Gates Of Hope

I took this pic at a local animal shelter. It was for photo contest with the subject title of 'Fences'. I want to point out here that I work for a few animal rescue groups as well as having my own rescue. I want everyone to be aware that simply ignoring the animal overpopulation problem does nothing but harm. Most shelters (in the U.S.) only give the animals 7 days to be found by their owners or adopted. After that they are put down/euthanized/killed/ whatever you choose to call it. It's the saddest thing to walk down those aisles and see all the hopeful eyes, wagging tails and hear the eager barks and meows and know that 70% of those pets are going to be dead in a week. I hope this picture causes a strong reaction. I hope that it makes people aware (even if it is painful) how important it is to spay/neuter their pets, and to keep some sort of identification on the animal at all times. Tags can be lost, but microchips and even better: tattoos, are the best way to make sure your pet never becomes one of that 70% if he/she gets lost.