Tillie Mae and Shelters

We are going to do something a little different today. This is Tillie Mae. She came to us about 4 years ago from a shelter and has completely changed our lives. Tillie's mom is my sister who is a college student. For one of her classes she had to write a persuasive essay. Tillie and I thought we should share what she wrote with the rest of you on here.

"It’s another late night and you’re trying to stay awake while you finish up your homework that is due tomorrow. The reason you are up so late is not necessarily because of procrastination, but rather the black and white puppy that has been distracting you begging you to play with her and her toy pig that is 3x the size of her. Though it would be so easy to get mad at her for being so distracting, the little black and white puppy is my friend for life that I adopted from the Scottsbluff Humane Society 4 years ago!

There are many reasons why adoption may just be the better choice when it comes to choosing between adopting a pet or buying a pet from a breeder, puppy mill, or a pet store. In an article written on and by the ASPCA, that was last updated in 2017, the ASPCA states that approximately 6.5 million companion animals enter U.S. animal shelters nationwide every year, with 3.3 million of those animals being dogs and 3.2 million being cats. Out of those 6.5 million animals, approximately 1.5 million of those animals are euthanized due to the fact that they do not find a forever home.

I have personally adopted one dog from the humane society as well as doing extensive research on the best place to go to get a dog, so I feel that this qualifies me to speak on this topic.

When getting a pet, whether it be a cat or dog, it is important to first remember that there are many animals in shelters that need to find a home or they stand a large chance of being euthanized. Next, there are many causes that contribute to why there are so many animals in these shelters and at risk. Finally, it is vital to realize that if someone really is an animal lover, the solution is simple: adopt!

Before any person can go out and fix the problem, one must understand how severe the problem truly is. In a journal article posted in August of 2012 on US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, Patricia Turner, Jim Berry, and Shelagh MacDonald explain just how serious the problem of there being so many animals in shelters is. The authors state that “In the United States, an estimated 6 to 8 million dogs and cats enter shelters each year. This does not include animals relinquished to shelters by their owners for reasons such as infirmity, unacceptable behaviors, or old age. Approximately 40% to 50% of animals entering shelters or pounds will be euthanized.” While this article is a couple years old, a more recent article shows that this problem still exists today. On February 8, 2017, Kim Kavin posted on The Washington Post that even though the number of dogs that are dying in shelters is decreasing, 1.2 million dogs are still dying in the shelters each year. 780,000 of these dogs are euthanized, while the other 420,000 die waiting to find their forever home. The number of dogs going into shelters every year, while decreasing, is still staggering. It is even worse when anywhere between 20-40% of them do not make it back out. Clearly there is a problem, but we need to next find out what is causing this to happen.

Recognizing that there is a problem is one thing, but it is also important to identify just why this is such a problem in this first place. These causes all trickle down to the two reasons that, one, people buy from breeders, puppy mills, and pet stores rather than adopting a pet from a local shelter and the second cause is the reason why there’s more attraction to those other places rather than to shelters. To begin with, in a previously stated article from the ASPCA website, they shared results from a study that discovered where people are buying their pets from. The most common response from people was that they bought from breeders, this made up 34% of the study subject’s population. The next most common place was businesses that fell into the “other” category such as pet stores and puppy mills. These businesses made up 32% of dog purchases and 39% of cat purchases. Though there is proof that these businesses receive more customers than shelters, it is also vital to understand what is causing people to choose these stores over adopting from a shelter.

So, what causes people to buy from these other places rather than adopt? In an article posted on August 20, 2013 by Lauren Mellela on the Global Animal, she says that a lot of these causes fall back on young adults ages 18-34. One of the most common reason for buying elsewhere besides a shelter is that fact that “young people often view shelter pets like used cars: You never know what you’re going to get and what issues they have.” Many young adults tend to have this view that shelter pets are “damaged goods.” Mellela quotes a statement from Fieser: “Every person that I know of has had somebody break up with them — a boyfriend, a girlfriend, a best friend, the same is true for these animals. Just because somebody broke up with them, it doesn’t mean they’re less worthy. … The idea that they are damaged goods is false.” Another thought that people tend to get wrapped up in is the idea that shelters only sell mutts and mixed breeds. However, this idea can be proven wrong by the fact that 25% of shelter dogs are pure bred. There are animals that need adopted that are just as deserving as the purebred dogs but they are not getting a chance. Now that we have discovered exactly how many people buy pets from elsewhere in addition to noting why people go elsewhere to purchase these pets, we will look at the only solution that can fix this!

