The lucky ones find forever homes.

It would be impossible to tell you the many stories of the thousands of dogs that go through shelters. But there is always a system in place that helps shelters cope with the influx of abandoned animals.

If a dog is surrendered by the owners, the shelter staff will have at least some information about it. However, most dogs are just found roaming the streets. With no information about stray dogs, these go through a quarantine period during which they are treated for any diseases observed and, once given a clean bill of health, they can then be vaccinated, neutered and micro-chipped. Only then can these dogs be admitted into the main facility and put up for adoption.

From the first day the dog is admitted, staff members start observing his confidence, energy levels and friendliness. This is important as these factors will determine which home will or will not be suitable for him.

Volunteers are precious to a shelter because thanks to them the dogs get socialised and used to walking on a leash. All shelters operate at full capacity at all times, stretching resources very thin.

No matter how long dogs are there for, they all have a fresh supply of water at all times, are fed daily, washed and groomed regularly as required, exercised and monitored by staff for any health issues.

Any health concern is seen to by a vet as soon as possible. Dogs are only put down humanely when there is nothing else that can be done to save them and waiting would cause unnecessary suffering.

Two weeks, two months or even 10 years later, someone might walk into the shelter and see a spark in Fido’s eyes that everyone else missed. That day, unfortunately, never happens for many dogs. Even when a dog is matched with someone who ticks all the boxes, the adoption doesn’t always work out.

The lucky ones find forever homes. The reality is that shelters too often fill up with dogs that will continue occupying a kennel until they cross the rainbow bridge. While they are locked away where you cannot see them, some very dedicated staff and volunteers cannot take a break or a holiday.

Food, medications, toys, beds, blankets, collars, leashes, bowls, maintenance materials for the kennels, cleaning materials and stationary are just a few things that would help a shelter run from day to day.

Your time would be of great help and while you’re decluttering, remember to donate your unwanted items to a charity shop.

However, the one thing that really raises our spirits and helps us come back the next day is watching a dog leave to a forever home without ever looking back. Give shelter dogs a chance.

www.dogstrustmalta.com