For every dog freed from a shelter kennel, it opens up the chance to rescue two more. Rescue groups are continuously shifting dogs from overcrowded shelters to avoid the need for euthanasia. For each dog adopted our of a kennel, that kennel is open for another, which leaves another kennel room to accept one more surrendered dog or one brought in by Animal Control officers.
Shelters everywhere try to gain public awareness in bringing
attention to the countless little souls hidden behind cage doors, possibly for
the remainder of their lives.
High-kill shelters have no choice but to weed out the "undesirables" to make room for the "more adoptable hopefuls". No-kill shelters have no choice but to turn away newcomers if they don't have the room. The fate for those turned away is not always a happy ending. Those lucky enough to have a space in the shelter often languish behind a cage for months, putting them at risk for neurotic behavior due to being cooped up without stimulation.
High-kill shelters have no choice but to weed out the "undesirables" to make room for the "more adoptable hopefuls". No-kill shelters have no choice but to turn away newcomers if they don't have the room. The fate for those turned away is not always a happy ending. Those lucky enough to have a space in the shelter often languish behind a cage for months, putting them at risk for neurotic behavior due to being cooped up without stimulation.
Social media has been a godsend for countless faces hidden behind bars and doors, previously only noticed by the outside world if someone actually came looking. It is amazing how as soon as a photo of an animal of any kind, along with its story, pops up on Facebook or Instagram, people's hearts are touched and they want to save them.
But...
Choosing the right type of dog is so very important. "Somebody love me" faces melt most hearts and it is so easy to choose on looks alone without doing
the necessary homework to increase the probability of that pet staying in a
forever home.
Do you live in the city, suburbs or open country? Do you plan on walking your dog whenever it needs to go out or do you have a fenced in yard? Most shelters won't adopt out a dog if the potential owner admits the dog will be outside tied to a box. Is anyone home during the day or will the pet be alone or confined to a crate for long, lonely hours? Is the breed known to be of a gentle nature with children? Is it a working dog requiring lots of exercise and stimulation to keep from getting into trouble out of boredom? Is it the bird dog or hound type that will take off at the first door left open?
Dogs are very loyal to their people family and are devastated when separated or taken from their familiar surroundings and comfort zone. So please take the decision to bring a pet into your home very seriously. The average lifespan of a dog is 10 - 15 years. Though dogs do adjust to a new home, they may spend the rest of their lives mourning the loss of their original family.
Do you live in the city, suburbs or open country? Do you plan on walking your dog whenever it needs to go out or do you have a fenced in yard? Most shelters won't adopt out a dog if the potential owner admits the dog will be outside tied to a box. Is anyone home during the day or will the pet be alone or confined to a crate for long, lonely hours? Is the breed known to be of a gentle nature with children? Is it a working dog requiring lots of exercise and stimulation to keep from getting into trouble out of boredom? Is it the bird dog or hound type that will take off at the first door left open?
Dogs are very loyal to their people family and are devastated when separated or taken from their familiar surroundings and comfort zone. So please take the decision to bring a pet into your home very seriously. The average lifespan of a dog is 10 - 15 years. Though dogs do adjust to a new home, they may spend the rest of their lives mourning the loss of their original family.
Click here for a good article on what to expect before adopting a pet.
This little book by September B. Morn is a gem for understanding dog behavior.
Some of the lucky ones!
