Hello, Easter Ferret!
Ebbie Lou looks gorgeous in her Easter bonnet.
Even big cats enjoy hunting for Easter eggs.
Folks at the Denver Animal Shelter (Photo credit: Jeffrey Beall)
Dog at animal shelter (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
And now I am going to get serious for a few moments, but it’s for a good cause. 
Easter. Passover. Spring. It’s a time of renewal and new life, new beginnings, and new possibilities. Many homeless animals are looking for a new beginning, too. You don’t have to go to a pet shop to find a great addition to your household. In fact, most of them are supplied by puppy mills, many of which are far more concerned with profit rather than proper care of the puppies and mothers.
Instead, look to local animal shelters and humane societies to provide that fur-ever friend. Every pet my husband and I have owned–and there’s been quite a few over the space of more than a quarter-century–has either come from an animal welfare organization, taken in as a stray or inherited from a deceased relative. We’ve loved and played and cuddled. We’ve lost and we’ve mourned, but I don’t regret one single adoption. We’ve given them a welcoming home and they’ve given us companionship, friendship, fun and unconditional love. And if you don’t want a rambunctious pup or kitten, consider adopting an adult dog–and keep black dogs and cats in mind. Because of old superstitions, many people avoid adopting pets with dark coats.
Even if you are not in a position to adopt an animal, you can always assist with donations of money, pet food, toys, old blankets, towels and other items. Check with your local shelter/humane society for their specific needs. Consider shopping in thrift stores run by humane societies; your bargain purchase will help provide food and medicine for homeless animals. Buy calendars, enter raffles, support the various fundraising activities of these organizations. There is always a need and always a way in which each of us can help. A society that does not care for its most vulnerable–the elderly, the handicapped, children, and animals–has a lot to answer for.
A wonderful suggestion! Sometimes shelters and rescues will publish their supply wishlists on their websites, making it easy to figure out something other than a monetary donation. Happy Easter, Angie, and thanks for this blog!
Thanks, Dawn, glad you are enjoying, and a Happy Easter to you, too.
Happy Easter, and thanks for plugging shelter pets. They really are the best!
I just looked out into the yard and Rascal was stretched out. I called out his name (the window was closed as we’ve had some chilly nights) and even with the sound of the mower going he heard me and started thumping that tail. He was one of a litter of puppies abandoned in a neighboring county. One of Benny’s co-workers took the puppies home and started looking for homes in which to place them. And that’s how this sweet, handsome German shepherd mix become part of the family. The former half- feral calico kitten we took in, Callie, is tucked up against my side right now. The abandoned animals, the shelter pets–I think maybe they appreciate you all the more.