An interesting story appeared today on BBC News. A man had taken his dog for a walk, and then headed back to his car. He drove off—without the dog. The dog, who had a limp, was unable to catch up. This type of scenario is, unfortunately, not at all unusual. In the desert area where I live, dogs are dumped all the time. What made this different was that it was caught on video and broadcast on television. Hundreds of people across England, Scotland, and Wales stepped up to offer to adopt the dog. No doubt Ginger, a cute mixed breed, will find a home.
This type of reaction is not unusual when dogs are featured in news stories where they are abandoned, or rescued from a well or other dire situation. Hundreds of offers pour in immediately to give the dog a home. It’s understandable, and even commendable. We’re empathetic humans, and seeing those things tugs on our heartstrings. But think about all of those dogs sitting in shelters. What if we could see the stories behind how each one got there? Picture the footage of Buddy, abandoned, sitting in his home, waiting for owners who never return; a montage of scenes of Kayla, who was adopted for the children, but no one had time for her; or my own girl Sierra, running through a grim desert landscape, searching for food. I bet if people could see all of that, those dogs wouldn’t be in the shelters very long.
It's true that some dogs are in shelters or rescues because of aggression or other issues that make them less adoptable. But for the majority, each and every one of those dogs has a story that, if it could be seen, would pull at our emotions. No doubt many would leave us in tears. Let’s use a little imagination, and open our hearts and homes. It shouldn’t take a news story.
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Using your Imagination
I think imagination is key to getting more dogs adopted. I agree that it should not take a news story to get these dogs adopted. But, as you know, visiting a shelter can be one of the most depressing and overwhelming experiences. That's why I really like programs that actually take the dogs out into the public and away from the shelter. Not just the standard park in front of the pet store scenario, but ones that take dogs out into public parks and areas with bright vests that say "I'm available for adoption!". Why not "Ask me about my story?" or "Looking for love?" We need to come up with new ways to get dogs into the public eye so that they can be evaluated in a better light.
You hit the nail on the head
Kevin,
Programs like Open Paw where shelter dogs are taught some basic "good behavior" to improve their chances for adoption are wonderful, and we need more of them. Then, as you said, getting the dogs out into the public in creative ways so that people consider adopting them without having to enter the "depressing" shelter environment is key. Of course, there's always the bigger picture that involves where all of these dogs are coming from in the first place. If we could get puppy mills shut down and monitor backyard breeders better, we wouldn't have the problems we have now on this level.
Nicole Wilde
some stories say more about humans
I notice that people create stories for their adopted pets that confirm their ideas about themselves. How often have you heard someone tell you their shelter dog must have been abused because he flinched when they opened their umbrella?Or because they're afraid of men? I guess it doesn't sound as interesting to say your dog was not property socialized.
People feel good about themselves for helping to save a dog from a horrible situation. The reality is probably much more mundane (although certainly not providing better lives for dogs). People get puppies because they're cute. Puppy grows up. Family doesn't have time to train adolescent dog. Dog is surrendered to shelter with a tale of allergies or having to move overseas.
When the message that every person who has a dog they spend time with, bond with, and train over a lifetime is a hero, maybe we'll be able to respond to the needs of dogs even when their story doesn't end up on the news.
Pamela www.somethingwagging.wordpress.com
dog dumping
somebody recently recanted a similar tale they witnessed themselves. walking along on the local walking trail they noticed a man walking a Beagle along the open drain system of the local city, disappearing into the bushes only to appear sanes dog.
The person telling me the story was horrified, assuming the other person had thrown the beagle into the drain canal. Despite a desperate search they were unable to locate the beagle. Although not a doggie person he was very upset to think another human being could be so callous and casual with another beings life.
And Nicole, on the lines of the "puppy mills & back yard breeders" I fielded a call recently in my job as a Vet Nurse (Vet Tech to you people in the USA) from a person intent on breeding a Chihuahua with a Pomeranian. I usually try to disuade people from this sort of thing but I took the effort to try assist with this enquiry only to find out the man was putting a larger dog to a very small bitch (about 1kg was his estimate - I found this out after I told him the bitch should be bigger to lessen the chance of a caesar etc). I couldn't contain myself, besides the fact the match up wasn't very good I told him the bitch was simply too small to breed from anyway.
He stated to me he wanted the match up because the puppies "were cute" at this stage I actually asked the man if it was an genuine enquiry or was he just having a joke with me because his answers where just beyond a joke. He sounded offended when I suggested he wasn't being honest with me. When I asked him what was more important, the health of the bitch or the cutness of the puppies - his reply was "the cutness of the puppies". I eventually hung up on him when after telling him that proper breeders wouldn't breed this bitch, his reply was "what about improper ones"!
Its just unthinkable to desert an animal
Dory
I just dont know how anyone can leave an animal whether it be a dog, cat or any other living creature and just walk away without looking back. I have had dogs in my life since as long as I can recall and cant imagine my world without them. We humans can learn a lot from our four legged friends. They always give you unconditional love no matter what and even if Im only gone for 10 minutes my 18 month old rotti Zac is so excited to see me its unreal. How many people greet their partners,friends,family like that ?I am blessed to have them in my life and know that I have a mate forever.