After post-COVID Pet surrender surge: Adoptions Down
Across the country and here at home there’s been an ongoing surge this year in the number of cats and dogs coming into animal shelters. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, better known as the ASPCA, six million pets end-up at a shelter every year.
And now, coming at a time in which pet adoptions are down, that imbalance is blamed for the 900,000 animals euthanized in this country annually, according to the ASPCA. For “no kill” animal shelters the imbalance can lead to a serious strain on the operations of these shelters. For example, Pets Fur People” in Tyler, Texas consistently stays at or near capacity, with more than a hundred dogs and about two-and-half dozen cats at the moment. In response, executive director Gayle Helms says they’ve had to convert part of their exercise yard into holding pens. They also team-up with outside agencies which can often help with pet relocation efforts.
But with so many owners surrendering their pet these days – the imbalance has only worsened this year . So, Helms wants the public to hear one important message from her: “That owning an animal is not a right, it’s a privilege and you need to take it seriously. And when you get that animal, you’ve got to spay and neuter and help stop this over-population. Anyone interested in pet adoption or want more information on Pets Fur People” in Tyler, Texas. They’re open from 10am to 5pm Tuesday through Saturday or call: (903) 597-247.
Revealing Testimony: Ken Paxton Impeachment Trial Resumes
Ken Paxton’s Impeachment trial in the Texas Senate resumed Monday morning, September 11. On Friday, Former Texas Ranger David Maxwell, who once headed-up Paxton’s law enforcement division, testified that he warned Paxton in 2020 that he was risking indictment by helping a donor under FBI investigation - local real estate developer Nate Paul. Maxwell testified that he was directed to investigate Paul’s claims of alleged wrongdoing against him by state and federal authorities: “My evaluation of the allegations made by Nate Paul is that they were absolutely ludicrous, without merit, no probable cause, not any reason to believe that a crime had been committed.” A two-thirds majority — or at least 21 votes in the senate — is needed to convict.
COVID-19 Booster Shot
Here Soon
The COVID-19 booster shot is expected to be available by as early as Wednesday [Sept. 13] of this week. The FDA is expected to approve the shots to protect against a combination of viruses currently circulating, which includes the flu, RSV and new COVID variants. Leading epidemiologist Shandy Dearth, director, Center for Public Health Practice, Indiana University-Indianapolis, urges people to get vaccinated early. “Vaccination is still the best self-defense. The newest boosters should be available in a few weeks, and everyone should get the booster. In addition to your COVID booster, you can get your flu vaccination at the same time. In addition to your vaccinations, consider wearing a mask when you’re going into a crowded situation, especially if you’re at higher risk of complications from COVID-19. The director of the CDC is expected to sign off on the new booster on Tuesday [Sept. 12], with shots available soon after.
