I don't have any sage training advice today. Today, I have something on my mind that I can't push out, so I am interrupting our regularly scheduled training blog for this important announcement.
When I started this blog, it was never my intention to use it to push an agenda. I wanted to share training ideas with you. But in the last week, a few things have happened that have tied in with the idea of training and dog ownership, so I felt I had to post something. People are making me angry.
I mean, I rage ate an ENTIRE Currito Burrito bowl today. I didn't even sit down. I stood at my kitchen table, raging and eating. It was the Mediterranean one if it makes a difference.
Why was I rage eating? Simple. Because I am noticing more and more people treat dogs like Things--not living beings. Just things. And it breaks my heart. And makes me angry.
For those of you who don't know, I am involved in rescue. In 2012, a friend wanted to start a rescue. I loved animals, so I said "sure, I am in." And thus, Paws and Claws Animal Rescue was born. We have saved over 200 animals in 2 years. Although that is great, I have also seen the dark side of "humanity" and it makes me sad. And angry...and a rage eater.
It is no secret that dogs are work. And, if you put in the work, they will reward you forever. Seriously. My two dogs saved me. I went through a very rough year and, to be honest, on some days I didn't want to get out of bed. I wanted to stay there. And wallow. And not move. But they wouldn't let me. And when I was at my lowest, they loved me. They didn't care that I was sad. Or angry. Or hurting. They just loved me. And I can NEVER repay that love. I will spend the rest of my life trying. Hell, Garmin snuggles with me every morning before I get out of bed and I nearly cry because he is so content. When Gracie smiles on therapy visits, my heart melts. They deserve the best and, no matter what the issues, they will get the best. I will always find a way to care for my dogs. Some people may think that is crazy, but I don't.
So, why was I angry? Well, because a 4 month old puppy was being returned to our rescue today after a week and a half. Reason? They realized they weren't dog people, he was stubborn and he didn't listen. Stubborn and won't listen? He is 4 months old...and he has been with you a week. Oh, and the kicker? They were worried about their refund. Yup. They wanted to make sure they returned him before the two weeks was up so they would get half of their adoption fee back. I get it. Sometimes things don't work--maybe the dog isn't the right fit. Maybe. But you have to give it more than a week...and you have to TRY. Hell, my two are a handful, but I work with it every. Single. Day. And yes, maybe I am a "special" person, but I promised them a great life when I adopted them, and I meant it. No matter what.
And then we saw an email about an eleven year old deaf dog in a shelter. He was an owner surrender. AN OWNER SURRENDER. Sure, maybe circumstances changed, but if that is the case, do the humane thing. This is not a young dog. He is not a healthy dog. He is an old, sick and terrified dog that was abandoned by his owner in a high kill shelter.
This may sound harsh to some people. I know that people rehome dogs all the time. I wouldn't have to work in rescue if that wasn't true--but some of the REASONS people give are mind blowing. Too old, too much energy, too stubborn, too expensive, moving, new boyfriend/girlfriend is allergic (that one kills me. My husband knows if he ever made me choose between the dogs and him, he knows where the door is.) New baby. New dog and old dog needs to go. The list is endless.
Are there some cases where rehoming can't be avoided? Yes. I know that. But "too old" is not one of those reasons. "My puppy is peeing in the house" is NOT a reason.
I guess here is my point. If you are not willing to commit to an animal. REALLY commit to an animal, please don't adopt. Please, walk on by and give the dog a chance with someone who will take the time.
And don't make me rage eat another Currito.
When I started this blog, it was never my intention to use it to push an agenda. I wanted to share training ideas with you. But in the last week, a few things have happened that have tied in with the idea of training and dog ownership, so I felt I had to post something. People are making me angry.
I mean, I rage ate an ENTIRE Currito Burrito bowl today. I didn't even sit down. I stood at my kitchen table, raging and eating. It was the Mediterranean one if it makes a difference.
Why was I rage eating? Simple. Because I am noticing more and more people treat dogs like Things--not living beings. Just things. And it breaks my heart. And makes me angry.
For those of you who don't know, I am involved in rescue. In 2012, a friend wanted to start a rescue. I loved animals, so I said "sure, I am in." And thus, Paws and Claws Animal Rescue was born. We have saved over 200 animals in 2 years. Although that is great, I have also seen the dark side of "humanity" and it makes me sad. And angry...and a rage eater.
It is no secret that dogs are work. And, if you put in the work, they will reward you forever. Seriously. My two dogs saved me. I went through a very rough year and, to be honest, on some days I didn't want to get out of bed. I wanted to stay there. And wallow. And not move. But they wouldn't let me. And when I was at my lowest, they loved me. They didn't care that I was sad. Or angry. Or hurting. They just loved me. And I can NEVER repay that love. I will spend the rest of my life trying. Hell, Garmin snuggles with me every morning before I get out of bed and I nearly cry because he is so content. When Gracie smiles on therapy visits, my heart melts. They deserve the best and, no matter what the issues, they will get the best. I will always find a way to care for my dogs. Some people may think that is crazy, but I don't.
So, why was I angry? Well, because a 4 month old puppy was being returned to our rescue today after a week and a half. Reason? They realized they weren't dog people, he was stubborn and he didn't listen. Stubborn and won't listen? He is 4 months old...and he has been with you a week. Oh, and the kicker? They were worried about their refund. Yup. They wanted to make sure they returned him before the two weeks was up so they would get half of their adoption fee back. I get it. Sometimes things don't work--maybe the dog isn't the right fit. Maybe. But you have to give it more than a week...and you have to TRY. Hell, my two are a handful, but I work with it every. Single. Day. And yes, maybe I am a "special" person, but I promised them a great life when I adopted them, and I meant it. No matter what.
And then we saw an email about an eleven year old deaf dog in a shelter. He was an owner surrender. AN OWNER SURRENDER. Sure, maybe circumstances changed, but if that is the case, do the humane thing. This is not a young dog. He is not a healthy dog. He is an old, sick and terrified dog that was abandoned by his owner in a high kill shelter.
This may sound harsh to some people. I know that people rehome dogs all the time. I wouldn't have to work in rescue if that wasn't true--but some of the REASONS people give are mind blowing. Too old, too much energy, too stubborn, too expensive, moving, new boyfriend/girlfriend is allergic (that one kills me. My husband knows if he ever made me choose between the dogs and him, he knows where the door is.) New baby. New dog and old dog needs to go. The list is endless.
Are there some cases where rehoming can't be avoided? Yes. I know that. But "too old" is not one of those reasons. "My puppy is peeing in the house" is NOT a reason.
I guess here is my point. If you are not willing to commit to an animal. REALLY commit to an animal, please don't adopt. Please, walk on by and give the dog a chance with someone who will take the time.
And don't make me rage eat another Currito.