Second Chances: The Importance of Animal Shelters and Adoption

By: Isabella Quintero

When I think of animal shelters I typically think of a safe haven for animals that have been abandoned, lost, neglected, abused, or simply just waiting on a new home. Promoting animal adoption, shelters help regulate overpopulation in stray animals. They also help in nursing hurt or traumatized animals back to health, and provide an environment where they can have a second chance at finding a family. One example of this is Tulsa SPCA, which helps house dogs and cats who are either in remission or ready for adoption. 

In hopes of becoming more involved in the importance of animal adoptions I visited Tulsa SPCA and met a few very adorable and excited dogs waiting to be adopted. 

Janet, a Kelpie/Australian Shepherd mix is a 10 year-old female dog at Tulsa SPCA. Hanging out with Janet, I saw how gentle and kind she was, and despite her age she has a very youthful spirit with a heart full of love.

With her sweet and calming personality, Janet spent time cuddling up to me and showing me all of her toys.

Duke is a 5 year old male golden retriever with a very loving personality. I left that shelter with yellow fur all over my clothes from all of the hugs and cuddles from Duke. He loves to run around outside and LOVES eating grass.

Duke loves to be around people and his friends, so he got sad when he looked out from the yard to see his friends in their kennels instead of playing outside with him.

Dexter is a 2 year old male husky with a very friendly personality. With his bright blue eyes and soft fluffy hair, Dexter is probably one of the most beautiful dogs I've ever seen. On top of that, His loving and energetic personality makes him a dog I'd want to cuddle forever.

Dexter doesn't just do well with other dogs, but with people too. He's not a small dog, so he did almost topple me over a few times, but his jumps and hugs are full of love!!

Tulsa SPCA has about a 40 dog capacity, with each dog getting their own kennel and time to eat, go on walks, and play with their friends, both dog and human.

Tulsa SPCA also has a significant volunteer program. Volunteers are a huge part of animal shelters as they typically walk the dogs, keep areas clean and dog friendly, answer calls and emails from potential adoption parents, and much more.

Animals shelters are ultimately a safe haven for animals that have been abandoned, abused, given up, or lost. While animal abandonment is a felony, that doesn't mean it doesn't happen. Abandoned animals that are found are often taken to these shelters and cared for by veterinarians along with the volunteers, and then kept in the shelter until they're ready to be adopted by a new family.

Animal abandonment is something that should never be normalized. The education and activism that animal shelters bring into their communities helps to shrink the amount of animals abandoned, and if anything, it helps get people involved in the fight for animal care. Volunteer work is always important, and especially with animals. Tulsa SPCA has a great volunteer center, as do other shelters and clinics in Tulsa and surrounding areas. By volunteering for one animal, you’re already aiding in the whole movement to help animal safety awareness and in the attempt to clear the streets of stray, hurt animals. 

Click here for volunteer opportunities at Tulsa SPCA 

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