A Dog Isn't Just For Covid

[pastafreak]

Tell that to the masses paying extortionate amounts for puppies. Meanwhile the rescue charities are turning applicants away because they can't keep up with demand.
I feel sorry for the dogs that will have no quality time spent on them.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-8867545/Dog-charities-worried-dog-lovers-rushing-getting-rescue-dogs-lockdown.html

[Old_Geezer]

It's a weird world.

[wolf63]

It's not the world that is weird, its the humans of this world that are weird.

[pixie374]

I know I have said this quite recently, and quite rightly, may not be popular, but I think this is what is happening...

Far fewer dogs are ending up in rescues, because people have realised they are all worth money and are very easy to sell. It isn't just since lockdown, it's been at least the last couple of years. And possibly, because it's looked on as bad to give one away, or sell cheaply, in an easy come, easy go, kind of philosophy.

So, the few that are now getting as far as rescues, are either genuine strays and rescues (less so now that all have to be microchipped while still with their mum). While any "sellable" dog is being sold.

I totally support anyone with the patience and experience to get one from a shelter, most of mine are. But I also realise they are not necessarily suitable for everyone, and are likely to have more problems.
I think it is also important for the next generation to be educated in loving dogs, how to look after them, etc. They will be the next generation of rescuers.
To me, the most important thing is to get the right match. All dogs are different and all families are different... so it worries me a little, where people are persuaded into taking on a rescue, that may not suit them. The dog always pays for a mistake and sometimes, young children.
If someone has the time and commitment to take on a dog, make sure you are suited, personality, activity, attention wise etc. They all deserve good homes, it's more important than where it was bought from.

I know what you mean, pasta, I have already taken on a lockdown dog, whose people were going back to work and hadn't had her very long. But I still paid £200 for her... I don't think ending up in a shelter would have done her any favours at all.

[ladybirder]

Pixie you are correct when you say fewer dogs are ending up in Rescues because owners now realise they can sell them rather than give them to a Rescue. The Rescue I support noticed this change 18 months ago. Their numbers have dropped by at least 50%.
I don't see this as a good thing for the animals, sadly.

[pixie374]

No... I agree that it may well not be, as not everyone will be even questioned. But mine has settled very happily and will stay and be loved, no matter how mad she is :-). Her previous people obviously did love her. A lot of this will depend on the conscience of the sellers.
However, when I got a rescue spaniel cross from a rescue many years ago, they pretty much threw another one at me as well.

[ladybirder]

I don't doubt all will be well in your case Pixie and your experience of having a 2nd dog practically thrown at you is disgraceful. Of course there are Rescues that don't do the checks they should as well as Rescues that take only the "pretty" dogs or even better for them, pretty and small. Too many people will buy on looks, whereas a good Rescue will do its best to ensure a correct match between dog and owner. The more hoops prospective dog owners are made to jump through to take on a dog, the happier I am. The dog's needs should always come first when rehoming. Relatives of mine stomped out of an RSPCA Rehoming Centre because they wouldn't let them have the dog of their choosing. And Oh Boy that Centre made absolutely the right decision because that dog would have been walked just long enough for it to do its business and then back home and left while they went out for the day, most days!
Sorry Pixie I get really fired up about this subject.

[pixie374]

Me too... and I do agree. That shelter did do a home check, but was desperate to get rid of some dogs, so offered both. They did get on brilliantly and had long and happy lives. But i think we might have got to the point where we are rescuing them from previous sellers....