SUCHI PSARAKOS-RAMM / HAWAIIAN HUMANE SOCIETY
Eva Ramm hugs the family cat, Oscar, who was adopted from the Hawaiian Humane Society in 1997. Though it is common to relinquish a cat because of a new baby, Eva and Oscar became fast friends. Eva learned to say his name as one of her first words.
Do you know that cats can make more than 100 vocal sounds and have 32 ear muscles, while dogs only make about 10 sounds and have about 18 muscles? Or that a cat's sense of smell is 14 times stronger than a human's, but a dog's sense of smell is 1,000 times stronger than ours? Group studies reasons
pets are given upHawaiian Humane Society
Animals are amazing creatures that can bring tremendous joy to our lives. With a welcoming purr or a bark hello, animals brighten our day and make us smile. Locally, 54 percent of Oahu households own pets, and many consider them to be family members. Nationally, Americans own 73 million cats and 68 million dogs, according the 2001-02 National Pet Owner Survey by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association. These figures reflect the camaraderie and love between people and their animal companions.
However, despite the constant love that cats and dogs give us, many are brought to animal shelters and given up for adoption by their owners. According to the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy, more than 4 million animals were placed into shelters in 1997 alone. That would be equivalent to about 3 percent of the cats and dogs owned by Americans. For this reason, the NCPPSP is committed to collecting pet population data, recording entry and exit figures at animal shelters nationwide.
Through this research, the NCPPSP has uncovered the top three health and personal reasons for surrendering cats or dogs. For cats the reasons were allergies, the owner's personal problems and a new baby. For dogs, lack of time, the owner's personal problems and allergies were top reasons.
"It is clear that people love animals but are sometimes faced with situations that cause them to give them up," said Pamela Burns, the NCPPSP's newly elected president and president and CEO of the Hawaiian Humane Society. "The NCPPSP is trying to determine the factors that lead up to the giving away of basically a member of the family."
THE NUMBER OF homeless animals is a national tragedy that is being addressed by hundreds of animal welfare organizations nationwide. At the same time, 97 percent of companion animals enjoy lifelong care.
It is heartening to know that according to the American Pet Association, more than 23 million people celebrate their cat or dog's birthdays, and more than 65 million people give their cat or dog Christmas gifts. This supports the idea that pets are integral parts of our lives and that people will continue to develop and sustain their relationships with animals. Helping to achieve that type of bond for all our country's pets is the goal of animal shelters everywhere.
Pet ownership can be fulfilling while teaching humans about themselves and their capacity to love another creature. It is a responsibility that may not fit into everyone's lifestyle or plans. That's why it is important to evaluate your schedule to determine whether caring for a pet is a realistic option before bringing one home. Otherwise, you and your pet may become just another statistic.
"Pet Ohana" runs the first and third Fridays of the month. The Hawaiian Humane Society is a nonprofit agency dedicated to preventing cruelty to animals. They are at 2700 Waialae Ave. Call 946-2187.
Hawaiian Humane Society
Click for online
calendars and events.
