To prevent the unneccessary killing of domestic animals due to the unpredictable circumstances of their surroundings, particularly those animals that are unadoptable, orphaned and infirm.

The Basis for the Need

Act now so your pet will not circum to a premature death in the event he/she outlives you. We can help you Plan Ahead for your Pets Future.

THE FACTS

The over population of domestic animals and the consequential action of this over population

has led many communities to be forced to eliminate

and euthanize thousands of

pets each year. This practice is often used on animals

that simply cannot find

homes due to behavioral issues, age and medical needs

(both chronic and long term).

Animals relinquished by their owners due to declining health or orphaned by death of the owner also fall prey to premature death by euthanasia. Often, they are abandoned because situations arise when owners no longer have "time" for a pet or the "need" for a pet has passed. Professions often get in the way of pet ownership due to relocation where the pet cannot go. Fortunately some pets are often given up to local humane societies or adoption organizations where they are placed in another caring home. More times than not however, they are taken to a local shelter in hopes they will be adopted. The fact is they are the least likely to be adopted because most adoptions are by people looking for a puppy or kitten, not an older or ‘special needs’ animal.

Because space is at a premium in most shelters, the length of time an animal can stay is limited. Most shelters will euthanize an 'owner relinquished' pet within 24 hours if it is deemed unadoptable or has a special need or appears agressive. Consequently, an animal is killed just because a shelter needs the room for another pet that they consider adoptable. Shelters with more rigid guidelines often use temperament tests, such as having an animal's ear or paw touched, to ‘qualify’ that pet for adoption. If the animal reacts negatively, the pet is considered unadoptable and then killed. The most loving and friendly pets can and have failed these tests and have been killed.

   A REAL LIFE OCCURRENCE (there are many)

Meet Big Bear and Hot Dog - Their story is one we've all heard too often.

‘Big Bear’  and his bud, Hot Dog had found

their way into

our neighborhood

and quickly became a joint project of caring between ourselves and our neighbors. Within

a couple

of months,they 

were picked up from

our neighborhood by

a ‘caring’ passerby with plans to take him to the local Humane Society. Upon arrival, they were turned away due to overcrowding and ended up at the local animal shelter. Hot Dog faired okay (considered adoptable) but Big Bear was not so lucky. Because he had failed the ‘temperament test, he was considered ‘unadoptable’ and scheduled to be killed. Fortunately, both BB and Hot dog were re-adopted,rescued and have become one of the first permanent residents at Seven Blessings.

A happy ending for these guys, but

more times than

not, pets are

often euthanized

that otherwise

could have

been rehabilitated

if they were given    more

time and attention. Euthanasia percentages are very high across the nation, accounting for 50% to 70 % of the sheltered pet population. According to a study released in 1997 by the National Council on Pet Population, of the 1,000 shelters that replied, roughly 64% of the total animals ( 4.3 million) thatentered shelters were euthanized – approximately 2.7 million in just these 1,000 shelters. In the southeast alone they are estimated at 80% and higher.

So Why Does This Occur?  The National Council Study also determined the top ten reasons for pet relinquishment to shelters in the United States.

DOGS                                                         
1. Moving                                                  

2. Landlord Issues                                  

3. Cost of pet maintenance                     
4. No time for pet                                     
5. Inadequate facilities                             
6. Too many pets in home                        
7. Pet illness(es)                                      
8. Personal problems                               

9. Biting 

CATS
1. Too many in house
2. Allergies
3. Moving
4. Cost of pet maintenance
5. Landlord issues
6. No homes for litter-mates
7. House soiling
8. Personal problems
9. Inadequate facilities
10. Doesn’t get along with other pets