Alternatives to Abandoning Your Dog

This is a picture of Tuffy after I got him cleaned up. Pretty cute! I found this abandoned dog (actually a little puppy) in a ditch on the side of the road and he was hiding in the storm drain.

It took me a couple days and some prayers to get him to come close enough to me because he was so scared. He was so little too. He was cold and shivering and very stinky and wet. Thank God he finally decided to come to me. Once I touched him and he knew I would not hurt him, he let me pick him up and get him to safety.

He was a mess. I had to throw away my truck seat covers from the wet stinky mud that he got on them. But boy, what a bath and some food will do do make a puppy look good!

I know there are many reasons that someone can not take care of their dog, either temporarily or permanently. There is no shame in that. It might be a devastating financial situation, a health emergency, a fire or flood, a death, etc. I just want to let you know that there are alternatives to abandoning your dog in a bad situation.

I do not fault anyone who has to consider their options. Sometimes things happen in life and maybe a situation has become so devastating that a dog may need to get a new home. I just want to say that there are options and maybe this can help you come up wth a good idea. I know the stress and emotions of a rough situation can make it hard to think up ideas. My hope is that this will help.

There are people that really do believe that a dog will make it just fine if they are put out and abandoned. They are not bad people, they just do not understand the realities of what happens if a dog is left behind. The reality is that these dogs are frequently hit by cars and then die from their injuries.

Dogs that are abandoned that have lived in a home have no way of knowing how to take care of themselves in the country. Many times they die from starvation. Dogs that are abandoned in the city can lead to dog packs that may attack animals and people.

There are many alternatives to dumping your dog off in the country or abandoning them in the city. I hope to highlight some information that may help you keep your dog, and some dog rescue organizations that will take care of your dog. They may even be able to help you find a place for your pet if you can no longer keep it.

If you need to find another home for a pet, remember all these rescues and shelters generally are nonprofit and continue running on public donations.

Sometimes problems with your dog are causing you to need to give up your dog. Behavior issues are something that may have an easy fix.

Lots of times the dog needs more exercise. I have a page about Dog Fitness that might help give you some ideas.

There are lots of dog training books and guides that might help you with common dog problems and allow you to keep your dog. You can also get a dog trainer to help out if needed. Some basic structure goes a long way.

Please Do Not Abandon Your Dog, There Are Options.

There may be reasons beyond your control and you need to get your dog a new home. Focus on getting the word out that your dog needs a good home.

USE SOCIAL MEDIA

If you have some time to get the word out, your dog may get a great new home. These days, if you take some pictures and write up a little background story, you can get lots of help. Send out an e-mail with the information and ask people to forward it to others. Put up some posts on Facebook or other social media and let the word spread. There are lots of animal lovers that you do not even know that will spread the news for you. Many dogs have found good homes this way.

HAVE FRIENDS OR FAMILY HELP OUT

Maybe your situation is just temporary, and you could find a friend or family member to watch your dog until things improve. I have been on both ends of this situation (I took care of a friends dog before and have had to have a friend watch my dog too) and it is a great option. Circumstances can get better and knowing that your dog is being taken care of and you have a chance to get your dog back is a good thing.

NO KILL ANIMAL RESCUES

If you have no other route or you are in a dire emergency, an option is to find a NO KILL animal sanctuary or a Foster/Rescue Group in your area. These places love animals and many will work to help find your dog a new home.

PLEASE make sure that the dog is going to a good home, and not to a bad situation. That is only the right thing to do.

Photo: Tuffy Growing Up!