Tragically, many of these animals were used solely for breeding purposes and would have been euthanized for being no longer viable. Years of struggle have taken their toll on dogs like sweet senior Shiba Inu, and Zenni. “We can tell Zenni’s clearly had a hard 10 years,” Rescue Manager Karla Agostinelli said. “She’s missing all her teeth and the top of her ears, so she probably had some dog fights. She’s also had many litters of puppies, but now that all ends. We will find her a great home and the affection she deserves!”
Along with Rescue Team Leader Ted Moriates, Karla headed out to Colorado Springs with our Mobile Unit to bring Zenni — as well as other survivors including adorable Yorkies, Shih Tzus, Poodles, Maltese, and Chihuahuas — back to the safety of our Port Washington, NY campus. Our veterinary team will examine all the dogs, receive thorough grooming, and be assessed by the Pet Behavior staff before being made available for adoption.
It occurs every year on the last Sunday in April, and even though it involves millions of people, it doesn’t get nearly the attention it deserves. It’s National Pet Parents Day, which honors the unbreakable bond between pets and their human parents. So, consider this my greeting card to you: Happy Pet Parents Day!
Which are you, a pet parent or a pet owner? I tend to think of Howard and me as pet parents. We own things, but we nurture beings, and this includes our precious cats. We provide them with shelter, health care, food, emotional and intellectual support, and, of course, love, just as any human parent would do for a child. We worry about them when they’re sick and clean up after them when they make a mess. And as with all parenting, our job requires patience, tolerance, and creativity.
They may have four feet, whiskers, and fur, but each is unique with specific needs, personalities, and foibles. We need them and they need us, and the joy and comfort they give us every day is a blessing.
Take our newest addition, Grog. Despite coming to us last October in terrible shape — matted, smelly, and with a serious heart condition — Grogu is thriving. He’s such a character and he brings us so much joy. When Howard sits down to have lunch, Grogu stands at his feet, looks up, and yells until Howard stops eating to play with him. It’s hysterical. He’s also a little stinker. He pounces on Mooshu, Helen, and Walter…when they’re using the litter box!
