Nearly every time I’m driving around, I encounter some sort of animal carcass on the roadside.
Whether it is a raccoon, opossum, turtle or squirrel, I almost always feel a bit of sadness for the poor animal.
I sometimes imagine what life was like for wild animals before the existence of vehicles and busy highways.
Then there are the times I encounter a deceased cat or dog.
I always wonder if the animal was someone’s beloved pet that wandered away and never found its way back home.
Then, I start to think about my own furry friends and how I would feel if I saw one of them on the side of the road.
That’s how we found our Siamese cat Lulu. She was sitting on the side of a street in Diamondhead, shivering and scared.
I see many strays and wish I could help them all.
When I’m in Pearl River County and see a stray, I know I can call a member of the Animal Adoption Society, the PRC SPCA or the Animal Advocates and they will do what they can for this animal.
They provide shelter, foster homes and medical care for these animals. In most cases, they find a forever home with a loving family.
The SPCA also has a spay and neuter program, which has helped decrease the number of animals euthanized within the county.
I’m an animal lover, but the dedication these volunteers have to animals is truly astounding.
Every time I cover a story regarding animals at the shelter, I call my husband and tell him about the cute cat or dog I saw that I want to bring home.
Since we already have three cats, a dog and a bearded dragon, he tells me no.
But, if you’re in the market for a four legged family member, please visit the animal shelter first.
There are plenty of loving and adorable animals in need of a good home.