top of page
Esta página web se diseñó con la plataforma
.com
. Crea tu página web hoy.Comienza ya

​

Want to Adopt a Forever Friend? Here’s How:

​

by Sofía Prada 10th A

​

Finding true love isn't always as hard as society affirms it is. Sometimes, the only thing you truly need is an open, willing heart that is deliberate for others, no matter what condition they might be in. Pets can become one of the most important sources of happiness, company and security one can have, and they are not very hard to find. In Bogota, for every 100 dogs that have a home, 38 are strays, meaning that over 150 thousand dogs constantly wander around the streets without a permanent source of food, water or shelter. However, a lot of charities have become aware of the deplorable conditions most of these dogs live in, and consequently, have decided to take action. Adoption is a relatively easy, cheap process that is available most weekends on various streets in Bogota. It’s a process anyone can become part of and easily find a longlasting friend. 

Recent studies from “Universidad de la Salle” reveal that in Colombia there are about 1 million stray dogs suffering from gastrointestinal, dermatological and respiratory diseases. They are constantly exposed to unpredictable and harsh weather, being crushed by cars, and pedestrians’ mistreatment and negligence. One may think that we live in civilized times in which most people respect others, including animals and the environment we inhabit. However, animal abuse occurs every day, mostly through physical harm to the very vulnerable stray dogs.  Another terrifying statistic is the rate of performed euthanasias as a solution for animal overpopulation. About 35% of those who enter an animal shelter are killed because these facilities are too full and there aren’t enough adoptive homes: the number of abandoned pets is unsustainable. 

Fortunately, there is a solution to this heartbreaking crisis that affects thousands of innocent lives every day, and it’s just around the corner. Charities like Milagrinos, Fundación San Roque, Fundación Alma Perruna, Peluditos con Futuro, Fundación Animal Dejando Huella and so many others dedicate their lives to preserve these creatures, providing free healthcare, shelter, and resources for those who are in critical conditions. They also raise awareness among the uprising youth - that will hopefully be educated enough and may as well educate others - on the topic of respect for life. When supporting these charities, you also support hundreds of lives who wouldn’t be sustained in any way if it weren’t for altruistic groups such as these. They constantly hold adoption and volunteering sessions on the weekends in Bogotá that are available for anyone who wants to come and give out a hand. The adoption processes are nearly completely free and very easy, the only thing needed is commitment: to provide the adopted animal a dignified life, full of love and stability. Peluditos con Futuro, specifically, holds adoption sessions every Saturday and Sunday in Centro Comercial Calima, and every Sunday and Monday in the parking lot in Usaquen park. The information for all the other charities will be placed at the end of the article.

A lot of people hesitate when making the decision to adopt a pet, yet that’s exactly the kind of attitude that is needed. It is fact pets require economical resources, responsibility, attention and emotional availability. They are living, thinking creatures that deserve the very best from us. That’s why adoption is not a light decision to make but rather a rational and, simultaneously, a heartfelt one. Most dogs that end up on the streets do so because they are abandoned by their previous owners as they no longer satisfy their needs or are seen as a burden. Adoption means a lifetime of commitment that shouldn’t be broken by either sickness, misbehavior or any kind of hardship that may come around. 

Adopting a pet is an act of kindness: giving a very deserving animal a second opportunity for love and trust. As conscious beings, we hold the responsibility for honoring those who surround us, just as these following organizations do in such a noble manner. Let us honor them by giving them the opportunity to be known and appreciated.

 

bottom of page