Dogs and Cats Need Us To Get Our Shit Together Right Now

Irresponsible pet owners, lax laws and the housing crisis are killing animals — but mostly it's irresponsible pet owners.

Jojo, left, and Cashew hang on on a futon in my office all day. First we adopted Cashew, and then Jojo, whose name has morphed into Mr. Joe. Both are older shelter dogs. (Photo by Michelle Teheux)

When I saw the three-legged, 10-year-old beagle mix with heartworms advertised by my local no-kill shelter, I knew I had to have her.

Can a heart break and swel…