‘Sochi’ dogs seeking homes in Mission Valley
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Editor,
As vice president of the Mission Valley Animal Shelter, I have adopted many “Sochi dogs.” Of course, they were never described that way. But there are hundreds of them around here. We don’t call them “Sochi dogs” but maybe we should. It seems that Americans love these Sochi dogs and can’t get enough of them. There is endless press coverage and heartwarming stories of American Olympians adopting them and bringing them “home.” Homeless, neglected and abandoned animals roam our area and, hopefully, are picked up and taken to an animal shelter or rescue group. Some will be adopted to forever homes, some are too sick to be adopted and some just grow old in their kennels/cages. Where is the outpouring of compassion for these animals right here? There are, in reality, more dogs and cats needing homes than there are people looking to adopt a shelter animal. This is a huge problem because pets are not spayed or neutered, are not properly identified (through tags or microchips), run away and then reproduce as nature calls, starting another cycle of “Sochi dogs” needing food, shelter and homes. Local shelters and rescue groups are limited by space and finances. Foster homes are always needed. If you are thinking about adding a dog or cat to your home, contact the local shelter or a rescue group. These animals all have stories to tell. They all have value. They will give to you a friend “fur-ever” as well as unconditional love. If you can adopt a “Sochi dog” or a “Sochi cat,” look no further than the Mission Valley.
Sharon Hawke
Polson
