The arrival of little Lily, who is no longer wanted by her owners has prompted this re-release of an article written some time ago for the PPS website. Lily’s owners were responsible enough to find someone willing to care for her. Sadly, all too many animals are not that lucky…..
Playa del Carmen is a fast growing prestigious tourist resort area where unfortunately, countless feral dogs and cats are still wandering the streets, mostly in areas of the town that the average tourist never gets to see.
Even more distressing is the ever increasing amount of ‘displaced’ pets – dogs and cats that have known and enjoyed the comfort and security of a home for months, years and sometimes most of their lives. They have been provided for with food, water, shelter, shade and love – just like your own pets, only to be thrown away like garbage when no longer wanted.
There are many reasons for this, often social or economic. A very common reason is that the un-spayed pet has been allowed to roam the streets and has returned home pregnant. Unfortunately too, many people who choose to make a life in Mexico, later decide to return to their own country. Some take their ‘Playa pets’ with them, considering them to be part of their family. Others will seek out new adoptive families, still more will simply abandon their previously cared for pet to a dubious fate on the streets.
These domesticated animals do not know where to find food or water. They are frightened by traffic and unfamiliar sights and sounds. Humans now scare them away, where previously they called them to their side. For the first time in their lives they have to seek out shelter and shade. And love? For them love is gone…….possibly forever.
Another growing trend here is to buy a pure bred animal, breed as many litters as possible to sell for profit and then when the animal no longer breeds – is sway-backed, saggy breasted and exhausted it is turned out on the streets.
Lulu was one such sad case.
Andy was told he could take her away as she had become ‘basura’ (garbage) and of no more use.
On arrival at the shelter, she literally collapsed from hunger, thirst and exhaustion.
Lulu looked like an ageing dog. She was just 3 years old. One look into her beautiful brown eyes and you could feel her pain… yet, still, she was willing to give all the unconditional love and devotion you could ever need.
Lulu was just one – of how many? Who knows?
We only know that we could tell you many, many more similar stories.
What can you do to help?
* Encourage responsible ownership. Allowing a pet to roam the streets is NOT responsible ownership.
* Encourage your family, friends, neighbors and acquaintances to spay or neuter their pet.
* Do not have a pet if you are not committed to looking after it and loving it for the rest of its life.
* Do not have a pet if you cannot afford its upkeep. Pet food, inoculations, spay/neuter and other veterinary care is expensive!
* If you are thinking of getting a pet, consider adopting an adult displaced animal. They need your love too
Remember – That cute puppy or fluffy kitten will be an adult itself in a very short space of time.
Lulu is now living a happy and healthy life with her wonderful adoptive family.
How many more at this very moment are living a life ruled by hunger, thirst and fear?
