It’s Saturday morning, the second Saturday of the month, the day I volunteer at my local shelter, the Manatee County Animal Shelter. I look for Ronaldo, the pittbull I walked last week. I remember how excited he was to have me put on a leash and invite him out for a short break from his cage. We must of walked a mile before we sat down to take a break. Ronaldo curdled up in a ball on my chest and began to rest his eyes. The fact that at any time he can be put down is devastating. This loving dog doesn’t belong here.

Five to seven million companion animals enter animal shelters nationwide every year. Three to four million dogs and cats are killed every year because shelters are too full, and there aren’t enough adoptive homes. Homeless animals out number home animals 5 to 1. Only 1 out of every 10 dogs born will find a permanent home. These animals need a home.

“To find a dog on the street who has been abused makes us at the shelter feel sick. We try to find homes for all these animals everyday, but it’s just not that easy. Whether I like it or not there comes a time where we have to put some of the animals down. It one of the hardest things to do. We need people to adopt, give these animals a home,” said Art, manager at the Manatee Animal Shelter.

The Manatee Animal Shelter can use volunteers and helpers. The dogs need to be kept as healthy as possible so there is no way they could contract a disease. Helping would consist of cleaning the animal’s cages, feeding them, and walking them.

Volunteer worker, Bear, said, “I just love working with the animals, and it’s a great way to get community service.”

“These cute animals need attention,” said Bear.

I personally work at the shelter and find it very exciting, but also upsetting to hear some of the stories of the animals that come in here.

Ronaldo, the dog featured in this article, was found on the street. He was very skinny with his ribs easily visible. The shelter took him in, fed him and nursed him back to health.

Six months later, Ronaldo was up running around with excitement and playfulness. He has been transformed back into a happy loving dog once again. The story of Ronaldo is sad, but it shows us that any dog can be saved and turn out to be loving if you just put the time in to care for them.

There are many similar stories to Ronaldo’s  at the shelter. Many cats and dogs have received medical attention and are waiting for homes.

Don’t let these animals suffer! Come out and adopt! Don’t shop!