The most upsetting thing other than purposely-arranged dog fighting is people who get a dog and than just later dump it when they no longer want it. This is tragic and just unacceptable. It is understandable there are some situations in life that ties a dog owners hands to where they have to find a new home for their pet. In those cases, that is understandable, as long as that is what is actually done – locating a proper and loving placement for the dog.
There are times when people have to move from their current living arrangements. It could be due to a job relocation or just no longer being able to afford the rent/mortgage. In these cases, when a dog owner is faced with a need to move, an excuse of a new location not allowing pets is not an acceptable reason to dump a dog. You always have the option to find housing that accepts pets, and what should have been looked for initially anyhow. Sometimes you can talk landlords who are not willing to accept pets to do so with a extra safety deposit should the pet cause any damage on the property. If you have no other choice but to move immediately and there are no pet friendly housing available, then talk to friends and family and try to see if you can find someone to care for your dog until you can find suitable housing or check into extended boarding.
Another common reason people dump dogs is due to the dog’s behavior. They will say it was out of control and they could no longer deal with it. There simply are no bad dogs, only bad dog owners. If your dog has a behavior problem, it is due to the way it was trained. This is the dog owner’s responsibility. If your dog’s behavior is out of control, hire a dog behaviorist or learn about dog training and retrain your dog. Talk to other dog owners. The behaviors your dog is displaying that are displeasing may be as simple as teaching it a couple commands to correct.
Health issues of a dog is another reason many dogs are dumped along the roadside. Some will use the excuse that they couldn’t stand to watch their pet die so instead, dumped the dog rather than not get the dog appropriate care. Some use the excuse that they cannot afford the health care expense. If your dog develops a chronic health condition, it is your responsibility to your pet to help manage it. If money is tight, talk to your vet. Many times, they can provide samples or give you other alternatives.
Another biggy is when people use the excuse that they are having a baby so they will no longer have time for their dog. It is very easy to fit a dog into a family routine, even a baby’s. When taking your dog out for a walk, you can easily bring your baby along in a stroller. Dogs and kids are a great combo if handled properly. Take your time when introducing the dog to the new addition to the family. Growing up with dogs is one of the best gifts you can give a child, if done right.
The excuse of no longer being able to afford your dog is not a good excuse to dump a dog. The expense of a dog should be considered before even taking on dog ownership. However, if this was overlooked and one finds themselves in a position where money is tight you can lower your long term dog expenses by keeping your dog healthy. Use low cost veterinary clinics for routine vaccinations. Resist the urge to buy extras such as a new collar, dog bed, or bag of treats. Make your own dog bed or ask a friend for help. You can also offer your dog carrots or apples as snacks, or make homemade treats. But do not stop giving your dog its heart worm and flea prevention treatments and do not feed your dog food that is less than acceptable for its health.
When you have a serious health condition that makes it hard or next to impossible to care for your pet you may have to turn your dog over to someone who can. Dumping again is never acceptable. Maybe there is a friend or a family member that can help you. When ill, having your loyal dog by your side can be very beneficial and comforting. Check with your local vets and see if there is any outreach programs where volunteers come and help care for the pets of an ailing person. If you are the caregiver of a dog owner who must enter a nursing home or similar facility, consider keeping the dog yourself or placing the dog with friends or family.
If you have exhausted all of your options and just cannot keep your dog it is your responsibility to find your dog the best home possible where it will receive the love and attention it deserves. Be sure that you have explored all avenues. Millions of dogs are euthanize each year because of overcrowding in shelters, so try not to contribute to that number. Abandonment is NEVER acceptable.
Advertise in a newspaper or online and interview possible new homes as they respond. Write up a brief fact sheet about your dog covering details like age, breed, size, color, health, temperament, and personality. Be honest about your dog especially regarding its behavior. Inform all of your friends, family, neighbors, and your veterinarian and staff of your need to locate a new home for your dog. If even thorough those means you cannot not find a suitable home, contact animal rescue groups and “no-kill” animal shelters in your area. If your dog is purebred or mixed with a specific, obvious breed, try a breed-specific rescue group.
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