has teamed up with the Oakdale Shelter Pet Alliance (OSPA), a local non-profit that raises money to help with shelter needs, to waive all adoption fees through July 5; just in time for Fourth of July festivities.
In recent weeks and months, the shelter has experienced an unusually high number of dogs and cats being brought in. This is not just a local issue as many shelters are reporting the same problem. While there are likely multiple reasons for this issue, some people in the industry feel it is due to rising inflation and high grocery and living costs. Some simply cannot afford to feed their families and their animals too. Staggering numbers of animals are being found abandoned or dumped.
One pup was found tied to a tree in the park. Another abandoned at the dog park. Puppies left in a yard with no food or water. Five dogs all of the same breed were reported running around a neighborhood and were picked up and brought to safety by animal control officers.
Their stories are shocking and heartbreaking. But as sad as these events are, they create the best of times to adopt a shelter pet. One person’s loss is another’s gain.
Christine Mallin is a shelter volunteer who found both of her dogs at animal shelters. Her first dog was a handsome Husky-Shepherd mix named Jackson, adopted from Oakdale about four years ago.
“Jackson is such a great companion and beloved family member,” she said. She went on to say that positive experience led her to adopt another dog from a local shelter. She recently became a volunteer because “I wanted to help other pets be adopted.”
“There are so many awesome dogs that I’ve walked and played with, and they are just waiting for their new homes. Through no fault of their own, they have ended up at the shelter, confused and sad and just so happy to have human interaction.”
Mallin said, “There are many different breeds, sizes and temperaments available. These loving and grateful animals would make great companions, exercise buddies, entertainment and friendship for the children, security and companionship for seniors or anyone living alone.
“Please go save a life to add to your family.”
Shelter hours are: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; the shelter address is 9800 Liberini Road, Oakdale.
This article was contributed through the Oakdale Shelter Pet Alliance.
