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Comment by Erin S on July 17, 2011 at 10:25am

While I can see some really legitimate reasons for getting rid of an animal (severe allergies, sudden lack of work that prevents you from being able to afford the dog, etc) it seems like there are a lot of people that give up their dog because they didn't plan properly before they bought it. Or they don't want to spend time playing with/exercising their dog. Some people seem to expect that a dog can be happy just to lay around all day. I'm sure that's true for some breeds, but most dogs want to go outside and explore. 

 

I find it sad that the people who complain the most that their dog is unruly are the type that leave it crated for 8-12 hour work days, and expect when they come home they can just let it out to go potty and it will be okay. Really, I think the root of this problem is puppy mills/indiscriminate backyard breeders, who don't care WHERE the puppy goes, and just want to make a quick buck.  Legitimate breeders and most shelters make certain that the animal is going to a good home. Also, there's a "status" associated with certain dogs that are "popular" and people want the look of the animal without considering the personality.

The real kicker of it all is that nearly every cause for rehoming can be prevented with a good bit of research. And even if it's something like an allergy that can come up unexpected, an owner is probably better off trying to find their dog a home independently on the internet than they are taking it to a high kill shelter. 

Comment by Ellen Andersen on July 17, 2011 at 7:09am

Agree with you %100!  I volunteer at a shelter and it breaks my heart.  It's a no-kill shelter, thankfully, but there are so many dogs (and cats) we can't even take in because of lack of room (working on expanding).  I'm glad you could rescue your Pit!  I've always felt that as a species, humans suck.  But then there are individuals like you that restore a bit of faith in humanity for me.  So many people feel that pets are disposable, just like last year's toy.  As someone said, there are a few valid reason why critters end up in shelters (the owner passes on or needs to go to a nursing home and there's no one willing to take the animals in) or an animal was found abandoned and has nowhere to go, but by and large, creatures are just dumped.  I live on a rural area mountain and the number of folks that drive up and dump their dogs or cats is unbelievable..."Oh, they can fend for themselves". 

Anyways, I've babbled on.  Thank you for your post!

Comment by Melissa and Franklin! on July 17, 2011 at 12:58am

After 4 years working in the veterinary world you would be shocked and appalled by the things I have seen. I just want to slap about half the owners who walk into our hospital. Just a few days ago a woman with two young children (under 3 or 4 years) brings in a very sweet 8 month old pitbull, no vaccines, has never seen a vet, and the owner can barely afford the vet visit. Of course the dog had parvo and the owner opted to bring it home and let it die rather than pay $100 for some very minimal at home treatment that would at least give it a fighting chance. Not 2 weeks before that two people had a chihuahua diagnosed with parvo and literally walked out of the hospital, got in their car and drove away despite being chased by one of our technicians. They just left the dog on the table and ran. As a technician I often find myself feeling like it is my responsibility to take over the care and treatment of some of these animals but like others have said, "you just can't save them all". Its so unfortunate that many of the dogs have to suffer due to the ignorance and idiocy of humans.

Comment by Solomon & Naomi's Page on July 16, 2011 at 10:16pm

AMEN, VERY WELL SAID AND I 100% AGREE.  PREACH IT SISTA!!!!!

Comment by Bev Levy on July 16, 2011 at 4:15pm

Agreed, except there are some valid reasons to rehome. Unfortunately too many families are in need and the pets suffer. It does annoy the Hell out of me though when I read someone is giving up their large breed dog because it got too big or their working breed dog because they didn't have the time for it..duh..a little research beforehand! So nice you were able to save a Pit, the shelters are full of them and most will not find homes.

Comment by Jane Christensen on July 16, 2011 at 12:52pm

This is sooooo true, the cute pup turns into an unruly teen but that is usually due to lack of training and then it's time to leave or they get another cute pup and no time for the 1st.

One of my pups went to a home with a well trained Pit Bull:)

I understand the crying....I really do as one of my bosses has told me "Jane, you can't save the world".

I have rehomed one of my own Corgis as it was much better for her as she needed to be a princess (thank-you Joanna,Rainy and Calvin:) She is now a princess!!!!!!!!!!!!

You are right "do your homework" please!

Comment by Carolyn and Gracie on July 16, 2011 at 12:25pm

I couldn't agree with you more Kelly. I think it's a combination of irresposibility and short-sightedness. They don't anticipate how much there is to having a dog or they just think dogs are dispensible and so the first excuse to come along to ease their guilt and they get rid of the responsibility. I've heard people say 'it's just a dog' when justifying leaving them out in the winter cold or hot sun. Those people should be left out for a while to see what it's like and I'm guessing they don't have much compassion for their fellow human either.