Los Angeles --- February 27 ..... When Richard Maize is not helping the homeless in LA, he can be seen assembling beds for stray dogs and cats at the Los Angeles Animal Shelter.
"My wife Rochelle and I are proud to have donated69 beds to stray dogs and cats which are awaiting caring homes," says Maize.
"We trust that our action here will serve as an inspiration to many others in helping these loyal, four legged friends of ours who are responsible for protecting our homes and making sure that they are clean of mice, snakes and crawling insects."
"Thousands of dogs in animal shelters across the country sleep on cold, wet, concrete floors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Cats in cages have little alternatives to sleeping in their litter pans," says Maize.
"We contacted Kuranda USA, a small manufacturing company established in 1987 and based in Annapolis, Maryland. They provide "Chewproof" designs for kennels, shelters and chewing puppies. These beds are soft, off the floor providing comfort for years. They are easy to clean and deodorize."
Maize states: "These beautiful dogs and cats provide us and our children with unconditional love. The least we can do is make sure that they are safe, comfortable and being cared for in the best and most professional manner."
There are about 5,000 community animal shelters in the US that are independent; there is no national organization monitoring these shelters. The terms “humane society” and “SPCA” are generic; shelters using those names are not part of the ASPCA or the Humane Society of the United States.
Currently, no government institution or animal organization is responsible for tabulating national statistics for the animal protection movement. Approximately 5 million to 7 million companion animals enter animal shelters nationwide every year, and approximately 3 million to 4 million are euthanized (60 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats).
Shelter intakes are about evenly divided between those animals relinquished by owners and those picked up by animal control. These are national estimates; the percentage of euthanasia may vary from state to state.
According to the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy, less than 2 percent of cats and only 15 to 20 percent of dogs are returned to their owners. Most of these were identified with tags, tattoos or microchips.
Twenty-five percent of dogs who enter local shelters are purebred.
Only 10 percent of the animals received by shelters have been spayed or neutered. About 75 percent of owned pets are neutered.
According to Ralston Purina and NCPPSP, the majority of pets are obtained from acquaintances and family members. About 15 to 20 percent of dogs are purchased from breeders, and 10 to 20 percent of cats and dogs are adopted from shelters and rescues.
More than 20 percent of people who leave dogs in shelters adopted them from a shelter.
Five out of ten dogs in shelters and seven out of ten cats in shelters are destroyed simply because there is no one to adopt them.
Shelter intakes are about evenly divided between those animals relinquished by owners and those picked up by animal control. These are national estimates; the percentage of euthanasia may vary from state to state.
According to the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy, less than 2 percent of cats and only 15 to 20 percent of dogs are returned to their owners. Most of these were identified with tags, tattoos or microchips.
Twenty-five percent of dogs who enter local shelters are purebred.
Only 10 percent of the animals received by shelters have been spayed or neutered. About 75 percent of owned pets are neutered.
According to Ralston Purina and NCPPSP, the majority of pets are obtained from acquaintances and family members. About 15 to 20 percent of dogs are purchased from breeders, and 10 to 20 percent of cats and dogs are adopted from shelters and rescues.
More than 20 percent of people who leave dogs in shelters adopted them from a shelter.
Five out of ten dogs in shelters and seven out of ten cats in shelters are destroyed simply because there is no one to adopt them.
"This bed for pets thing was not my idea nor was it even on my radar as possible donations for me and my foundation. A dear friend of mine called me and asked if I would be interested in donating some money to give dogs beds so that they would not have to lay on cold concrete while waiting and hoping for a good home," says Maize.
"After waiting for 3 weeks after the ordering of the beds, they finally arrived. My friend and I couldn't wait until we drove up to the West Los Angeles Animal Shelter to see that the caged dogs were in fact on the beds. Someone else donated blankets to be placed on these beds. Many of these dogs found the beds in their spacious cages and where happily laying there."
"Two of the volunteers with tears in their eyes came over to hug me. They told me how grateful they were and what a difference it made to the well being of the dogs during these cold months."
Richard Maize continues: "I have been involved in many charitable acts and all are great. Up to now, I found giving directly to the needy (i.e. - the homeless) was a very rewarding experience. This was as good or even better in a way then that great experience. These innocent animals that are in critical need of being rescued are at least today living a little better."
"We thank Lt. Castillo and the LA Animal Shelter for its unselfish work in contributing to our community. In keeping these loving dogs and cats warm, out of the rain and well fed," says Richard Maize.
"We remain ready to contribute both our time and efforts again in the future for these beautiful and loving animals."
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