• they will LOOK FOR YOU, searching the faces of the people coming down the rows, wondering when you are coming back to pick them up,
• shelters are loud, noisy, terrifying and stressful places. No matter how kind the staff are, they will always be overworked, underpaid, and unable to give special attention to an old or scared animal,
• some dogs will sleep on cold concrete floors if there aren't enough beds, or lie all night on wet blankets if they spill their water or have to pee,
• they may get out a few times a day for a short walk if they're lucky, if volunteers come in to spend time with them or if exhausted employees find a few extra minutes to take them to a muddy yard,
• they will no longer have their favorite toy, or treats, or familiar comforting rooms to sleep in,
• your dog can no longer go to the bathroom when it wants, because house trained dogs will wait and wait and wait until they are taken out,
• some will huddle in fear at the back of their kennel or in a crate, shaking and scared by the constant barking and loud noises,
• many of the animals surrendered "so they can find a better home" will never get one.
If you're okay with all of this, then go ahead and drop them off, but if you can possibly fix a situation or work it out, we're begging you to please keep your animals. Maybe you work a lot and need to have someone come in and take your dog out during the day; fine. Ask a friend or neighbor who loves and rescues or volunteers because they know what it's like, and many folks will help out to avoid a dog winding up the shelter.
Maybe you have a wild dog that wasn't ever trained and you feel you can't handle it; ask your shelter for suggestions on a trainer, take an obedience class, talk to your vet. There are options to manage difficult behavior, sometimes as simple as a better kind of collar or leash or harness.
If your animal does not gel perfectly with the others in your home, work it out!! Consider separating or crating for part of the time, closing off a room for half the day for a fearful or old and cranky pet so they have some peace and quiet time (this is one of the reasons so many of us advocate strongly for crate training, because you may need it anc a crate should always be a safe, reassuring, type of den space). Buy baby gates and designate specific areas so each member of the family can be safe and secure; discuss options and a new plan with the entire family including the kids; make and post signs and reminders on doors so everyone follows the same protocol.
If you're still doubtful about "if the shelter is really a poor idea", ask a volunteer or staff member of your local humane society or shelter. 9 times out of 10, they will try and suggest options to help you KEEP YOUR FAMILY MEMBERS. Please know every single facility right now is stuffed to the breaking point.
Lastly, If your animal is simply old, sick, frail, or aggressive, man up and do the right thing; let them go peacefully and humanely. Euthanize your pet when it's time, rather than simply recycling them into the shelters because now someone else has to decide and do that task for you. LET YOUR PET go with love and kindness at your own vet, in your arms, when it's time, because that is our responsibility and role as owners and loving humans to know when to say goodbye.
Alternatives and options exist. Reach out to people who rescue and understand what it's like to have a difficult situation, because as adopters and foster homes and shelter volunteers we know. ASK for help before abandoning your animal.
mmunity first • marketing consultant • advocate for small business • lover
of classic cars • beach girl • believer that "together we accomplish more"
