The Portsmouth Humane Society

The Portsmouth Humane Society
2704 Frederick Blvd
Portsmouth, Virginia 23704
(757) 397-6004
www.PortsmouthHumaneSociety.org

Dear Friends,
Please feel free to cross-post and forward.

March 26, 2009
As many of you know, the Portsmouth Humane Society shelter is literally filled to its modest capacity with animals, many of which have been with us for months. Several veterinary and shelter professionals have assessed the situation and have unanimously recommended that we reduce the numbers of animals in our care by 50% to safeguard the health and welfare of all. Simply put, we are overcrowded, and we need your help.

In these difficult times, the Portsmouth Humane Society is well aware that each and every animal welfare organization is receiving pleas daily from pet owners needing to surrender their animals, real estate agents who find “Foreclosure Pets” in homes abandoned by the previous owners, as well as the regular assortment of surrenders, abandonment’s and other intakes. We receive these calls as well and given our current situation, we are unable to accommodate those we are charged with taking, let alone helping, any others. We are all feeling the effects of the economic condition and sympathize.

However, we are faced with a difficult decision: if we cannot find enough adopters to take these animals home or other animal welfare groups that we can transfer these animals to, we will be required to euthanize many of these animals in order to reduce our numbers. This is a decision we dread and will only be taken as an absolute last resort. I am asking that each of you please assist us if you are able to do so by taking a transfer of one, two or perhaps more animals from us if this will not overtax your resources.

If you can help us, we will return the favor by providing free of charge the initial shelter vaccinations given at the time of adoption to new pet owners as well as implanting a microchip at your request. Most of our animals are already spayed or neutered. We can help with transporting animals to your facility and can even arrange long-distance transport using the resources of Operation Roger and Dreamin’ My Way Home. Both of these organizations use long-haul truckers to move pets in need around the continental United States at a very reasonable price. In short, we will do whatever we can to help facilitate your assistance in this time of great difficulty.

I’ll speak as plainly as possible: we do not want to euthanize any of these animals; however, we are aware that some of these animals may not be suitable candidates for adoption. Many of the dogs are pit bull terriers/mixes, and we understand the stigma attached to these dogs as well as the reluctance of some to accept them. We are, however, trying to save all of them that we can. We also have lots of healthy, friendly cats that are highly adoptable, and the same offer of vaccinations,
microchipping and transport applies. Please do not feel under any obligation to take any animal that you think you cannot help.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call me at (757) 343-6768 or e-mail me at Webmaster@PortsmouthHumaneSociety.org

If you can help, I will do everything I can to assist you in placing these deserving animals. Thank you for your help!
Jimmy Frost
Jimmy Frost,
Webmaster,
Portsmouth Humane Society