I posted previously about Courage, the German Shepherd left to starve to death in his human’s yard. Here is a link to his web site. What an inspirational story! He is also being adopted by his foster family.
Those are words I hate to hear.
Unfortunately, an estimated 150,000 dogs are feeling and living the impact of that statement and that’s just on http://Petfinder.org.
I cringe when I hear someone say they have to get ride of their dog. I know they’re just words. Just words. . .”get rid of”. . .I think of a lot of things we can all get rid of and none of them would even closely resemble a dog. I’d like someone to be able to look in the eyes of their dog and explain exactly what getting rid of them means.
There may be a lot of reasons that a dog should be re-homed or helped in other ways due to a consideration that is in the best interest of the dog. I am very grateful I have my dogs, and while I’ll have them with me for the remainder of their lives, I’m not their first home.
It’s not that there can’t be some synchronicity at play which brings the right dog to us but that’s a different story than a dog that someone chooses to get rid of out of an inconvenience. Some dogs are fortunate to have been loved by several families and have always known a loving environment. Some haven’t. A dog who has gone from love to love to love, is usually a healthy dog. A dog with a history of abuse or neglect in any way, may take time to trust us and adapt to being loved.
Maybe you or I will be lucky enough to be loved by one of these dogs.
http://petfinder.org/
(repost)
Puppy Season is upon us! It sounds exciting doesn’t it? Puppies are adorable and make us smile! They smell good and make the sweetest sounds. Later in life, the smell and sounds as they sit in the shelter aren’t quite as appealing. I know there are people who want to share the miracle of birth and the wonder of these new, precious lives with their kids or just for themselves. May I make a suggestion?
If you really want that puppy experience, (or an “accident” occurs because the dog wasn’t neutered/spayed), and you can keep and care for all of the pups throughout their lives, great. If you are like most and about five weeks into the adventure of puppy-dom the thrill is gone and you place ads on Craigslist or wait in front of the grocery store with a basket of pups, here’s an alternative. Connect with a local rescue group or shelter and offer to foster a pregnant dog or her puppies, and then you can have the experience and feel great about your contribution.
There are a lot of reputable breeders who have waiting lists of people wanting their dogs. This is not about you. While I may think a moratorium on breeding sounds like a great idea, it’s not the solution. The ones most responsible for the over-population wouldn’t participate any way!
I know I say it often, but do what you can to help the shelters and rescue/foster organizations. You may be surprised at what may seem like a little feels like a lot to those who need your help.
If you want to adopt a puppy or any dog for that matter, I am very happy to help hook you up with a rescue or to check out the area shelters for you. It can be overwhelming, but trust me, it’s well worth it!
The death panel for humans never existed. The death panel for dogs has always existed. I wish more people shared that level of shock and horror for the euthanasia of dogs. Most of the dogs aren’t old, sick, or even given a chance. The only up side is they are spared a possible life of abuse. (Not much of an up)
Maybe you aren’t an “animal person.” This isn’t about animals. It’s about what we humans tolerate, create and allow. Awareness is for everyone. Once you are aware, it’s up to you to assist in educating and (nicely) informing others. I don’t have children, but I do everything I can to support and promote the welfare of children.
This video is tough to watch, and you may think you don’t need to see it to get it. Watch it. I think if more people had to assist in this process for the dogs they surrender or dispose of, they might think of things differently. A girl can dream…
I tried and tried to get the dogs to stay awake to help celebrate the coming of the New Year 2010. As their heads bobbed and soft snoring could be heard around the room, I decided to join them. This year, I would celebrate like dogs do.
They go to bed every night and wake up every morning without a care. They sleep when it’s night (and day) and don’t complain when they wake up – whether it’s in the middle of the night or at the dawn of a day. They don’t get anxious or worry that they didn’t do enough last year or what they will do in the coming year.
While it is not exactly how I see my life going this year, it’s a great way to start every day. Every day is a new day and every new day makes a new year. I looked at the dogs and said, “Thanks for that awareness.” They replied, “What the heck are you talking about…where’s our breakfast?” Enough said. HAPPY NEW YEAR!
This is the time of year when an impulse may hit to get a puppy for the kids. That may or may not be a great idea. Getting a puppy, or any dog for that matter, should be done with a lot of thought and consideration to the type of breeds and what would be the best fit for the family. Here’s an excellent article on Christmas puppies…
What is the best way to introduce a new dog to the family?
I often hear of dogs who are being re-homed after being with their new family for only a few days. I understand the tension that can exist when you find that your beloved Prince doesn’t like the play mate you hand-picked for him. You were certain that getting another dog was the answer to helping him calm down.
If it were only that easy! All dogs are not created equal (in their minds)…they may want nothing to do with each other and yet separate them and they are wonderful, friendly beings. So, maybe getting a new dog wasn’t the best idea you’ve had, but re-homing too quickly may not be either.
The new dog should be in the home for a few weeks learning and earning their place. With you as the leader, take the introductions slowly. In our enthusiasm, we bring the dog in, introduce it to the other dog and go about our lives expecting (hoping) they will figure it out. Some do and some don’t. They are the ones who end up seeing their face on a “free to good home” ad. Taking the time to let the dog fit in more naturally may save everyone!
If you are bringing a new dog into your home and want to get off on the right track, please send a note in the My Question box to the right, and I will be happy to assist you! (I share the box with Melody)
From puppy to dork all in a year!
Best Friends Animal Society’s “Pup My Ride” Program is back in the Midwest, transporting more than 150 rescued Puppy Mill Dogs to rescue groups in New York and New Jersey. Thank you Best Friends!
