Is it bad to visit a dog you had to put in the pound???

Question

I had to put two of my dogs in the pound, but I am hoping to get them back in a few months... Would it be bad to visit them??? Like would it depress them, and be better not to visit???

My mom had to go to rehab and I was put into a foster home that doesn't allow dogs... I would never choose to do that to my dogs :(

They can stay in the current pound they are in for a few months. The pound has only killed 2 dogs within the past 3 years. And I had originally adopted my dog from there after he had been there for six months.

Answer 1

In my opinion, I would tell you NOT to go visit. For the same reason I tell clients it is not recommended for them to visit when their dogs are staying at the clinic for treatment.

My reason is that dogs get so excited to see their humans, but then after their human leaves... the dogs get extremely depressed. They do not understand why their humans left without them and they tend to do a lot worse (health wise).

I know it is probably killing you inside because you miss them, but I strongly believe it will be MUCH harder on your dogs if you visit and leave them again. You would break their hearts.

Answer 2

Wow. I'm very sorry that you're going through this, its hard enough that your mom is gone and you're in foster care, but you have to worry about your dogs too. My suggestion is first to call the pound they're at and let them know your situation. Like someone else suggested perhaps call around to different animal rescues and see if they could do anything to help. Also contact the news media, these types of stories pull at the heartstrings and you might find help in ways you never imagined. Last suggestion is if you are in school, or church or any type of group see if you can put up a notice or bulletin for someone to foster your dogs for you while your mom is in rehab. Good luck!

Answer 3

Please do not listen to other people's opinions. This is an entirely different situation. You must have been in very difficult situation to have to restort to putting them in a shelter, but for the sake of the dogs, you probably did the right thing.

Animals are pretty smart, especially dogs and they know your intentions. If you visit them, because you intentionally wish to tease them and from your question that is highly unlikely, they probably miss you as much as you miss them. However, you do need to be fairly sure that if you take that step of visiting them, it is because you can provide a home for them in the not too distant future.

In the UK, usually when you leave a dog in a shelter, you have to sign over the ownership. If you do not live in the UK and you have explained your circumstances, the people taking care of the dogs will be able to advice you whether it is cruel or not, since they must know the reasons as to why you had to make this decision. You are in a very difficult position and I empathise with you. Perhaps you need closure, which you can give the dogs when you visit them. They too will understand you are not punishing them, but was faced with traumatic experiences. You have nothing to be ashamed off as has been suggested. Situations happen. This is life and it could happen to the best of us. Be with your dogs and show them how much they mean to you. I am stunned at the response you have received to your sincere question and quite shocked at the lack of compassion towards your personal situation. Especially since you made it clear you want them back. How can people help you, to make that happen?

Answer 4

as long as the dogs aren't up for adoption and you really are going to get them (not hope to get them back) you should visit. You could also try to find a rescue group to take care of them, you might have to make a donation but it's better than the pound

I know i'd foster the dogs for you, but the wife would have problem with that, plus you probably aren't in KS

Answer 5

They will be "gone" (euphemism) in way less time than a few months. I have placed countless stray dogs and cats to new homes. Never used the pound. Wouldn't even consider taking an unknown dog or cat there, let alone my own pets. Wow.
Do them a life-saving favor, and try to convince someone to adopt them out of there.
A new home for them than is better than having them "gone".

Answer 6

After a certain point, dogs quit expecting someone to come for them. We used to board dogs all the time, and at first dogs think someone is coming back for them, and then they are resigned to the fact that they are alone. It seems to be harder on them to keep visiting, as they have to go thru that expectation period every time someone visits.. I would say it's best to let them think you are gone for now, and not know how long. If you keep reminding them how long they are away, it will make them more anxious.

Answer 7

This is a hard one. If I were you I would look up animal rescue groups in your city and tell them your situation. You might be able to get someone to pick them up and take them to a no kill shelter. I would get on this quickly. Call Best Friends Animal Society, PETA, call any animal rights group and tell them what you told us. Someone will help you; you just have to be diligent. You can do an internet search using your states name and no kill animal shelter. They are growing in popularity. You have a good story use it to save the dogs!

Answer 8

I am so sorry for you and your dogs. I would go visit them,. Maybe you would be allowed to play with them. Also check to see if they go to a new home if you are allowed to visit.
Take care of yourself too.

Answer 9

Why did you have to put your dogs in the pound? Most dogs do not last for months in the pound. They either have new homes found for them or they are euthanized within a month or so.

Answer 10

Did you at least look for groups or rescues in your area that might take in the dogs temporarily? You might want to contact them anyways to see if they have any ideas. They might know of someone that takes in dogs for that reason.