I visited an animal shelter today hoping to bring home a cat. As I walked down aisle after aisle of malodorous cages, it saddened me to see sentient beings trapped in squalor. Some dogs sat frightened in the corner of their excrement covered cages. Others barked in desperation, hoping to attract the attention of potential owners. The look in their eyes made me feel helpless. Somberly, I walked over to where the cats were located. I passed by the cat with the missing left eye, several feral cats and a couple of overweight beauties. They all seemed lonesome, I would have taken several of them home if it were financially feasible. I went to find out how much it would cost to adopt. I was shocked when I was told that the cost of adoption was $110! I had a verbal exchange with the woman at the counter about how unhappy I was that I would not be able to provide a loving home for a cat because of cost. Wouldn't it be more efficient to lower the price significantly, thereby increasing the likelihood that people would adopt?
I left the shelter deeply troubled.
