What “No-Kill” Means to Me
by John Flores
Maybe about twice a month a Girl Scout troop comes in to drop off donations and I give them a tour of, The Orphanage. They get to play with dogs and pet the kittens but before all of that I ask the troop one question, “Do you know what a no-kill shelter is?” I get a variety of answers and some of these girls are spot on. There is an ongoing debate whether or not actually helps the overpopulation of animals and today I’m going to give you my views…
For almost a year now I’ve been fortunate enough to volunteer with Priceless Pets. To be honest, I started out just wanting to walk a few dogs as therapy for my head injury. I had no idea how much time, blood, sweat and tears these people were putting into saving these animals. They aren’t just taking in animals. They’re finding them homes! There are committees and sub-committees dedicated to every aspect of saving these animals. This is a fully functioning business run solely off volunteers. They all work, go to school, and have their family life but somehow they find the time and energy to make this work. It’s amazing how all these different people come together to make this work!
A no-kill shelter does not euthanize – These animals are managed by the staff. The staff becomes their voice and they take every step possible to ensure every animal goes to the right family. Sure, some dogs are harder to place than others but that is no reason to euthanize them. I’ve learned that there is a human for EVERY dog! Every time I doubt that fact, I am quickly proven wrong! Could you imagine if someone told you that you would be killed if you couldn’t find the perfect relationship in a certain amount of time? Sounds pretty ridiculous now, doesn’t it?
A no-kill shelter runs off donations – But so do high-kill shelters. My parents have always told me, “If you’re going to donate your money. Know where it’s going to. Ask questions and if you can’t get answers. Stop donating your money to that group.” Priceless Pets makes it no secret where their donations go. It’s pretty obvious. There is no fancy lobby with koi fish and a waterfall. The front of the building does not look fancy but you know what there is? There is a sick animal that is getting veterinary care. There is an “un-socialized” dog getting training with a dedicated volunteer sponsoring that dog. There is a senior dog, a pregnant mom or an abandoned litter of puppies in a foster home getting all the supplies they need so there is no financial stress on the 
foster parent. There are FREE spay/neuter clinics. Not “low-cost” but FREE!! Our volunteers (and dogs) are going to schools and EDUCATING the kids on responsible pet ownership. The list goes on and on but last I checked, I don’t remember a fancy pond inside of a building curing parvo. You can roll a piece of crap in powdered sugar but it doesn’t make it a jelly donut…..just saying.
So if you’re not comfortable with the term “no-kill”, and you’re certainly entitled to your opinion, tell me how YOU would decide what animals live or not. I’ve read that no-kill does not help with the overpopulation of animals but killing MILLIONS of animals every year does not seem to be helping the cause either. You want to control the overpopulation? Spay and neuter your pets!! You want your dog to “behave”? Put some time into it!! Before you get a dog, find out which one suits your lifestyle. If you can’t put your time into it and dedicate a lifetime to your dog or cat, DON’T get one!! You want to donate your money? Find out where it’s going. And lastly, if you’re not comfortable with the term “no-kill”, I’m not comfortable with you.
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You are quite right in everything you say, John. Being retired, I have a lot of time to spend with my pack. I was a little worried about adding Rocco, the pit bull that Chris rescued from the streets of Compton. But he fits right in. He had to make his way with the other dogs, Champ the rottweiler in particular. Many times he came in the house with small raw red nip marks on his face. Obviously he was being put in his place. But gradually that stopped and he started to feel like he belonged. He looks at me sometimes and I could swear he is saying thanks. But if you can’t make the commitment, then donate or volunteer part time. I am amazed at the networking people do on facebook to save these animals. Keep up the good work.
well said, Jan!!
John, I always look forward to reading your blog. You tap into emotions and you put into words what a lot of us are feeling but just don’t know how to express it. You are always spot on and I just wanted to personally thank you for all you do for the dogs and the rescue. I think one of the reasons what we are today is because of you! Now let’s kick some booty at the Pack Walk!
Thanks Kathleen! I love being part of the Priceless Pets team!!
Great job. And no….I’ve never seen a fancy office or a vet with a fancy home and car spending money on themselves like it’s nothing ever give a crap about a dog with parvo or a sick cat.
I think the best places with people with the biggest hearts don’t have fancy book covers to hide their true selves. Every scrape on the floor, stratch on the wall or whole in a kennel has a story behind it, a memory, a place in our hearts where an animals life was spared and they found a loving home….eventually.