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...
Three yrs ago today, Sept. 13, I unexpectedly lost my 12 year old German Shepherd, Olympia, to sepsis.Backtrack in time ————-Fifteen yrs ago, I and my six-month old German Shepherd, Czarina, drove from Chicago’s western suburbs to Michigan to pick up the little tyke, Olympia, from the breeder. On the way home, I drove with the windows closed since she wailed so loudly in her crate, I thought someone might report me to the ASPCA for animal cruelty.I pulled over at a rest stop, took her out of her crate, and she nestled into Czarina....
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...
