In times of tragedy, opportunity knocks

The fire several weeks ago that destroyed Delilah's Pet Shop here in Bloomington was a tragic loss of animal life and a locally owned business. More than 20 animals perished in the fire and the building is beyond repair.

Recently, Delilah's has reopened in a temporary location selling pet supplies while another permanent location is being renovated. We can't imagine what the owners of the store have gone through over the past few weeks. Opportunity is however knocking at the door.

Selling animals is a risky business if you really care about the welfare of animals. It is nearly impossible to deal in dogs and not support backyard breeders or even worse, puppy mills. It's a matter of being educated about the issues and acting in ways that are in the best interest of the greater good. We don't doubt the Kidwell's care about animals, but they have a great responsibility to this community who has animal welfare high on its priority list. 

In this day and age, traditional pet stores are on the way out and should be. Millions of perfectly wonderful adoptable animals unnecessarily die in animal shelters across this country simply because they can't find a home. This is a crisis that requires more responsibility and awareness across the board to solve this unnecessary travesty. 

Shelters across the nation have a host of pure bred animals of all ages as do many breed specific rescues. Many of these animals are given up for reasons as simple as, no longer having time for the animals, moving, landlord won't allow or cannot afford. And, yes, people do spend $1200 on a puppy and turn around and relinquish it to the shelter because they just didn't realize how much work it would be. These are statistically the top reasons animals end up in a shelter.

In light of a new beginning for Delilah's we think it is time for an upgrade into a new era. I urge Delilah's to work with local shelters and rescue groups to help place adoptable animals instead of adding to the surplus of companion animals. Opportunity is knocking offering a more humane and responsible path and we hope this opportunity for change will be seized.