Each year in the United States, approximately 3.9 million dogs are abandoned or surrendered to shelters. Abandoned pets often face dire situations, especially when left in rural areas to fend for themselves. Many suffer from malnutrition, injury, or even death. Their search for food can sometimes lead them to become a nuisance to local farmers, who might find them attacking livestock or poultry in desperation.
The reality for these abandoned dogs is often grim. If they’re fortunate enough to be rescued and taken to a shelter, their situation can still be bleak. Local animal control programs are stretched thin and often rely on taxpayer funds to manage this challenging issue. Unfortunately, around 390,000 dogs are euthanized in U.S. shelters each year, as reported by the ASPCA. While there are private “no-kill” shelters, they frequently struggle due to high costs and insufficient community donations.
Pet abandonment stems from various causes, including economic difficulties or major life changes like moving. However, a significant factor is the lack of understanding about the responsibilities of pet ownership. Many people adopt pets impulsively without fully grasping the long-term care and financial commitments involved.
At Karing for Kreatures, my team and I have rescued and rehabilitated numerous abandoned dogs, including a litter of puppies found in a Rubbermaid container. Each dog that comes into our care shares one common trait: they all found their way to us thanks to the compassion of our team members who couldn’t turn their backs on animals in need.
One such instance occurred on August 25. Team members Elizabeth Korizon, Kameryn Potter, and Hannah Rodrigues embarked on a fishing trip at the California Aqueduct in Huron. Armed with fishing gear and a hopeful spirit, they were surprised to encounter an abandoned terrier mix dog. This emaciated dog, later named Fisher, was clearly in distress. Kameryn offered him half of her sandwich, prompting two more frightened dogs to approach. The three dogs were visibly starving.
As Kameryn attended to the other two dogs, Fisher seized the opportunity to grab the remaining sandwich. The team discussed the dogs’ plight and decided that if the dogs stayed near their vehicle after the fishing trip, they wouldn’t leave without them.
True to their word, the team ended their day not with a catch of fish but with three grateful dogs, named Fisher, Bobber, and Minnow. The bond between the dogs and the rescuers was evident. Fisher immediately made himself comfortable in Hannah’s Jeep, while Bobber, the presumed mother, found solace in Elizabeth’s lap.
Kameryn reflected on the serendipitous rescue, saying, “I felt like this was the prime example of being at the right place at the right time. They were meant to be saved that day and deserve to know what it feels like to have a forever home and a human to love them every night. I’m glad we were able to give them a chance.”
Elizabeth described the special moment with Bobber, stating, “Riding home with the mama dog, Bobber, I could feel the moment she knew she was safe. She curled up on my lap, let out a big sigh, and fell asleep for the entire ride to Lemoore. This rescue was special.”
Currently, Fisher, Bobber, and Minnow are being cared for temporarily, with plans for health checks and spaying/neutering to prepare them for adoption. Elizabeth has created a bulletin board to raise awareness, and Hannah has shared photographs to spread the word.
The issue of pet abandonment reflects broader societal values. By fostering empathy and commitment at both individual and community levels, we can address this troubling problem. Every pet deserves a chance at a loving home, and it is our collective responsibility to prevent animals from suffering due to abandonment.
