Solving Dog Problems
Keeping Your Dog Through New Baby, Divorce, and Moving
Responsible dog ownership means kindness, proper care, and keeping your dog from adding to pet overpopulation..
Pet shelters struggle every day with overcrowding while an estimated four million healthy, sweet pets, just like yours and mine, are euthanized each year. Only responsible pet ownership can put an end to the suffering and killing of homeless animals.
Common Reasons Dog Owners Surrender Their Pets
- Divorce
- Death
- Illness
- New Baby
- Behavioral Issues
- Moving
- Too Many Pets
- Too Expensive to Keep
- Lack of Time
Divorce creates lifestyle changes that make life difficult for the family dog as well as the humans involved but he still needs a home and the security of his family. Sometimes divorce and moving are combined but the spouse who is keeping the dog can find housing that allows pets. Pet-friendly housing is available for those who are persistent in the search. Some housing units are more receptive to dogs with a Canine Good Citizen certification.
When a dog owner dies or is too ill to care for their dog any longer, relatives can decide who should take the dog. What a sad day when an elderly person, about to enter a nursing home, tearfully surrenders a faithful pet. Family members can relieve their worry by taking in the beloved pet. In the case of death, taking in the surviving dog can be healing therapy for relatives and an excellent way to honor the deceased.
When there is a new baby on the way, there will certainly be more work for the family but dog owners shouldn’t give up so quickly. Tolerating a little more work for a short time can be well worth the effort because kids and pets almost always love each other.
Behavioral issues, from house-soiling to nipping or not getting along with another pet, cause some owners to give up their dog. In most cases, these problems are correctable with logistics or training. Sometimes the solution is simple. Look for sources of help through your veterinarian, a kennel club, or a shelter.
Many people relinquish a dog to the shelter because it has puppies and they cannot care for multiple dogs. The solution to this is, in two words - spay!/neuter! Dogs bounce back from the surgery quickly in addition to having the benefit of a lower risk of some types of cancer. Low-cost clinics and some shelters offer affordable services.
For some dog owners, the cost as well as time commitment of keeping a pet is a reason to give it up. Yes, dogs do require a certain amount of time and support and this is something that should be considered when deciding to get a dog. It’s a long-term commitment and when the dog gets old or sick, a responsible owner will make every effort to provide the care he needs. Low cost clinics and some shelters can often help.
According to the Humane Society of the United States, one unspayed female dog averages 2 litters of 8 puppies per year. In six short years, that one dog and her offspring, can produce 67,000 dogs. Is it any wonder that shelters are filled to capacity with unwanted pets? The only thing that can relieve the burden and the suffering is you, the responsible dog owner . September 15th is Responsible Dog Ownership Day. Make sure your dog is spayed or neutered, take your commitment to his welfare seriously, and urge everyone you know to do the same.
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