The number of stray dogs across the U.S. has almost become a national epidemic, affecting cities across the country. However, few cities have struggled more than Houston, Texas, in dealing with this heartbreaking phenomenon. With more than 1M stray dogs on Houston’s streets, shelter staffs work tirelessly to feed these hungry animals – and because of the large numbers, they are limited to only taking dogs that are truly in need.

A controversial photo

An example of the sad situation in Houston was captured in a recent photo posted on the ‘The Forgotten Dogs of the 5^th Ward Project’ Facebook page. The photo was taken by Yvette Holzbach, a dog rescuer that works with the organization and often posts photos of the city’s strays on its Facebook page. In the heartbreaking photo, a sad dog was seen clinging to a stuffed animal.

“Here is a stray dog taking comfort in a worn-out, discarded toy,” Holzbach said. “How many of the dogs that we see are also thrown out on the street once they have served their purpose?”

The photo strikes a nerve with some people

It seems this photo, in particular, struck a chord with some people. While many of those commenting on the Facebook post thanked Holzbach, others took issue with her failure to take the dog home right then and there. Even though Holzbach wishes she could help every dog she sees on the streets, the sheer number of strays in the Houston area makes this impossible.

Holzbach defends her actions

Explaining herself to her critics, Holzbach informed them that in an ideal world, saving every dog from the streets would be easy. But, with the current situation, that is not possible. Therefore, Holzbach, and other rescuers like her, do what they can to help the dogs that seem to be in the most need. In the end, however, there’s only so much that these devoted volunteers can truly do.

Volunteers do the best they can to help

The best way volunteers can help Houston’s stray dogs is to make sure that they are not hungry. As long as the dogs are healthy and not in need of medical attention, volunteers can focus on the dogs who need more help.

Additionally, many foster homes in the area won’t even take a healthy dog, preferring to focus their efforts on dogs that can’t make it on the streets on their own. And once again, when it comes to shelters, there is only so much room within their confines.

Holzbach had an offer for any of her critics, “If there is anyone that does not quite understand what we are faced with, we welcome you to do a ride-along with us. You will be astounded at how many homeless dogs there are.”

Luckily, the dog featured in the heartbroken photo wasn’t completely alone – he had a devoted, elderly man that looked after him along with the other strays in the area, making sure they were fed and cared for.

How you can adopt a dog from the shelter

Holzbach posted the picture in an attempt to raise awareness about the plight of Houston’s homeless dogs. Furthermore, she says that shelters like the one she works at are facing an uphill battle when it comes to helping these animals in their day-to-day struggle to survive.

One way you can help stray dogs is by fostering or adopting one of the many rescues from your local shelter. For more on how you can help the dogs of Houston’s 5^th Ward, visit the organization’s Facebook page.

Watch the video below to learn more about Houston’s overwhelming number of stray dogs.

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Source: Kelly Frappier

H/T: Facebook/Forgotten Dogs of the 5^th Ward Project