HoundsGood: Chronicles of a Virtual Volunteer

California Assembly Bill 233 would provide a tax deduction to California residents of qualifed costs paid or incuured for pet adoption.  You must adopt from a qualified shelter or rescue (I do believe by “qualified rescue,” they mean licensed rescue), and it must occur during the taxable year, rather than prior. There have been differing reports on the internet, varying from the deduction from $100-300, but most reports cite $100.  The proposed deduction will be available between January 1, 2010 and January 1, 2015, if passed.  The bill is sponsored by Assemblyman Cameron Smyth (R), and is cosponsored by the ASPCA.

Jurisdictions in California were among the first to have legislation fot mandatory spay or neuter, or at least much higher licensing fees for unaltered dogs.  On a smaller scale. While it may not stop someone who is out to breed anyways, I saw similar programs come off as effective when people felt hit in the wallet.  In some towns in Massachusetts, it is several times the costs to license an unspayed or unneutered dog than one who is.  The average person who has no designs on breeding but just “didn’t get around” to doing it, is usually highly motivated.  While the cost of the spay may be more than the difference in the licensing costs for one year, in the long run it will save them money year after year.

Just like other legislations have hit people in the wallet, this one very may reward people who rescue rather than buy, and may encourage people who don’t know much about it to at least entertain the idea of adoption.  California has a very huge problem with good dogs being euthanized for crowding, just like other states.  It is very shocking to learn that a very high percentage of dogs euthanized at Los Angeles city shelters are small lap dogs, who would be snapped up for adoption immediately in other places.  In otherwords, a shelter dog is not how most people picture them.

It will definitely be interesting to see, if this passes successfully, if it will help slow down the euthanization rate in California, and act as a stopgap.

If you had a choice between buying a dog and adopting, would the tax deduction get you to at least consider rescue?

A picture of a beautiful dog crossed my desk yesterday, as many of them do.  Duffy’s story touched me in particular, as he has been waiting seven years for a home. Remember, statistically only one in twelve dogs ever finds a permanent home.  Duffy has already beaten the odds being still alive and not meeting the sad end of the euthanization of a shelter dog.  In fact, he is at a no or lowkill shelter, but still his case is just as critical.  When Duffy finds a home, another lucky dog will be able to come into the shelter for their chance, too.

I have seen his face before, and am going to verify a few more of the facts, but in the meantime, this is what I have received:

Everyone from here to California has been trying to find Duffy his forever home. And I have been fielding hundreds of inquiries but unfortunately, everyone who has a big enough heart to take in an older dog, also has already had their heart strings pulled by other dogs and cats in need and have other pets in their homes. Duffy needs to be an only dog, or with a very mellow older female. No good with cats or male dogs. So, please if everyone can give it another shot for Duffy maybe we can find one home, just one home that only wants one dog for their best friend.
Thanks so much.

Hi, I am Duffy , a handsome shepherd mix. I have been here patiently waiting in my little kennel for seven long years. I have never lost hope, but I have to admit, my chances for my own forever home are looking a little dismal. I arrived at the shelter when I was a four month old pup and was adopted right away. But there was some trouble with my family and I ended up being returned to the shelter because they weren’t treating me very well. That was when I was about 2 years old, and here I have sat ever since. I am now 9 years old and I am just wondering, how much longer do I have to wait? I have seen hundreds of friends come and go over these seven years, and I am just as handsome as they were (even more than some !) and have lots of personality. I am friendly and cheerful. Always up for my favorite games of tug of war and fetch. I know I am considered a mature adult now, but I have many great years ahead of me. I would be perfectly content to hang out with a family in their living room watching football, the news, maybe the dog whisperer or whatever they want really, their choice. I don’t need a lot of exercise, but I do love leisurely walks, which I am very good at. I don’t pull or chase after cats. I weigh about 50 lbs. Just the perfect size to cuddle up in one of those comfy dog beds I have heard about. I am healthy and affectionate and I really am begging for a chance at my own home and family. Just think about it please. And if you decide to give me my chance, I won’t let you down. Call my best fan, Kathy @ 305-401-4693 or email her at klcremer@aol.com and she will set it up for us.

Here’s what you can do:1) Do you know someone looking for a nice dog like this, who would like a family of their own to play fetch with? Send them a link to this article http://houndsgood.com/2009/04/28/duffy-waiting-seven-years-for-a-home/ or give them a call. You never know who could look at the photo and feel in their heart that this was meant to be.2) Post the link to animal / pet forums.