I have been an animal lover my entire life.  For some odd reason stray dogs and cats would follow me home from school when I was a kid, and show up at my door (unprovoked) as an adult.  My heart has always been  tender to animals.  I guess that is why grooming is like my Cinderella Slipper....a perfect fit for me.

I can watch a movie like Old Yella or Hachi A Dog's Tale and cry like a baby.  I can watch the Nature Channel for hours on end, and always be fascinated about all creatures great and small with the execption of bugs!  I don't do bugs!  

Over the last couple of weeks I have been working with the Hammond Animal Control to spruce up the pets for adoption.  I really have to take my hats off to people that work in shelters and rescues.  That is a very hard job!  To witness some of the things that these poor animals have had to endure, and each one pulling at your heart strings. The need to find homeless animals a good forever home is so great, and the stream of lost or displaced pets are never ending.    It takes a lot of will power to walk away at the end of the day.  I personally know that I would be an animal hoarder if I worked there on a daily basis.  There is one little black and white terrier mix there that has my number for sure, but I know in my heart there is a loving home waiting to shower him with endless love.  That helps me make it out of there in one piece!  Those faces are a killer!  Deep brown eyes pleading for you to take them with you!  Little cute kitty faces seeming to ask...why?  Why, can't I come with you!  It is overwhelming!

These people work tirelessly at it each and everyday, looking at those faces deseperate for love and attention.  Some unfortunately, have to be destroyed because no one has shown interest in them and they start to go "crazy" from the isolation.  It must be a terrible position to be placed in, but it has become a way of life.  If we as pet owners spayed and neutered our pets it would greatly reduce the over population of dogs and cats.  Although it would not stop the number of strays or unwanted pets, it would greatly reduce it. 

If you have or know of an animal shelter or rescue near you, stop by one day and offer to buy them lunch or donate a few dollars to their cause.  The need to care for stray and unwanted animals is great, and the people that answer the call of duty don't get much appreciation for it.  Give what ever you can!  Every little bit means a lot!

For low cost spay/neuter/vaccinations in Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland area call South Suburban Humane Society 708-755-1110.

To the people that work so hard to help homeless animals........

I want you to know, that you are appreciated, and THANK YOU for all that you do!