Silverspoon is a 70-pound bundle of gentleness, patience, and loyalty. Described by the shelter as adaptable, she’s the kind of dog who will snuggle on the couch all day or trot by your side on a brisk run. She’s house-trained, kennel-trained, and has impeccable leash manners. She’s gentle, loving, and adored by everyone she meets.And yet, this beautiful 5-year-old dog has been returned to the shelter three times.Silverspoon’s story isn’t unique — it’s part of the darker reality of shelter adoption that we don’t often hear about. Approximately 60% of adopted shelter dogs are returned...
Are shelter dogs America’s throwaway dogs? It’s #NationalPetDay, so it’s a good time to ask this question.I did some digging. I went to 11 shelter websites in CA, NV, TX, AL, SC, and NY, and looked at their adoption fees for adult dogs/puppies. The range for all dogs was $0 to $150, with the average adoption fee of $70 for an adult dog. Now compare that $70 average fee to a “Family of Four Feast” at Red Lobster for $136.99, an annual Netflix subscription for $167+, or a monthly cell phone bill for an F-O-F...
What do Brooklyn, Kosmo, and Numi have in common?They were adopted from shelters. They were returned to the shelter by their adopters shortly after their adoption. They’re all dead.This is not a post meant to depress, but to raise awareness of a heart-wrenching reality that often goes unnoticed in the world of animal rescue: the plight of returned rescue/shelter dogs.Did you know that six out of ten dogs adopted from a shelter are returned within two months?For many people who decide to add a dog to their home, they opt to go the shelter route,...
Hello, future dog owners! Today, we’re going to talk about something really important but fun—your future dog’s personality, or what we like to call their “temperament.” Just like people, dogs, and certain dog breeds, have their own unique personalities and personality types. Some are super playful and energetic, while others might be more laid-back and calm. Knowing about these different types of personalities can help you find the perfect doggie friend for your family.Why Dogs’ Personalities MatterImagine you’re a person who loves to chill at home, watching movies or reading books. Now, what if you...
You’ve decided you want to get a dog and you’re on your way to the shelter. STOP!Before you walk through the shelter door:— Do you know what size, temperament, and type of dog is right for your lifestyle and family? Or, were you just thinking about walking up and down the shelter aisles and see which dog appeals to you? (Note: six out of ten dogs are returned within two months of adoption. Please don’t be a statistic.)— What are your expectations for your new pup? Some dogs acclimate quickly, while others depending on their...
Did you know that 70% of dog owners do not do any research on dogs before they adopt one? Did you also know that nearly two-thirds of pets adopted were returned within the first two months. Choosing a puppy is a balancing act between your head, your heart, and your instincts. Let me tell you the short story of Nabucco.Nabucco at 9 months old; 1st day at his forever homeThis is my purebred German Shepherd, Nabucco, whom I adopted in March, 2020, on Friday the 13th. A contractor who was remodeling my backyard deck held...
You’ve watched a bazillion YT videos about happy dog-owning people. You find yourself being urged by your dog-owning friends to take the plunge and get a dog. But before you do, answer Yes/No to these eight questions. If you have more yes’s, you’re ready. If you have more no’s, DON’T Adopt!Question #1: Are you ready for a baby? Are you ready for a child?A puppy is a 4-legged baby; a dog, a 4-legged child. If you are not ready mentally, emotionally, physically for a baby or a child, then please do NOT adopt a dog.Ready?...
This is the second of a two-part series about adopting a shelter dog. In Part 1, I took you through what to expect when you arrive at the shelter. In Part 2, I take you through what to expect when you bring your shelter dog home. Whether you’re an experienced dog owner who has decided to get another dog to replace a long-departed best friend, add a second dog to your home, or are a new dog owner who needs some coaching, here are some tips I hope you find helpful.On the Way HomeIf you’ve...
I’ve owned, loved and cared for dogs for over 30 years, and I want to help you form and have the same special relationship with your pup that I’ve had with all of mine. And that includes dealing with the problems that occasionally crop up that leave you wondering “am I the only one with this problem” – no you are not.Let’s talk. But first, know this. If you surrender your dog to a shelter that’s run by your city or county, know that this kind of shelter is a kill shelter, because that’s the...
No One CameWhat do these dogs have in common?They were all dumped by their owners at a shelter.They were all euthanized.From Left to Right:Honey, 14 yrs old. Yes, you read that right, dumped at 14 years old. Why? Because a child acted out at a family gathering and the dog nipped, probably out of fear.Knotty, 2 yrs old. Dumped because he’s fearful. Rip Roy, 1 yr old. He was heartworm positive, and too much trouble.Milo, 2 yrs old. The owner never bothered to train him and he was a handful.According to a recent study, less...