There is only one true solution that can end the euthanization that is happening in shelters each and every day in addition to ending the cycle of pet stores, puppy mills, and breeders gaining support. That solution is adoption. When I last accessed google search for animal shelters in Nebraska on April 16, 2017, there were 48 listed shelters in Nebraska alone. One of these shelters is right here in our Kearney community. In an article on the Kearney Hub by Jessica Kokesh that was posted on February 13, 2016, the Kearney Area Animal Shelter had just celebrated its 10^th year of serving the Kearney community. Kokesh states that in those 10 years, more than 7,235 animals have been adopted, this means that the shelter averages 30-50 adoptions a month! The Kearney Area Animal Shelter is located on 3205 W. U.S. Highway 30 and is open 7 days a week. With this in mind, all of us can make a change by knowing our options and acting on what is right.

All in all, it is important to first realize that choosing to buy elsewhere rather than adopting from a local humane society or animal shelter is the problem. Next, we noted the causes of this problem. Finally, we discussed a solution that is easy to act on by simply having adequate knowledge. While some people may think that shelters only sell damaged pets that aren’t good enough, think again. Your potential best friend could be waiting in a cage right now for your love and time and only you can put an end to this unnecessary killing by adopting a pet!"

If you or someone you know is thinking about getting a dog, I think they should read this first. The love that a shelter dog has is greater than any other love. I would know. I tried to convince myself I did not like her and now I don't leave the house without her. 

Disclaimer: I am not biased because it is my sister :)

Thanks for reading and write you guys later!

Sincerely,

Morgan Haberman

I'm Making My Own Path

Well, another year has passed and it is time to start making resolutions. Some are going to make the resolution to lose weight, others will plan to spend more time with their families but most people won't last longer than two weeks. Sadly, I am one of those people who never follow through with my resolutions. For years I have made resolutions and I do not believe I have ever gone through with a resolution for a full year and because of this I have not made any resolutions for the last couple of years. This year is going to be different though. I only have a short list of things that I really want to accomplish this year.
2014  was an interesting year. At the beginning of the year, I decided it was time for a change so I moved to a small town in Eastern Nebraska. That was definitely one of the best decisions I probably have made. Moving here has shown me numerous things. It has shown me that I expect way too much of people sometimes and when they don't live up to my exceptions I tend to overreact. It has shown me who my true friends are and who shouldn't matter. Being here has shown me that when you get time with the people that you love you really do need to cherish it because who knows when you will see them again. My favorite thing that being here has shown me is that I really need to change my attitude before I find myself completely and utterly alone. Now there are stories that go with all of the things that I have been shown but they really aren't as important as the fact that I learned them all. :)
As I was saying, I have a short list of things that I truly want to accomplish this year. The first thing that I want to accomplish is having a more positive attitude and to be nicer to people. I have not been very nice this year at all and I'm getting tired of apologizing for things that I say or do because I don't think before saying them. So this year I'm going to be nicer so I don't have to apologize as much. Another thing I want to work on is becoming more independent and save better. I got asked a very important question about a week ago. Some one asked me where I would want to be if I could just go, not having to worry about anything. That really got me to think about where I would be if I could and I think the answer would still be Colorado. In order to get to Colorado or what ever place I decide, I need to become more independent and save more. I want to make this year about working on myself and getting me set up to be out on my own. I'm not saying that I am going to be out on my own by the end of this year but I want to start so I will be able to support myself within the next couple of years. 2015 is going to be all about me getting my priorities straight and just doing what I have to in order to achieve a much bigger picture. 
I'm making my own path in 2015. What kind of resolutions are you guys making in order to make your own path in 2015? Comment below and let me know. :)

Rainbow Bridge

As we were at the vet the other day, waiting for Ole to get checked out, I started to read the signs all around the vet. There was one particular poster that stood out to me and it read:

"Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.... " Author unknown... I had to stop reading this midway because it automatically made me think of Moose. Its been three years now and I still can't get over the fact she is gone. She was my best friend. The hardest thing I have ever done ,still to this day, is handing her little body over to the vet. I kissed her goodbye and told her that it was time for her to go. On the way home I laid in the backseat, with tears streaming down my face and all I could get out was "I want my Moosie back". I'm sure we all did. We had been expecting her to go but it didn't make it any easier. She was with us for so long and through so much. Sure she was a little dramatic when she got in trouble for knocking over the trash. She would even take herself on walks through town without telling us where she was going :) That's just what made Moosie...Moosie. I truly can not wait for the day that we meet again Moosie Jo. I miss you every second of everyday and still fall apart every time I think of the fact that you are gone. But it is only temporary. I love you baby girl. See you at Rainbow Bridge.

