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,...
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...
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...
