The number of stray dogs in the United States has nearly reached epidemic proportions, affecting cities across the country.
Few cities, however, areas affected by this terrible phenomenon as Houston, Texas. With over 1 million stray dogs on Houston’s streets, shelter workers work diligently to feed these starving creatures – yet because of the large quantity, they are limited to only taking canines that are actually in need.
A recent photo shared on the ‘The Forgotten Dogs of the 5th Ward Project’ Facebook page provided one example of Houston’s tragic predicament. Yvette Holzbach, a dog rescuer who works with the organization and occasionally shares images of the city’s strays on its Facebook page, took the photo. A depressed dog is seen hugging a soft toy closely in the sorrowful photograph.
“This could be a stray dog seeking solace from a worn-out, discarded toy,” Holzbach speculated. “How many of the dogs we see are likewise tossed out on the street after they have served their purpose?” Some people are moved by the photograph.
This shot, in particular, appears to have touched a nerve with some folks. While many of those who commented on Holzbach’s Facebook post complimented her, some argued that she did not ask the dog to go home at the time.
Despite the fact that Holzbach wishes she could aid every dog she meets on the streets, the sheer quantity of strays in the Houston area makes this difficult.
Holzbach responded to her critics by saying that in an ideal world, it would be simple to save every street dog. But, given the current circumstances, that is unthinkable.
As a result, Holzbach and other rescuers like her will do everything they can to save the dogs who appear to be in the most need. However, there is only so much that these dedicated volunteers can genuinely do.
Volunteers can best assist Houston’s stray dogs by ensuring that they are not starving. Volunteers can focus on dogs in need of extra assistance if the dog is healthy and does not require medical attention.
Furthermore, many foster families in the area will not even take a healthy dog, preferring to focus their efforts on dogs who are unable to survive on the streets on their own. And, once again, when it comes to shelters, there is only so much space in their limitations. “If there’s somebody who doesn’t completely grasp what we’re up against, we welcome you to attempt to conduct a ride-along with us,” Holzbach said of her detractors. You’ll be surprised at how many homeless dogs there are.”
Fortunately, the dog in the heartbreaking photo wasn’t completely alone — he had a dedicated, old guy who looked after him as well as the other strays in the area, ensuring they were fed and cared for.
Holzbach shared the photo to raise awareness about the issue of Houston’s homeless dogs. She also claims that shelters like the one she works at have an uphill battle when it comes to assisting these animals in their daily effort to survive.
Fostering or adopting one of the different rescues from your local shelter is one way you can help stray dogs. Visit the organization’s Facebook page to learn more about how you can help the dogs of Houston’s 5th Ward.
