am I the only one MAD AT PEOPLE GETTING RID OF DOGS??

Question

I just get so frustrated reading meassages by people too irresponsible to take care of their own dogs, or going to the shelter and seeing all the perfectly good dogs about to be put to sleep because the owner "didn't have enough time". What is wrong with people? Dogs are NOT ACCESSORIES! They are not stuffed animals that you can just use and then throw away! Getting a dog is like adopting a baby, it's not something that should be taken lightly and you shouldn't want to get one just because it is a breed that you see everyone else with. Does this bother anybody else? Dog over population is a major problem - but not many people seem concerned - are you?

Answer 1

DO NOT just be mad about it. DO something about it.

If you really care, and I believe you do, there IS something you can do.

Your question is a very good one because of the issue it brings up. This is an issue that breaks the heart of every animal loving person I know.

What is more important than does it anger you, is what you do about it. It is most important you understand there has always been people that use and abuse animals, and there always will be. Just being angry will never change that fact. So, what can we do?....plenty!

Advocate, facilitate and educate.

ADVOCATE:
The dictionary defines advocate as....
a person who pleads anothers cause.
a person who speaks or writes in support of something.

You posting your question is a form of advocacy, it's a great beginning for you. Keep it up!

FACILITATE:
by this it is meant that you should DO something to help the animals. Whatever that may be as long as it helps the animals that are suffering. Foster care for rescued abandoned animals is one way. Which is part of what I, my wife and children do here on our five acre place out in the country. You can also volunteer at a local shelter.

EDUCATE:
talk to people that do not care for their animals properly. Visit the American Society For The Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals at....

http://www.aspca.org

when you visit this web site look on the menu to the left side of the page and you will see the words..."Humane Education".
visit that page and you will learn that they have a little booklet you can get that teaches you how to talk to others about humane treatment of animals.

Last, but not least, come and help me and others that are doing what we can to help abandoned animals find a loving home and family.

We started a web site to help us find homes for the abandoned animals we rescue. We have started a K-9 rescue email network. It's fairly new but growing fast!

Once per week we send out an email with a rescued dog picture and short bio. Our partners then print the email off and show it to friends, family and co-workers to help us find a loving home for the rescued dog.

We invite you to join our network of friends helping these poor homeless dogs. (and cats, too!)

Just visit our web site at.....
http://www.Living30A.com and enter your email address. That's it!

I hope this answer helps you to feel better about the situation. As bad as it is, all we can do, is what we can do, helping one animal at a time, talking to one person at a time. Sometimes it feels like trying to empty the ocean with a teaspoon, but with every individual success we have, I am reminded that just this one success was worth all the effort.

Try to feel better dear heart. You are not alone with your feelings.

Answer 2

I agree that it is horribly wrong for people to throw animals away, but until humans learn that human life IS NOT more valuable than any other living creature, people will keep getting rid of thier pets.... The major mentality is "Its just a dog/cat" "its not really part of the family" and my least favorite "they dont have feelings" People justify thier actions by idiotic excuses, and I am so tired of it, I really believe these people will go to hell, and I hope they die horrible deaths alone and abandoned by all.
I hate humans damn it!! I swear I really am ashamed of most members of my own species!! I will save as many dogs/cats as I can in my life and educate as many as I can but the ignorance continues.....

Do I Go Home Today?

My family brought me home cradled in their arms.
They cuddled me and smiled at me and said I was full of charm.
They played with me and laughed with me and showered me with toys.
I sure do love my family, especially the little girls and boys.

The children loved to feed me; they gave me special treats.
They even let me sleep with them - all snuggled in the sheets.
I used to go for walks, often several times a day.
They even fought to hold the leash, I'm very proud to say.

These are the things I'll not forget - a cherished memory.
I now live in the shelter - without my family.
They used to laugh and praise me when I played with that old shoe.
But I didn't know the difference between the old one and the new.

The kids and I would grab a rag, for hours we would tug.
So I thought I did the right thing when I chewed the bedroom rug.
They said that I was out of control and would have to live outside.
This I didn't understand, although I tried and tried.

The walks stopped, one by one; they said they hadn't time.
I wish that I could change things; I wish I knew my crime.
My life became so lonely in the backyard, on a chain.
I barked and barked all day long to keep from going insane.

So they brought me to the shelter but were embarrassed to say why.
They said I caused an allergy, and then they each kissed me goodbye.
If I'd only had some training as a little pup.
I wouldn't have been so hard to handle when I was all grown up.

