YOUR COMMENTS

It seems like alot of people dont get their cat fixed and that what causes all these ferals. If your cat is not fixed it should NOT go outside!!!! People should look up the programs with financial aid to help there situation. If you dont ask around no one will help with the cost. People always want kittens. I just wish owners would be more responsible with their older cats. If you ask for help, it shall be recieved.
- Ann, Manchester

We adopted three kittens last fall who had been trapped as ferals at the approx. age of 2 months. The kittens were in foster care for about a month before they came to live with us. Although it took a little while they warmed up to us nicely and are very happy in our home. They are such little characters with distinctly different personalities and all very loving pets. We can't imagine our home without them. Thank you to all work work so diligently and lovingly with the homeless animals.
- Deb, Pelham

I just wanted to add that there is a government funded program to trap and/or spay/neuter stray/ferel felines. I also wanted to note that you CAN purchase pet insurance and even dental insurance. I fee that the Unionleader did not provide anough information in this article. I think it is great to highlight the issues stated in the article but I feel that the research wasn't complete enough to support readers and the community to better help them, which is in fact, what the article should be meant to do. For people who may have more concerns please or questions please feel free to reach out for help/assistance. There is more information out there, please do what you can to be informed. One last thing... A kitten must be 8 weeks old and MUST have a healthy kitten certificate from a real veterinarian before being adopted and/or bought or transfered. If you have 'law' like questions please refer to the Manchester Police Department at 603.668.8711 as they have EXTREMELY helpful animal control officers. They can help you with MANY things from education to emergency assistance. Best of luck!
- Tonya Ferrara, Manchester N.H.

I have two cats from the Manchester Animal Shelter, and have fostered in the past. I have also been a Vet Tech, and adopted many "strays", both cat and dog, while employed that all were a part of the family.
Pet ownership should never be taken lightly, and can be costly. It can therefore be difficult for well-meaning people to keep pets during this money crunch.
I am writing to say what a shame it is that a large "metropolitan" center such as Manchester has such a small, poorly supported shelter. When you compare the ARL to Manchester's cinder block, one level building you really get a sense of the lack of commitment on the part of Manchester to help all members of the community, even 4 footed ones.
If the Mayor and Board of Alderman were really serious about making this city a great place to live, by supporting programs, schools and its own Animal Shelter, they need to dispense with the empty (unfulfilled) promises. Properly funding the city's needs is the true sign of caring for its future.
- SThomas, Manchester, NH

I understand what some folks are saying about making sacrifices to keep your pets with you. We were in Germany with the US Army & bought a dog there. When we came back, we had a really hard time finding a place that would take us with our large dog. We finally wound up renting a mobile home in a terrible neighborhood. Even more frightening was the fact that this was in Texas (which is the LAST place you probably want to live in a mobile home, as they seem to be tornado magnets.)

I believe that pet ownership is a commitment you make to your pet for the remainder of it's life, but with vet bills being what they are, I can understand how some folks feel totally overwhelmed. I recently paid a HUGE bill for my son's cat, for surgery that saved his life. I was lucky to have a vet that understands, and was willing to take payments for the cat's care. (By the way, this is a rescue cat)

I would like to point out, however, that adopting a dog in New Hampshire is EXCEEDINGLY difficult, especially if you have children. After our first dog died, I attempted to adopt a dog from local shelters. NO ONE would even consider it because I had children & no fenced yard. I am an experienced dog owner, but it made no difference. I had to adopt a dog from Tennessee and have him transported up here, RIDICULOUS! If the local shelters are SERIOUS about overcrowding, they need to be more pro active about their placements, and stop making blanket judgments about prospective owners.
- Donna S., Manchester

I agree with Ted vet prices are disgusting they charge more than my doctor visits. I have 2 cats that I love deeply but God forbid something happens If the Vets want to charge so much why can't we gert some kind of health insurance for our pet which to a lot of us are family. I know there some insurance out but half the vets don't take it.
- Jennifer Banks, Manchester NH

The kittens were probably 6 weeks or better before I could trap them. I felt badly because they were crossing a busy street behind there mother and causing some really nervous drivers. I got the kitten this year at about 4 weeks and bottle fed it and placed it myself. I had its shots done and made the spay appointment. It is very sad to see with your own eyes the throw aways of society. Feral cats are nothing I knew about and I just feel good I could stop at least 4 from reproducing.
- Kara O, Manchester West Sider

How old were the kittens when you brought them in and they got adopted out? Im curious, b/c I just adopted a feral kitten, luckily it had human interaction about 5weeks so they all were really sweet..(this ones more friendly than my other two!). No human interaction after 6-8weeks they would be tough to take in, theyd be wild and not like it most likely..
I like that comment about Landlords requiring a spay certificate of some sort...But then again, alot of landlords dont know their tenants have cats let alone afew or ones that are not fixed!!!!
- Christine, S.Manchester

