So much is happening this time of year, my brain can hardly keep up with it!

It's the time of year when people are thinking about getting a new puppy or kitten to surprise their family at Christmas, while others may be wondering what to do with their animals while they are away on holidays.

The title of my post today has a double meaning.

This past week at work has been heartbreaking.

For those of you who are unaware, we are now in kitten season, and we are also fast approaching Christmas, which means there is also a boom in the backyard and factory puppy business.

For staff at a Vet Clinic, this can be a pretty heart-wrenching time of year as animal rescue services are overrun with an influx of unwanted puppies and kittens, older pets and juvenille animals whose families find that they just don't have the time or knowledge to handle their behaviour or needs.

Foster carers, volunteers and monetary resources are stretched to the limit as every day more and more kittens, some with their mums and more still abandoned by their 'owners' at just a week or two old, arrive at shelters, vet clinics and even dumped outside pet stores.

This is the time of year when, sadly, cute kittens - and puppies - are humanely euthanized as there is, quite frankly, no room at the inn.

Animals left in the care of neighbours, friends and family stray or are forgotten, and they too end up in care.  Worse still, some are injured in fights or are hit by cars, and with nobody able to be located to pay the bill and hundreds of other animals who are well needing the resources of rescue groups for rehoming, these too are put kindly to sleep, with only the hugs, petting and kind words of Veterinarians, Nursing Staff and Foster carers to comfort them.

Puppies bred by backyard breeders are bought by unsuspecting families, excited by the prospect of bringing a new life into their homes, to only days later go through the pain of having to euthanize their new addition to end his or her suffering.  Last week alone, we put to sleep five puppies - all littermates - two of whom had gone to new homes with children.

Tears prickle the backs of my eyes and begin to roll down my face as I write this, as they do every time I have to say goodbye to another animal who could have been spared if it were not for the ignorance of man.

Edit:  Please, if you do want a puppy or kitten, source them from the RSPCA (any any other reputable rescue group), or from a responsible registered breeder!  Remember, not all registered breeders are responsible!  What makes a responsible breeder?  I will write about that some other time, but meanwhile, check the RPSCA What is a responsible companion animal breeder? factsheet.