Overcrowded Animal Shelters: Safe or Scary?

An animal shelter is a place that houses lost, homeless, or abandoned animals. It’s a temporary home where the animals live until they are reclaimed by their owner, adopted by a new owner, or placed in a different organization. Dana Bartholomew, from DailyNews.com wrote, “The surge in abandoned pets has continued unabated since May 2008, when soaring job losses and home foreclosures were fueling an increase in surrendered dogs and cats at city shelters”. According to the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), 6-8 million cats and dogs are entering shelters this year. That is a scary thought, especially if they are being placed in shelters that still euthanize their animals.

Animal shelters are meant to be a safe and warm place for these vulnerable animals, but if overcrowding continues who knows what will happen next. According to the HSUS, 3-4 million cats and dogs have to be euthanized each year and the problem doesn't seem to be dying out. People need to realize the severity of this problem. Animals deserve a chance at life just like the rest of us.

There are many ways of preventing the mass of unwanted or abandoned animals. The first step is to make sure that you are ready to own and take care of a pet before you adopt one. The worst thing you can do to an animal is abandon them. Don’t be afraid to bring your animal to a shelter, but still know the consequences at hand. An important tip that I think every pet owner should know is to spay/neuter your pet. You can easily prevent overcrowding by doing this.

Pets deserve a fighting chance. I am a strong animal lover. I love all animals and can only hope that there are more people out there that feel the same way.

Outstanding Architecture in Dubai

Dubai (located in the Middle East) is one of the seven states that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is considered to be the tourism capital of the world and is classified as the fastest growing state. One of the most popular aspects of Dubai is the architecture. One could say that this state is “Architecturally Ambitious”.

Dubai is on the rise, but the majority of their building projects are either still “in the works” or in the early stages of construction. According to industry experts, an estimated 15 - 25% of the world’s cranes are in Dubai. It is fast becoming one of the most advanced states in the world, and is home to some of the largest architectural structures in the world. Some of the most fascinating structures are:

· Hydropolis - the world’s first underwater hotel. This hotel was actually built in Germany and later assembled in Dubai. The hotel has a land station where visitors are greeted, a connecting tunnel which will transport people to the hotel by train, and there are 220 suites within the hotel.

· Palm Islands Resort - manmade islands in the shape of a palm tree that are said to be visible from space. The islands will include over 100 luxury hotels, elite beach side apartments, water parks, restaurants, shopping malls, marinas, sports facilities, and health spas.

· Ski Dubai - the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East. Ski Dubai (open year round) offers real snow where visitors can ski and snowboard. There are experts available to provide ski/snowboarding lessons if needed. In addition, there are a variety of restaurants within the resort.

· Dubai Waterfront - the largest man-made development in the world which includes residences, commercial districts, tourist attractions and leisure amenities. It is estimated to hold a population of 1.5 million.

· Dubai Mall - the largest mall in the world with an astounding 1,200 shops. The Dubai Mall is home to the Dubai Aquarium, Discovery Centre, an underwater zoo, indoor ice rink, and a 22-screen movie cinema.

These are only a few of the amazing structures Dubai has to offer. Dubai is a place beyond imagination, represents the future and I can only hope to visit there one day.