Two more city pound dogs found their forever homes through Paws N Claws rescue efforts this week. McIntosh County and abroad definitely need more adoptions and less litters of puppies and kittens.

Of course National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day is on April 30 so there are still more pound and shelter animals to save. This month awareness is made of the thousands of pets awaiting adoption from the shelters and local pounds.

Abandoned animals duetounwantedlittersisa growing crisis in America driven by the cost of everything, from dog food to medical care to even housing, which leaves shelters overwhelmed and overpacked. These poor animals often suffer from neglect, injuries, and immense emotional distress, yet many can be successfully rehabilitated, adopted, or reunited with owners through local shelters, rescues, and community effort, if just given a second chance.

Several shelters including Pittsburg County Animal Shelter in McAlester are hosting events to clear out their shelters of these poor animals that still need homes and someone to love.

When someone adopts a dog or cat from a shelter they need to be aware of the 3-3-3- rule.

The 3-3-3 rule for dogs or cats is a widely used guideline that outlines how a dog typically progresses during the first 3 days, 3 weeks, and 3 months in a new home. It usually takes 3 days to decompress (they may keep hiding, lack an appetite, or have potty-training issues), 3 weeks to learn your routine (their personality emerges, but behavioral issues may appear), and 3 months to build true trust, love and feel like they are finally at home.While every animal is unique, this rule helps adopters set realistic expectations during the early adjustment phase of adoption.

Beyond adoption, locals can help by providing temporary foster care for animals, volunteering their time at their local shelter or donating pet food, supplies or money to their local pet pantry.

There is always a way for everyone who cares about animals to help and hopefully hundreds and even thousands of pets will be adopted on April 30.

Be a part of the solution! Let’s fix pets and fix this problem!