When something goes wrong in your life just yell "PLOT TWIST!" and move on.

August 8th has forever become a part of life. Three years ago from today my mom was diagnosed with colon cancer. At that time I am sure we were all yelling "plot twist" and trying to move on. Cancer sounds like an awful thing (which it is) but good things can come from a six letter word. Up until the day my mom was diagnosed I took her for granted (sometimes I still do). I never realized all of the things that she did for our family until she couldn't do them anymore. Our family definitely became closer during this time three years ago. Maybe it was because we spent so much time together (whether we liked it or not).  I am sure there were more pros that came out of this situation but today I don't want to focus on the word "Cancer". I want to focus on the person who decided to fight this battle. 

In one of my psychology classes we were asked to write about wisdom. Wisdom, according to dictionary.com, is defined as “the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment”. The person that best fits this description is my mom. My mom has been through so much in her life and she is only 36. She had two kids at a young age.She gave my brother up for adoption. At that time she felt like it was the right thing to do but her heart broke into a million pieces that day. Making a decision like that to benefit your child could not have been an easy one.  My dad was diagnose with testicular cancer about 10 years ago. My mom had to step up a lot during this time. She had to take care of Hannah and me, as well as taking my dad to appointments because he was so sick due to radiation. My mom was also working, and doing the cleaning, cooking, shopping, and going to Hannah and my games. She had to work more because my dad couldn’t work as much as he did originally. She was diagnose shortly after my dad was declared cancer free. She went through chemotherapy. She continued to work and go to my sister and my school events. 

These are only some of my mom’s life experiences. She may not have made some of the best choices when she was younger but I think she turned out great.  She not only is she wise, she is also an inspiration. One factor of wisdom is the ability to put aside one’s personal needs. I think my mom choosing to battle cancer for the three of us is a good example of this. 

Mom, 

Thank you for all your sacrifices. Thank you for being there whenever I need you. Most of all thank you for choosing to fight and not leave us without a mother, wife, and daughter. I know I definitely would be lost without you. Always remember...

NO ONE fights alone!

So many posts in one day.

I would just like to explain why I am posting so much today as opposed to other days and something I have come to realize. I just came to the realization that I need some kind of signature closing so I think I will be working on that sometime in the near future. All the people I follow on YouTube have some kinds of signature closing so I think I need one too! For example, This guy named Joey always closes with "And may the odds be ever in your favor". Now back to why I am posting so much today. I also am not going to count the days that I was away in Western Nebraska in this blog challenge. I already pretty much failed because I missed several days. But I am hoping on getting caught up today which will put me at day 8 then I will hopefully get around to doing one a day. As you can see I am a huge procrastinator even when it comes to my blog. :) One last thing, enjoy the picture above. I don't know who took it but it was on Facebook and it's really cool! :)

Day 4: The meaning behind your Tumblr name.

The Meaning Behind My Tumblr name...

The meaning behind my Tumblr name is actually pretty complicated. Its the first 4 letter of my first name then a hyphen and the first 3 letters of my last name. I picked that because it was easy to remember :)  I still don't know what Tumblr is or even how to use it. I follow 4 blogs, pages, whatever they are. I wish this topic was more interesting but I never use Tumblr and I'm still not sure why I still have one :) If you have Tumblr and would like to explain it to me, please do. Or if you run across and Tumblr for Dummies, send it to me.

Day 3: My Day in GREAT detail.

Friday March 28, 2014

My Day in GREAT Detail : )

 

On Friday March 28th, My day started at 6:00-6:15 that morning. I was trying to finish homework and get it submitted so because I was going home to see my family! I went downstairs and had breakfast with my dad then finished getting ready. We left the hotel around 8:00 and headed down the road. We listened to the same five songs on Sirus all the way home. The playlist consisted of the man, talk dirty to me, animal, Pompeii, and Dark horse. It was a trip full of trying not to fall asleep, gossiping, and way too many selfies. I got home around 2 something I said hi to everyone and then I went to my sisters room and hung out with her. During a very fascinating make-up tutorial (one so fascinating that we made fun of it the entire time), we fell asleep. We woke up had to get ready then went to Jax and got Carmel apple snow cones. We went off to Adam's, where we did his make-up for the pageant. No there is nothing wrong with him. The Mitchell FBLA chapter does a fundraisers each year consisting of the junior/ senior high boys where they do a pageant dressed as girls. I was apart of FBLA my junior year when we started this and it is absolutely hilarious. After that was over we went to Chili's and then home and watched movies and all passed out in the living room. It was definitely good to be home :)