With the New Year comes new responsibility, but some people choose to ignore this when it comes to pet care. We've all heard the phrase 'a dog is for life, not just for Christmas', yet people still find reasons to abandon man's best friend at the drop of a hat. Whilst behavioural problems is an issue that is frequently listed as the top reason to abandon their dogs, there are some excuses that still prevail:
''I've moved house and my landlord doesn't allow dogs''
This is another common reason why people abandon their dogs. Whilst understanding that moving home can be an issue, it is also the owners' responsibility to be able to look further ahead and plan their move around their pet. You wouldn't move house if it meant leaving behind a child that you are solely responsible for, so why would you do the same for a pet?
'It was a present'
This is one that always hits home. We have been told time and time again that pets do not make good gifts. It's not a scarf that you can exchange or a book that will sit on a shelf. Pets are a living being, so the best idea if you think you may struggle to look after a pet given as a gift, is to talk to the person who gave them to you. Explain why it might not be the best idea and whether other arrangements could be made. This is a last resort choice as it would be preferable to speak to them before you take ownership. People often forget that it is a life you are taking responsibility for, so they should be treated as such.
'They have health issues'
If you were to become ill, or couldn't live your normal lifestyle, would you like for someone to abandon you because you took too much time to care for? People often don't imagine pets as their equals, which goes some way to explaining why many dogs are abandoned because of discovered health conditions. Instead of looking for an excuse to abandon, learn how to help your dogs in their illness, so they can have a loving home that will care for them.
'They're not trained'
News flash. Dogs don't come trained. Even puppies, who can sometimes be more trouble! What people don't realise is that caring for a dog means a lot of hard work and training. Behavioural problems that occur can often be avoided if you spend time helping to train your dog, putting in enough hours to give them boundaries. This is why shelters are often filled with dogs with toilet training, obedience issues and ultimately, behavioural issues. If people spend time with their dogs instead of wondering why they aren't magically trained when they adopt them, then shelters would have a much better time rehoming.