One of the most heart-wrenching aspects of being a rescue animal advocate is realizing that not every stray can be saved. Even with unlimited resources, it would still be impossible to take in all of the millions of stray dogs and cats born each year in the United States. All we can do is help when we can, and encourage others to do the same.
That’s exactly what Houston-based foster mom Erin Berger did when she saved a stray cat named Kangaroo and her four kittens just hours before they were scheduled to be euthanized. Erin’s act of compassion was accompanied by a heartfelt plea to fellow pet lovers across the country.
It’s difficult to fathom that Mama Kangaroo and her babies—Joey, Koala, Wallaby, and Emu—almost lost their lives at a shelter. All five are in good health and utterly adorable. Despite being a complete stranger to her, Erin found Mama Kangaroo to be sweet-natured as she gently placed her kittens into a warm, blanket-lined “cave.” You could hear the gratitude in Mama Kangaroo’s loud purrs as she snuggled with her babies. After narrowly escaping euthanasia, this feline family now has a chance to find their forever homes and bring joy to new families.
Although the outcome is heartwarming, Erin doesn’t harbor resentment toward the shelter workers who were close to euthanizing the family. She understands the harsh reality faced by both stray animals and shelter workers around the country. Government-run shelters cannot refuse any animals, and with limited space, sometimes euthanasia becomes the only option to make room for more.
“Unfortunately, the shelters here in the southern USA, especially in Houston, are completely overcrowded,” Erin explained. “The shelter I picked them up from is designed to hold about 400 animals. But they receive 50 to 100 new animals per day. It doesn’t take long for them to reach full capacity, and they were already overcrowded.”
This widespread issue is not one that can be solved quickly, no matter how much effort is put into it. Still, Erin urges her followers to reflect on their own role in helping the cause.
“Please, please, please, get your pets fixed, and adopt, don’t shop!” Erin pleads.
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