"You only have one day left",
I heard the worker say.
Does that mean I have a second chance?
Do I go home today?

Answer 3

Hey I hear ya on this - I use to work at an animal shelter and I've heard all the low down stupidest excuses possible...well maybe all. And the one that ticks me off the most is "We're moving to a place that doesn't allow dogs". If your a dog/animal lover why in the bloody world would you move to a place that didn't allow animals. Some people really have to learn that dogs/cats are not a discard-able item. They're living breathing beings just like us. I say we just have to get the message out there to these idiots and there should be a law, that if your going to get a pet - that you have to have a really GOOD reason to "get rid of it" (I hate that line).

Answer 4

I would normally completely agree with you but can I put it this way...

We bought a beautiful Lab puppy that was lovable and full of energy, and we took him to puppy training classes and pretty much everywhere we went.

Then we found out that I was pregnant. Our Lab had grown into a highly active 110lbs dog who although was taught not to jump up, loved to put his paws on my growing tummy and knock me over. I refused to get rid of my beloved pup, and my husband took on the full responsibility of taking care of him.

Then our baby came, and although we did everything that all the books tell you to do, like bringing home baby blankets and such our poor lab did not get the point. He was still very active and we were not able to have him in the room with her. He was not vicious but clumpsy and would knock her over without a thought.

One day a family member approached us and said that they would be willing to 'adopt' our furry friend and he could live on a nice big farm where there was more room for him to run and people who had time to give him the attention he deserves.

I fought tooth and nail, I did not want to give my dog away, because I felt the same way all of you do, He is a family member, not something you can just toss away. But in my heart I knew they were right. With having a newborn through c-section, our lovable lab was not getting the attention he deserved and I had to do what was best for him.

So he is know living on a wonderful farm with a couple that have an older child, and we know that he is loved and well taken care of.

It was not an easy decision to make but atleast I can admit that I couldn't care for him the way he deserved.

Maybe you should look at people's reasons before passing judgement.

Answer 5

Yeah, its very unfortunate that this type of thing happens. I have two dogs myself right now, both of which are rescue dogs. All four of my cats are rescues too. I made it a point to make sure all of my pets are rescued, there are too many cats and dogs out there to adopt rather than just breed and breed and breed and make more animals out there that people can't take care of. http://www.geocities.com/kailynn_sw <---my rescues

Rescues, just so everyone knows, makes the best kind of pet, they are 5 times more loyal and so much sweeter most of the time. They might have a few more problems, but over all it makes them a better friend and pet.

Kate

Answer 6

Of course I am concerned. But I would rather see someone realize that they can't properly care for their pet and give it away then see what my friend saw today. My friend is a sheriff, and had to call animal control to a house where he found a dog that had nearly every bone in its body showing because it was too thin. The owner said that she "Didn't have time to feed him in the past three or four days." It was obviously the result of long-term neglect. I would rather see someone give their pet to a shelter or to another person that to neglect it entirely.

Answer 7

I completely agree. That is just cruel, and people should treat their dogs and their other pets like members of the family. You need the time, and the money to look after a dog, especially a big one. It's really sad when people put up dogs for adoption, and someone should actually pretend they're a dog, and think of how they'd like it if the "dog" put the human up for adoption! :( I hate cruel people

Answer 8

I agree. My dog has a lot of problems I didn't expect, idiopathic epilepsy, allergies, and sensitive stomach. But I've stood by him. I

I've even found out that I'm allergic to dogs. I have to take eye drops, nasal spray, allergy pills and something else. But he's like my child and I would never give him up. Getting a pet is like having a baby, it should be planned and thought out, as well as researched. I love my dog even though he is sick and sort of makes me sick.

Once I took on the responsibility, I made a choice to make him a permanent member of my family. People need to be more responsible.

Answer 9

i know exactly what you mean. my room mates gf went and got a puppy, went to visit her home country, broke up with my room mate to date another guy, and the other guy is stuck with the dog and he's not home often. i feel bad, and would take care of the puppy if i didn't have a new dog myself. my hubby and i aren't financially ready for two dogs and it's heartbreaking to see a dog like that. so i'm thinking of helping the guy find it a new home. people don't realize the magnitude of dogs...especially puppys. my sister calls this the "paris hilton syndrome" where people just get dogs as accessories and drop them when they're out of style or not what they thought it would be liek. anyway you're def not alone!!

Answer 10

Yes this pisses me off too!! This is why I hate people who breed dogs, there are way too many homeless ones out there to begin with!! Do not get a dog unless you have the time and money, end of story!!!