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SINCE becoming a Petpals volunteer, I am so saddened by the number of homeless dogs and cats at the SPCA.

As volunteers we strive to give the dogs a chance to get out of their cages, to roll on the grass, and to enjoy a bit of much-needed human kindness. We always take treats and chews, but find that they are usually more hungry for affection. Some are shy and nervous, and in those cases, we just sit with them in their cages and quietly reassure them that their lives do matter.

Some have known lives of hunger, cruelty and abuse, and some have been family pets who, through no fault of their own have been abandoned. Yet, amazingly, they all still look at you with adoring, hopeful eyes – just wanting to love and be loved.

We see heartbreaking cases where a neglected dog is nursed back to health, sometimes over months, but then is euthanased because, despite having the loveliest of natures, it did not appeal to any prospective owner.

Surely, if we are animal lovers we can look beyond the “pedigree credentials” of a dog and love it for its unique character and personality. At any given time, there is every breed imaginable at an animal shelter and lots of lovable ones in between. Breeders and pet shops (usually supplied by backyard breeders ) might be surprised by how many of their puppies end up at shelters because of irresponsible owners. But as long as the public supports them in their pet trafficking, and they keep making money, the rescue centres and shelters will have to keep looking tirelessly for new and loving homes.

I challenge anyone looking for a dog, cat, puppy or kitten to visit Animal Welfare or Save-a Pet and then leave without having had a connection with at least one expressive, longing face.

Charles Dickens once said after a visit to the famous Battersea Dogs’ Home in 1862: “He does not speak, and yet there lies a conversation in his eyes.”

We have to realise that breeders don’t show any compassion for the poor animals that have pregnancies forced on them and have to face repeated separations from ongoing litters.

Exploitation of animals for money is the worst sort of consumerism, and in this age of sustainability we all have to acknowledge that neutering is the responsible thing to do.

In our overpopulated world where millions of dogs and cats are put to death every year, we should be opening our hearts to the homeless ones sitting in cages at shelters and SPCAs around the country – a sad truth is that they are prisoners who have committed no crime.

So come on animal lovers, what could be more rewarding than saving a life!

Their gratitude and loyalty will remind you every day that it’s the right thing to do.