I just wanted to make a comment that I had two feral kittens brought to the the Manchester Animal Shelter last year and I never heard what happened to them. I called to check on them a day or so later and they told me they were adopted out. These kittens were wild and could not even be touched. I had to trap them. It took another year and another kitten to finally trap the mom. I paid over $265 for a spay and vaccines for this cat. Landlords should not allow any unspayed animals into their units as this causes an over breeding of animals in the city an these animals cannot be touched or placed. I still feed mom cat every day and she has no interest in living in the house or being touched. I can't even pat her after almost two years of care. If I ever move I will have to trap her again and hope she comes for food.
- Kara O, Manchester West Sider

hmm, a car to get to work and make money to feed your family or lyme disease vaccines and a test to see id your dog has heartworm despite being on heartworm the entire previous year.

Vets are WAY too expensive. When I lived down south they scrape plaque off a dog's teeth while a tech held the dog. Now it like you have to get bllod work for $100 to see if your dog han handle anesthesia. If they can you can expect about $400 more for the work. It's getting silly. Your dog needs a rabies vac? We charge $75 for a "wellness check". The dog is fine, just needs a vaccine, sir we have to do the wellness check... or should I say $$$

I love my dog and hate my Vet.
- Ted, Mont Vernon

Okay, since the Unionleader didn't include it, I will. Here is the direct website to The State of New Hampshire's Financial Assistance for Spaying and Neutering your pet... http://www.nhspca.org/community-services/spay-neuter-programs.html There are many options for many residents and non-residents to assure availability to utilize these programs. The website above is also great because Purina actually contributes to the cost of adopting a pet just click on 'assistance programs' to see. On that link is also the Food Share Program that the NHSPCA runs to aid residents through hard times by providing food to their pets. Please use these services and if you don't need to, please support them. (rescuer of over 200 felines and an adopter of 6). Being a responsible pet owner is being a resourceful pet owner. If you seek you shall find!
- Tonya Ferrara, Manchester N.H.

Actually Josh, there is quite a bit of help out there by the Animal Rescue League and there is discounted care for your pet when you need it. Also Petco has vaccines at a discounted rate. People can get help if they chose to do so, others would rather not bother and dont care. Everyone has families and friends, and animals such as cats dont have to stay inside or outside the owner can choose to do as they wish with them. Alot of people are just lazy these days.
- Christine, S. Manchester

It's interesting that people can afford their cable, cell phones, and SUV's, but they can't afford to take care of their pets. Perhaps they should stop trying to keep up with the Jones' and live within or below their means. I for one, would sleep in my car and eat at the soup kitchen before I gave my pets up. But that's just me. On a happier note, kudo's to the animal shelters (except the Nashua Humane Society who refused to let me adopt a dog because, 1. I worked, 2. I never owned a dog before and 3. I didn't have a fenced in yard.) They'll never receive my support.
- Beth, Candia

To Michelle:

Life is so easy for you as you write this post huh? I have no problem affording my dog but with that being said he costs me upwards of 175 a month after you account for his medication and his special food etc. Do not judge people until you know every little detail about the situation and even then you would be better off being helpful rather than hurtful.
- Josh, Manchester

It takes more than shelter and food to raise an animal. It takes trips to the vets also. That can be very costly. I have had two goldens that have both had hip surgery. They both cost over $1000 each, one over $2500 when the physical therapy was finished. Dont forget the yearly shots and neutering cost, heart worm med's, rabies shots, distemper and flea medicine. Then if they get ill more vet charges. It takes a lot to raise a pet and heart breaking when your in a situation where you cant take care of them anymore. I have never been in that situation and my heart goes out to both the people and the pets.
- Diane, Moultonboro

Hoo-Ray for the Friends of Manchester Animal Shelter!!!! We have three dogs and three cats currently (there's always room for one more!) - all were either rescued from the streets or from a home where they were no longer wanted. They all have a forever home now, no matter what. We live in an apartment (though it is a large duplex) and are lucky enough to have an animal loving landlord. We have moved a couple of times over the years, but always have made sure that it was to a place that would welcome our pets. You've got to look harder for landlords that will allow you to have pets, but to us, there is no other option! And to Kate in Durham, we work all day too, the cats and dogs keep themselves company enough during the day. You just have to be willing to spend the time once you are home. You sound like you want a dog really badly, and I'm sure that there is a dog just wishing she/he could go home with you . . . a smaller dog might be what you need right now . . . you certainly won't ever regret the love you get!!!!
- Molly W., Manchester, NH

