Conflicted

Early this morning I found two stray dogs running around the neighborhood. They had collars but no tags. I spent all morning calling rescues, trainers, vets, and driving around all the surrounding neighborhoods looking for "Lost" posters. I posted an ad on craigslist and even went to all the surrounding pet supply stores that were having adoption fairs to look for help. Sadly, I could not find their owner and none of the rescues had room. I just had to take them to the animal shelter, which broke my heart. I cried a little when I dropped them off, and I'd only met them this morning! =( If it had only been one, I would have tried to find a way to make it work, but I just wasn't ready to take on the responsibility and expense of two very large, untrained dogs right now.

It got me thinking about my own dogs though. They are both microchipped, but I know that's not foolproof. I never put their collars on unless we are going for a walk because I don't want to chance their collars getting caught in anything and hanging them. On the other hand, the one and only time they ever got out (because the lawn guy left the gate open and I forgot to check it before letting them out) I got them back within 30 minutes because they had their collars with tags on (this was before I instituted my "no collar" rule). I haven't decided yet what I think the better option is. Collars on or off both have safety risks and could be the difference between life and death either in the yard or at the shelter. Hmmmm...

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Comment by Sarah C. on January 2, 2010 at 6:59pm: You can never get rid of risks completely, so you have to choose your risks. I feel it's more likely that my dogs will get lost somewhere than it is that they'll strangle each other to death. Because of this, I make them wear collars. Maybe if I knew anyone whose dog did strangle to death personally, I'd have a different opinion. On the other hand, I still would probably know way more people who don't bother picking up or calling in dogs without collars.

Comment by Libby and Dyddy!! on January 2, 2010 at 4:46pm: We have harnesses on both our corgis. It helps so if they get caught, it won't hinder their airways. This way they have all of their identification with the AVID tags clear and visible.

That is so sad. I hope their owner wises up and makes it to the shelter.

Comment by Stephanie on January 2, 2010 at 4:31pm: Mine wear their collars all the time. I realize there are risks with that, but neither has ever gotten caught on anything, and I couldn't bear the thought that they were missing.

Comment by Sky and Lyla on January 2, 2010 at 4:29pm: Kerry, mainly just hearing different people's stories. I've heard of dogs playing and getting caught in the other's collar and is strangles them or a collar getting caught on a fence and hanging the dog.

Comment by Bev Levy on January 2, 2010 at 4:22pm: Yeah, I have thought of this too. Mine don't have collars on in the house but we don't put them back on before they go in the fenced back yard. If the mowing service leaves a gate open we could be in the same situation. I do keep Misty, the doberman's, collar on because she is so unreliable at recall. I have also reminded our guy each year that it is imperative that the gates be closed. Since Misty came to live with us, I also told him to make sure she was not out before entering the yard. Not sure how pleasant she would be to a stranger opening the gate! If it makes you feel better most people will check the shelters if their dogs are missing so the two you found will probably be OK.