2010 44c Adopt a Shelter Pet: Jack Russel

U.S. #4451
Animal Rescue

Issue Date: April 30, 2010
City: North Hollywood, CA
Printing Method: Lithographed
Perforations: Serpentine Die Cut 10.75
Color: Multicolored

Speedie was a six-year-old unneutered male Chihuahua-Schipperke mix whose beloved owner went to a nursing home. Having no one to care for her, Speedie ended up in a shelter. People came and went until one day when a lonely woman came looking for a companion. Without a pet for many years, the woman quickly chose Speedie and renamed him Max. She immediately updated his vaccines and had him neutered. They now share a happy life, each enjoying the company of the other.

A common misconception is that animals end up in a shelter because they’ve been abused or have entrenched behavioral problems. In reality, most are taken to shelters because of problems with their owners. Death or divorce, relocation, money for basic care, and unrealistic expectations often result in healthy, well-behaved pets being relinquished to shelters. Once there, the majority will be euthanized.

Whether it is an older animal like Speedie or a newborn, adopting a shelter pet has many advantages. It is less expensive than buying a pet from a store or breeder. Also, animals from shelters are already spayed or neutered and vaccinated. But the biggest advantage to going to a local shelter is the knowledge two animals have been saved – the one that’s adopted and the one that won’t be euthanized because of a lack of space.