Does an animal have to go through h*** and back just to find a home?

Question

I've noticed that animals that have been tortured, beaten, and abused always seem to find homes before any other animal that needs that home just as badly. People line up to adopt that cat that was burned in a house fire. They send money, cards, prayers to that dog that was thrown from a two-story building. I think that it's absolutely wonderful don't get me wrong, but what about those millions of other homeless animals? There's nobody lined up to adopt them. Many many people donate, but why is it that it normally takes a tragedy to convince them to help out or donate at an animal shelter? Why does that person that would never have thought about adopting a pet all of a sudden see that one animal that was beaten and decide that they need to have it. What does it take to have a shelter dog or cat adopted out? What can we do to make those other animals stand out? The ones that weren't beaten, abused... The ones that are just dumped at a shelter because they aren't wanted/needed anymore?

Anne B: This one's for you. I personally have worked at my local humane society for over eight years. In my question, or poll rather, I wasn't only hinting at shelter dogs. Yes I have seen people walk away from a shy dog. Yes I realize that a dog that is a little more independent tends not to get adopted. And yes I know that people always run to claim that puppy, kitten etc. These animals that I mentioned, the cat in the fire, the dog that was beaten aren't necessarily considered animals with "problems". They may not have behavioral issues, agrression etc. They're animals with a story and that was what I was getting at. Animals with a story get adopted. Yes many nice, outgoing, attractive animals do too. I never said they didn't. My point was that people will climb all over each other to get that animal that was on the news. That animal that was beaten. Maybe they feel that an animal with a story would be more of a pet somehow than that mutt at the shelter.

Thanks anyway.

Answer 1

Every pet in an animal shelter is a tragedy.

A house fire or a torture case simply gets more press.

Sensationalism sells- People will be lining up to adopt those 48 dogs of M. Vick's, but there's thousands of other Pits in the pounds that will die. Some are undoubtedly better candidates for adoption than Vick's former dogs, but they haven't been on TV.

It's up to the shelters to portray every case as attractive, yet tragic. Shelters could really use the help of a few talented writers to put the bios up on the cages or the websites. It's often the reason the dog or cat does get the extra attention.

Answer 2

As an adopter of abused and problem shelter dogs I have found the opposite to be true. At any hint of problem behavior or "issues" in a shelter dog, most people run in the other direction. Everyone wants that really cute, outgoing, friendly dog who is wagging its tail and kissing everyone. Everyone walks by the dog who cowers in the corner, too afraid to even approach people. The two dogs I have adopted who were "problem" dogs, had both been around for quite some time with no interest from anyone. One of them had to be put in foster care because she was so traumatized by the shelter environment, and one was getting ready to be put to sleep because her time was up with no interest.
I know many people who have stated that they won't adopt a "problem" and they don't or won't adopt from a shelter because of the "issues" shelter dogs always have. There have been numerous posts on this site from people who seem to think that the only good dog is a perfect dog or a puppy. They zealously state that they would never adopt from a shelter!
I don't know what you are basing your statements on, but I think you need to do some more research.

Edit: So what is your point? I would call it about even.

Answer 3

as a rescuewe take in several dogs anad cats, soe of which have been beaten and drug through he** but most of them have not,we have learned these are the ones that are easier to adopt.

It all depends on the dog.
I dont think people look at the dogs past when they adopt.
I know that shelters and such do promote these animals more than others, which is what they should do.
Most people do not want a troubled dog or an abused dog.

anyway, that's just what I think.

Answer 4

The squeaky wheel gets greased, as they say.

We silly humans are so oblivious, we only notice what gets put up to our noses, and so that is why only those animals who are noted by the media get attention. The general public does not live at the animals shelters, as some of you wonderful people do, so they do not witness the tragedies that you do. Most prefer it to be that way, sadly.

This is the wonderful no-kill shelter where I adopted my 1st dog:

http://www.foha.org/

My dog Sid wasn't one of those who was beaten or abused, either. His former owners let him, a pup, wander around while they were at work all day--coupled with the fact that he as a hound as was delighted to wander around all day. But he did wait almost a year at FOHA to be adopted. I fell in love with him literally at first sight, it's hard to fathom why he had to wait there so long for someone to take him home, but I am sure glad he did!! He's my best buddy!

Thanks to a person who does write-ups on all of the adoptable animals and tells their stories on the web, and also posted on the gates of their kennels, so many of them are placed. Potential adoptors read them and understand what the dog's life has been to that point and how he became homeless. It really brings to light how much that animal needs a home. That's why petfinder.org is so great, too. for the same reason.

I still have Sid's write up, that I took from the door of his kennel at FOHA, for his scrap-book. It reminds me that he sat in a kennel for almost a year waiting for me, and as long as I live, that will never happen again.

Answer 5

It's a tough question. The ones that stand out for some reason get adopted. It's the same response at our humane society - dogs that are pretty, young or cute get adopted before dogs that are not all that attractive or are older do. Some dogs don't sell themselves - they are shy and don't approach people. They tend to stay in the shelter longer.

Animals that have been abused stand out - so they get adopted.

Answer 6

Well, it is true if the animals sad story can be put out on the media with pictures or video that animal will have hundreds of offers of homes.

In rescue I find the people will clammor for the younger/puppies but ignore the seniors. I currently have three senior dogs here, each one spunky, playful and needing a home with a human for them to love. The oldest one is 11 yet plays fetch until your arm hurts. He doesn't look or act 11 years old. He would be a wonderful pet but no one is interested in this boy. He may have 4-6 years left, no one can say. He is healthy and active and has a great sense of humor!

But everyone wants that cute puppy.

Answer 7

So true. It is also sad to see a one time show horse champion living at an equine rescue because it is old and un-sound and no longer able to be a money maker. People need to be more responsible for the lives they "play" with. I think people tend to ignore the "usual" neglected animals... dogs wandering the neighborhoods and city streets, cats in alleys scrounging for food...assuming the pound will pick them up and end their misery. What is truly sad is that the people who come forward only after a tragic situation, seem to be fulfilling a need of their own more than that of the animal. That's why people get certain breeds as status symbols. Look what the Pit bull has suffered in reputation and myth due to human ignorance.

Answer 8

Lots of people like to have a story to tell about how they rescued this poor creature. After Hurricanes Katrina and Wilma, same thing happened at the shelter where i volunteer. People actually waited for those dogs to go up for adoption rather than take the ones already available. I don't get it. But lots of others do adopt everyday strays and throw-aways (like me).

Answer 9

Simple economics.. if a pet has been through hell and back, people see it as having more needs, and are willing to give and provide more for it. It's hardwired in our minds to help those in greater need, while normal, abandoned pets are neglected.

On the other hand, maybe people just don't know about homeless animals. I didn't know anything about any form of animal shelter until after I got my dog. Seems like someone needs to raise awareness to these homeless pets.