It's hard to watch a TV commercial with big-eyed puppies and shivering kittens without wanting to run out and adopt every pet in the nearest shelter. The problem is that it may not be your local shelter running that commercial. Some pleas for help come from nationwide groups that are more interested in vegan agendas than in caring for dogs and cats in need. That's why McHenry County Farm Bureau has kicked off a new campaign, encouraging everyone to "Adopt Locally!"
Farmers in this area care deeply for their animals and work hand-in-hand with governing agencies to ensure animal welfare. Because they work with them on a daily basis, farmers know and trust agencies like the USDA. But when you don't work with an animal shelter every day, it becomes easier to be deceived.
"They say you can't judge a book by its cover. You can't judge a shelter by its name either," said Dan Volkers. "For example, the Human Society of the United States sounds like it is, but in fact it has no affiliation with any local shelter, anywhere in the nation. We don't want people to be misled. Instead, we want people to support shelters right here in our community - whether it's through donations, volunteer work, or adoptions."
"The next time you see a commercial that pulls at your heartstrings," continued Volkers, "remember that a good local shelter is not merely content to deal with animal problems after the fact. It is involved in all aspects of animal care and pet ownership. That's why we at McHenry County Farm Bureau ask you to Adopt Locally!"