Young Teen Tackles Problem Strays
YAKIMA - A single teenager is making a huge impact on Yakima's stray pet population. By getting just one animal spayed or neutered, it can prevent hundreds of unwanted pets from being born. And that's been the mission of Rachel Olsen. KIMA met this one-woman crusader who's preventing nuisance strays from roaming around town.
"I always carry a rescue bag. It's got collars, leashes, blankets etc.," said Rachel.
Rachel never knows when she'll spot a stray in need. In the past month she's rescued 3 dogs, and 20 cats.
Rachel said, "They let them run around and they're not fixed and the little boys get the females pregnant and that can lead to stray puppies."
A lot of stray puppies. We did the math, and found one dog can have two litters a year.
That can mean up to 24 puppies. And if those puppies have puppies, that could add up to almost 600 animals in just a couple years. Another 13,000 in two more years. And if the moms are stays, there's a good chance all those dogs will be on the street.
The numbers are far worse for cats who can have up to 50 kittens a year. That same time span could result in more than 27,000 kittens.
Rachel's taken up the Yakima Valley's stray problem on her own. This high school senior spends her free time looking for animals who need help.
Sandy said, "She really helps me. She walks him and brings him treats, so she's great."
And spends every dime she makes to pay for it. KIMA asked Rachel's veterinarian how much she spends there a month.
Nichole Fisher with Selah Vet Hospital said," Oh gosh, I couldn't even tell you. I'd say at least $150 to $200 a month. That's just off the top of my head."
Rachel added, "My mom thinks I spend too much money on it."
But even as we talked, two animal control officers came down the street, looking for strays. It's why Rachel is trying to make a difference, one pet at a time.
It's no surprise Rachel is studying to be a vet. And hopes to one day be the person to give back to someone just like her.
If you'd like to get in touch with Rachel for her help with strays in your area, or to help fund her cause, you can contact her at rachelanne.olsen@yahoo.com
"I always carry a rescue bag. It's got collars, leashes, blankets etc.," said Rachel.
Rachel never knows when she'll spot a stray in need. In the past month she's rescued 3 dogs, and 20 cats.
Rachel said, "They let them run around and they're not fixed and the little boys get the females pregnant and that can lead to stray puppies."
A lot of stray puppies. We did the math, and found one dog can have two litters a year.
That can mean up to 24 puppies. And if those puppies have puppies, that could add up to almost 600 animals in just a couple years. Another 13,000 in two more years. And if the moms are stays, there's a good chance all those dogs will be on the street.
The numbers are far worse for cats who can have up to 50 kittens a year. That same time span could result in more than 27,000 kittens.
Rachel's taken up the Yakima Valley's stray problem on her own. This high school senior spends her free time looking for animals who need help.
Sandy said, "She really helps me. She walks him and brings him treats, so she's great."
And spends every dime she makes to pay for it. KIMA asked Rachel's veterinarian how much she spends there a month.
Nichole Fisher with Selah Vet Hospital said," Oh gosh, I couldn't even tell you. I'd say at least $150 to $200 a month. That's just off the top of my head."
Rachel added, "My mom thinks I spend too much money on it."
But even as we talked, two animal control officers came down the street, looking for strays. It's why Rachel is trying to make a difference, one pet at a time.
It's no surprise Rachel is studying to be a vet. And hopes to one day be the person to give back to someone just like her.
If you'd like to get in touch with Rachel for her help with strays in your area, or to help fund her cause, you can contact her at rachelanne.olsen@yahoo.com
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