What do you get when you cross a dalmatian with a labrador retriever? You get Lazor, an eight-year-old mutt who is waiting for a loving owner at the San Diego Humane Society and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Many animals just like Lazor — dogs, cats, rabbits and even guinea pigs — find themselves there each year.
According to Gigi Bacon-Theberge, a representative for the Humane Society, about 3,500 animals are up for adoption each year, and this number is only a small part of San Diego’s homeless pet population. While the Humane Society keeps animals until they are adopted, many shelters don’t have the time or space to find each animal a home.
The San Diego Humane Society is a private, nonprofit facility. Most of the animals there are relinquished by their owners for various reasons, perhaps if they are moving, having a baby or are simply unable to take care of an animal.
“”My owner had to move,”” said Spike, a three-and-a-half-year-old cocker spaniel.
OK, the dogs don’t actually talk, but each animal has a card outside his or her cage that tells their story.
“”My previous owner’s neighbor was mean to me,”” said Harry, a rottweiler mix.
A lot of pets have heart-wrenching stories. Through the Animal Cruelty Investigating Unit, the Humane Society rescues neglected and abused animals.
The ACIU pamphlet tells of “”a kitten stepped on by an angry neighbor,”” “”a herd of 60 or more starving horses left to die,”” and “”a severe case [involving] a dog who was hit by a car.”” Instead of taking the dog to a vetererian, the owner attempted to treat the animal himself. In his pain, the dog licked his wounded legs to the bone. The owner was arrested and charged with felony animal neglect.
Many visitors to the Humane Society find it hard to walk around the place without falling in love with every animal.
Bacon-Theberge admits she is quite fond of Lazor herself.
“”Consider the adult animals,”” Bacon-Theberge said, adding that many people want a puppy or a kitten and often overlook some older pets that are already trained and just want to love someone.
The Humane Society’s held its Pet Adoptathon last weekend. Radio DJ Dave Mason of KOOL 95.7 housed himself in a cage for two days to promote the event.
“”It’s kind of a symbolic gesture,”” Mason said. “”If the animals are caged up, why shouldn’t I be?””
This is the second year KOOL 95.7 has been involved with the adoptathon.
Bacon-Theberge said the Pet Adoptathon “”is our biggest event of the year.”” However, there are fuzzy, furry, lovable animals at the Human Society all year long. Ranging from $64 to $94, there are always plenty of creatures from which to choose.
You can find the San Diego Humane Society at 887 Sherman St. or check them out online at www.sdhumane.org
Lazor, Spike and Harry are waiting!