My first day as pet paparazzi

Yesterday I was able to complete my "Fido Training" and join the ranks of paparazzi for the WCAS. It was good to be in a smaller group with Amanda (there was one other person there besides me) and get an opportunity to ask more questions. When I arrived, I realized that I had forgotten to check the prices online. As it turned out, Amanda was running a little behind and to my relief I found them posted on the wall inside. I also had time to observe the comings and goings in the lobby. I saw two happy families leave with the new addition to their family, one volunteer bring in a stray kitty, and also a surrender of a very cute bunny. The lady who brought him in made several trips bringing in supplies and food, but on her last trip out she opened the cage and hugged the bunny for a long moment. As she turned to walk away, there were tears streaming down her face. I have to wonder what her story is. Needless to say, I am learning quickly that a lot happens here on an average day.

On to the cost of adoption...

I was very surprised at the cost of owning a pet. The fees are as follows:

Dog Adoption:      $45
Dog Spay/neuter:  $50
Cat Adoption:       $15
Cat Spay/neuter:   $30

If you adopt an animal that is already spayed/neutered, the overall cost is reduced. This includes the first series of shots, dewormer, heartworm test, flea & tick treatment, microchip, and rabies vaccination.

I spoke with Amanda about her views on the cost of pet ownership. She personally believes that the price is too low. For all that is included, prospective pet owners should be required to pay more. Having the price so low makes it easier for people to adopt, which can lead to not-so-thought-out actions leading to some animals being brought back.

There were many visitors to the shelter yesterday. I approached one lady (who prefers to remain anonymous) and asked her views. She told me that she understands that they have to charge something to keep the shelter running, but wonders if more people would adopt if they were free. She gave me the example of the number of pit bulls in the shelter, questioning if there were a lot of them there due to their reputation or because the shelter makes prospective owners pay to adopt. She ended saying again that she understood why they charged, but thinks maybe more people would adopt if they didn't.

For this issue, I have to agree with Amanda. If anything, I think the fees should be higher. I have had every one of the services listed above done to my dog and it cost WAY more than that. But cost aside, I believe people would question their decision more if they had to pay more and hopefully make a better decision because of it. I found an example of a decision that wasn't so thought out yesterday. One of the staff showed me a pit bull puppy that had been adopted the day before that was returned that morning. Meet Precious Angel:


Precious Angel

A husband and wife with their two-year old daughter adopted this pit bull puppy and then brought her back the next morning saying that the puppy would not quit biting their daughter. The staff member was very frustrated exclaiming, "It's a puppy! What did they expect?" Anyone that has ever owned a puppy knows that they bite incessantly, no matter what the breed. I believe this illustrates my point better than anything else. This causes so much trauma to the animal. There was diarrhea all around her kennel. I have to wonder if this is simply from the stress caused by this event.

Luckily, not all stories are bad. Hopefully our work will help another critter find their happy ending. I got a chance to meet and cuddle with Cam yesterday. Here's a shot of him:



My new friend, Cam

 He was nervous initially, but when he realized all I was going to do was rub him and give him treats, he warmed right up! I checked the website for his current picture and found that they only have his check-in photo. I hope one of my images helps him find his new home. He was a wonderful model. :-)

Happy shooting!