By Robert Johnson
Managing editor
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It happens every summer when the Permanent Change of Station moves are at their height, and I’m not talking about packing boxes left along the roadside. It seems that whenever a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine moves, a Family pet gets left behind.

Of course I know that not every military Family moving is dumping Fluffy and Rover by the wayside, but too many do. According to the Fort Leonard Wood animal shelter, this year we will see about 300 animals abandoned on post — and the staff is actually sort of happy about that.

The reason they are happy is that this number is down significantly from the numbers two years ago, but it’s still too high. Between 2008 and 2010, the installation took in more than 1,800 dogs and cats that were abandoned by their military owners.

In the city of Nixa, a town of about the same size population as Fort Leonard Wood, their abandoned animal rate is about a tenth of that on post. In the same time frame, 30 animals were left to fend for themselves in Nixa, while on the fort, there were more than 300. That just isn’t right.

Why is it that the very people who are responsible for the security of our nation are so irresponsible when it comes to their Family pet?

The St. Bernard puppy in the photo was left at the shelter before the staff arrived. Tied to a government vehicle, the previous owner was at least caring enough to leave the little fellow food and water, but not responsible enough to provide the dog’s medical shot record or pay the drop-off fee.

In a previous case, a Soldier dropped off a dog and her litter of puppies. Just dumped and ran, but through an investigation, he was tracked down to his new unit in Germany and was billed for $1,400.

According to Pam Hatch, Fort Leonard Wood kennel manager, there is a drop-off fee for animals. It runs $102 plus the cost to bring the animals vaccines up to date. Hatch said she tries to get animals adopted, but not every drop off has a happy ending.

“We have to euthanize animals that cannot be adopted, and that decision is based on space available,” Hatch said. “We never euthanize puppies or kittens, and we’re not focused on a particular breed.”

The animals selected to be put down are based on age, adoptability and demeanor, she explained.

You can make a difference. First, think before you go and get that new furry addition to your Family. They’re cute today, but there are costs. It’s a lifelong commitment to the animal. Second, if you are forced to abandon the animal, be responsible enough to pay the drop-off fee and provide the records — AFTER you have attempted to find the animal a new loving home. Third, if you want a pet, think about adopting from the post shelter. The dog or cat you save may very well become your best friend, because you just became theirs.