I would like to state that not all the shelters have great adoption processes.. Anyone can find a free kitten and keep it. If you go there you might be turned away and I dont think that they keep in mind of how many animals they need to place when they pick and choose who gets one and who doesnt! think people who choose to adopt there, most are very responsible and could still get turned away!!
- Ann, Manchester, NH

I think its suprising that people cant afford to maintain or feed a animal..You can get food that is not so expensive. Litter too, or let your cat outside to use the bathroom! Once you get a cat or dog you are responsible unless you give it to someone else to adopt which is very easy to do.
- Michelle, Manchester,NH

My comment is for Amy in Concord. I take offense to your remarks in regards to not being responsible if you can't afford to care for your animal and choose to surrender it. I would cut my right arm off to care for my animals and last September when I found myself in the unemployment line I struggled to ensure they got the food and care they required, but there are times where unfortunately people have no other option and have to let them go. I've been at the shelter to witness the heartbreak on pet owners having to turn thier pets over due to lack of money.
- Cheryl, Derry, NH

Every single day I miss having a dog. I leave the house at 7:15 every morning and return about 5:15 so it wouldn't be fair to a dog to be left so long a period of time. On the day I retire, there will be a rescued shelter dog living at my house. I love the dog already and can't wait for the place in time a special one crosses my path. In the meantime I have two cats that I adore. But a dog................
- kate, durham

Abandoning a pet is very cruel. No matter what the circumstances are, to abandon a pet is wrong. These animals feel just as we do and form loving and trusting bonds with their owners. It's "an unconditional love" and they depend on that emotional bond. Imagine you've just left somewhere alone by someone you've loved and trusted to fend for yourself. You have no experience at fending for yourself, can't find your loved ones and the only thing you do know for sure is that you miss those you love. These animals cannot even understand why their being abandoned! How can somebody live with themsleves after such an act?
- Rob, Manchester

LD,do you honestly believe that the type of people, who care so little for animals, are going to take the trouble of interviewing and screening potential new owners?
IMO,this is just another part of our "throw away society",albeit a living,breathing part.
Man's best friend?Hell,with "friends" like some of these people,as owners,who needs enemies?
- Mike P., Manchester

Thanks Union Leader for spotlighting the Manchester Animal Shelter. BTW shelter adoption fees are going up on 9/1/2008. So if you are considering adopting soon, do it now and you'll a) save money and b) help the current overcrowding problem at the shelter.

You can visit the shelter online on www.manchesteranimalshelter.org.
- Kara O, Boston, MA

I also think that people get animals and aren't responsible enough to care for them. Its fun and cute to bring home a kitten, but when you move you drop them off at the local shelter because the place you're moving to doesn't allow pets. If you had a child and moved to a place that didn't allow kids, would you just drop them off at the orphanage? I'm so sick of hearing people getting rid of animals because they can't afford them or aren't allowed to have them where they are moving. I would never dream of moving somewhere that I couldn't have my dog. I got a dog, with that comes responsibility to care for them for their life, not til they aren't cute anymore. I really wish people would grow up and realize that animals aren't just something to toss aside when you don't want them anymore. Thankfully there are people that donate and help shelters care for animals. There are responsible people that would get an animal from a shelter rather then a pet store. I just hope that the shelters are able to keep up with the amount of irresponsible pet owners, so the animals don't suffer.
- Amy, Concord

We have two adopted cats, an adopted kitten, an adopted dog, and a dog purchased locally several years ago. The adopted dog is 9 years old and was adopted a few weeks ago from Libby's Haven for Senior Canines in Canterbury. We adopted another dog from Libby's at the age of 12 and she died recently at the age of 15. It is important to spay/neuter your pets, and also adopt an older dog or cat.
- Jean Donovan, Derry, NH

The Manchester Animal Shelter, I know, is dependent on donations for its survival. (The city only partially funds their operation.) The current overcrowding situation is crushing them financially. If you can't adopt a pet, consider making a donation so they can provide long-term care for the animals.
- Dave Jagodowski, Goffstown,NH

Don't forgot to spay and neuter your pets. There is a huge cat overpopulation and so many cats are having kittens, just adding to the problem. It's not an expensive surgery, will make your cat or dog a better pet, and you can get it done even more inexpensively through various low cost options (such as Friends of Animals, available to any income level).

Also, if you must surrender your pet and shelters are full, consider putting an ad on a place like Craigslist, where you can interview and screen potential owners to find just the right fit for your pet. Beats abandonment at the very least.

Thank you UL for this important article! My two dogs were rescues and I couldn't have asked for better dogs!!
- LD, Manchester, NH