The serene neighborhoods of Ahwatukee have recently witnessed a distressing trend: an increase in abandoned dogs near the 202 exits. This pattern raises concerns about the welfare of these animals and the underlying issues contributing to this crisis. As responsible and compassionate members of the community, it’s crucial for us to understand the situation and explore ways to address it effectively.
The Growing Crisis
Unethical breeding practices, combined with rising housing costs, have led to a significant increase in the number of abandoned dogs. The county shelter system, including Maricopa County, is overwhelmed, with managed intake policies meaning that even stray dogs often have to wait for space to open up. This often results in tragic outcomes, with one dog losing its life to make room for another.
This issue isn’t confined to Maricopa County; it’s a statewide problem. Maricopa County shelters house between 800 and 1,000 dogs at any given time. When you multiply this by the number of shelters across Arizona, the scale of the crisis becomes evident. Even no-kill shelters are being forced to euthanize animals due to space constraints.
The Role of Ahwatukee Residents
Ahwatukee is known for its compassionate and proactive community members. In light of this crisis, there’s a growing need for residents to step up and provide temporary homes for these displaced animals. Fostering a dog not only saves a life but also provides a rewarding experience for the foster family.
Why Foster?
Fostering a dog comes with numerous benefits:
- Saving Lives: By providing temporary shelter, you prevent dogs from being euthanized due to lack of space.
- Emotional Rewards: While saying goodbye to a foster dog can be tough, it’s far easier than knowing the dog was euthanized because no one could take them in.
- Support from Rescues: Rescues typically cover medical expenses, food, bedding, toys, and other supplies. Your primary responsibility is to provide love and a safe environment.
How to Become a Foster Parent
If you’re interested in becoming a foster parent, here’s what you need to know:
- Application Process: Reach out to local rescues to apply. We can assist in finding a suitable rescue for you.
- Home Check: Most rescues will conduct a home check to ensure your yard and home are secure. This is crucial as foster dogs often try to escape to find their way back to their original homes.
- Preparation: Rescues may provide baby gates or other necessary items to prevent escapes.
Ensuring a Safe Environment
The primary goal of fostering is to keep the dog safe. This involves:
- Securing Your Yard: Make sure there are no escape routes.
- Monitoring Doors: Check that the front door area is secure, as foster dogs might attempt to run away.
- Providing Love and Care: While rescues cover the essentials, your role is to offer love and stability.
Join the Cause
We are calling on the Ahwatukee community to join this life-saving mission. By becoming a foster parent, you can make a significant difference in the lives of these vulnerable animals. If you’re interested, please reach out to us. Together, we can turn this crisis into an opportunity for compassion and community spirit.
Thank You for Your Support
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has already stepped up to foster and support this cause. Your efforts are making a difference in the lives of countless dogs.
Sheri Goodwin, Diana Lopez, and Erica Scrutchfield
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