It's here: Diesel Day. Wednesday May 26 marks the anniversary of my adoption at the Sauk County Humane Society in Baraboo, Wisconsin. My people understand that the adoption was mutual - they got me and I got them - real permanent. Alex was a bit unsure about the whole thing at first, but she's grown accustom to my furry face and lovable antics.
Since that wonderful day, I've tried to make May 26 a day to recognize the joy that all furry, feathered, hoofed, and scaled critters bring into human lives. If you have a non-human companion, this is a great day to commemorate their coming into your life. It is also an important day for reaching out to those companion critters who don’t have homes, and to the people and organizations who are caring for them and working to make their lives better.
Times are tough out there for humans, wild things, and companion critters alike. Even in good times for humans, the number of homeless dogs, cats, birds, and other critters numbers in the tens of millions in the US alone. Every year, according to the Humane Society of the United States, 6 to 8 million cats and dogs enter animal shelters. In bad economic times, the number of animals surrendered to shelters, or simply turned out of their homes, increases dramatically. The burden on the 4000 to 5000 shelters in the US is prodigious.
So Diesel Day is an opportunity for you to plan and get started helping out. Maybe you've been thinking of adopting that special furry or feathered someone? Maybe you live near a shelter and can offer them some needed supplies or a helping hand? Or perhaps you have just the right number furry friends living with and taking care of you, but you can encourage you local kibble store to make a donation, or check with your vet and ask if they donate time or supplies to their local shelter or offer discounts to newly adopted critters. Today's the day to put your plan in motion and make it happen!
As I've noted before, I am especially appreciative if you want to help one of my two favorite shelters: my former shelter in Wisconsin, or my local shelter the North Country SPCA in Westport New York.
Remember, most shelters are 501(c) 3 not-for-profit charities. They run entirely on donations – which are, for the money-minded among you, tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Giving away without regret is one of the most important things a being can do. You’ll be amazed at what comes back to you. I still have extended family in Wisconsin and, you never know, you may be directly aiding a furry cousin of mine…another future feline blogger.
Make sure you tell them Diesel sent you. If they look at you funny, send them here.
