Households With Dogs Now Outnumber Households with Children in the U.S.

I found this societal trend to be very interesting: only 38 million U.S. households include children, while 43 million households have at least one dog.  The reasons may include the aging baby-boom population, people having fewer kids per family, people having fewer kids overall, and I would assume also an increase in dog ownership both per person and overall.

I used to have a dog, when I was little and lived in Africa, but have since given up any desire to own one.  They are not allowed in my apartment building except if they are a companion or helping dog, and I don't know what we'd do if we ever moved overseas again.  I think I have always felt like if you adopt a pet that it should be like a family member, and I can't imagine as an adult abandoning an animal.  Meanwhile, I have a lot of respect for my friends who care for pets, especially those who have been rescued, and I am a strong supporter of animal control, especially as practiced by the Humane Society of the United States.

According to statistics from the ASPCA, only 1 out of 5 dogs are adopted from a shelter.  With an annual companion animal population in shelters being between 5-7 million, and with half of them being euthanized, there are obviously a lot of things going on which are contributing to these numbers:  puppy mills, people not spaying or neutering their pets, lack of people willing to adopt (including me), dog racing, dog fighting, dog medical research, dog sled racing, dog crazes and fads...  probably other things I haven't thought of.

Fortunately, Wisconsin has recently passed legislation called Act 90 which requires breeders to gain a license if they have more than 25 puppies born per year.  The law has some other provisions designed to help prevent animal abuse as well. We need to critically examine and improve our animal welfare laws in order to try to get more animals proper care and companionship, and thus reduce the number of animals euthanized or sitting in shelters.

Please consider joining me in 'liking' the Humane Society or send them a donation.  You can also sign up for their action alerts and get involved in helping them spread the good word.