by Brigid Wasson

Staff member Crystal Muniz plays with a momma dog and her puppies.

In 1997, more than half a million cats and dogs were euthanized in California animal shelters. Until then, the public had largely believed in the concept of “pet overpopulation,” that there are more pets than can possibly be adopted, and that pets who end up in shelters are unwanted by their original owners. Upon further investigation, however, the public discovered that these statements couldn’t be further from the truth, and that many other factors were to blame for the tragic death of so many companion animals.

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by Brigid Wasson

Thinking of bringing a new canine family member home? If so, you’re way ahead of many people who buy or adopt a dog … without thinking.

Adopting a dog can be a fun and rewarding experience for the whole family. At the shelter we love hearing good reports on our adoption follow-up calls. New owners say things like, “He’s the best dog ever! We don’t know what we did without him. He fits right in to our home.” Unfortunately, adoption can also be an unpleasant experience for both the adopter and the dog.

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