dogs being dumped - the credit crunch?? see UPDATE on pg. 5

MrsTinks

foreign_correspondent wrote: »

thanks MrsTine - I spoke to her yesterday to ask her to put the dogs together, and said I will ring her again at the end of the dogs seven days, whe I will mention the oldies club (thanks god they do not PTS after the seven days at these kennels, but look for homes - however, whether this can continue if the numbers keep increasing is a different question.)

I put cards up everywhere yesterday with a description of the dogs and my phone number, but no calls as yet - I am beginning to suspect these two were dumped too, rather than just lost.

I agree with those who have mentioned dog licensing and microchipping. However, what you can do about people getting dogs on impulse then regretting it later?? (so many 6 month to 1 year old pups in rescue,once they are no longer 'cute' but still hard work!)

Ultimately I think until breeders stop producing more dogs (and selling them to anyone who has the cash) I do not see how this can change - and how can these breeders who say they 'love their breed' keep producing more (for example) German Shepherds when so many are in kennels waiting to be put to sleep every week?

As the proud owner of a GSD cross that was returned to the RSPCA when she was about 12 months old I know exactly where you're coming from
I think there is a definite difference between breeders and bad breeders - don't get me wrong I'm not saying it's a good time to breed But there ARE responcible breeders out there who truly live and breathe for their dogs and the lines... They make new owners sign contracts to not breed from the dogs and that if they can't keep them they must be returned to them etc etc etc.

I think there should be much stricter rules on breeding - this would keep responsible breeders but hopefully get rid of the backyard breeders. Well if fines were introduced etc at any rate Problem is... how would you impose it it's impossible really

foreign_correspondent

clairemck12 wrote: »

I got so upset reading your post FC, poor little dogs that done nothing to deserve that kind of treatment. I get so surprised by the amount of people that can just give their animals up on a whim.

I know - I think so many peple get dogs on a whim that they can get rid of them easily too - they do not seem to take on a real resonsibilty for their animals, and to understand their needs and requirements.

I hope people do consider re-homing a rescue insted of buying and encouraging the breeding of yet more dogs which ultimately all adds to the problem.

I do not think these two oldies will be very easy to rehome, even though they are timid, gentle dogs, as they are a pair of older, not too photogenic mongels - but they are probably much easier to live with than the puppies which people seem to be only to keen to buy.

lab-lover

Do you know, I think id rather starve myself than get shot of my lovely yellow lab!!

I just couldnt live with myself plus my DD would never forgive me.

Good on you FC for what you did with the dogs cos I am sure a lot of people just wouldnt bother. x

clairemck12

Hopefully a nice elderly couple with a large garden take them in together. i have to admit i wanted a puppy when i got my dog but didn't realise the time they take up, I'm so glad now he's grown up. We're getting another dog at some point too and it definitely won't be a puppy, as cute and cuddly as they are i much prefer older dogs.

sharronloves2spend

Unfortunatly this is a sign of the times, my friend who works for the rspca told me that she euthanises(SP?) around 26 dogs a week and its increasing finding more older dogs that can not be rehomed due to rising cost in vet bills. it makes me so sad i have two dogs (both rescue) and wouldn't dream of giving them up. a dog really is for life. Our dogs are as much part of our family as anyone could be. Don't get me wrong they are hard work and do inevitably cost money (food, boosters, vet bills, chewed shoes/furnuture:rolleyes: ) but once you have made a commitment to home a dog you should see it through. I think dogs have become part of our throw away society.
Well done to the op for caring so much , i probably would have done the same.:A

sharron

annieredhead

I have three cats and an elderly Irish Setter, no matter what happens I will never let them go! Have tried cheaper cat food but they will NOT eat it, only Whiskas ( the dog will eat anything ! ) Does anyone have any recipes for making your own pet food, or dog biscuits? And is it possible to economise on cat litter, I use loads of it. Was wondering if anyone had tried sawdust as it's lighter too.
I would be grateful for any advice

MrsTinks

annie when mine used a littertray (they perfer going outside which is super money saving hehehehe) I used Tesco's sawdust pellet cat litter - I wouldn't use normal sawdust as I honestly don't think it'll absorb enough and it's quite dusty too which is likely to cause some trouble both by getting in their eyes and they will also inhale more dust.
Do a google search for home made dog treat - whether it works out cheaper...
As for cheaper cat food - wean them gradually Mine eat what they are given and if they don't like it then they go without till the next meal - they usually grumble and eat by then Next day it might as well be the same food for all they care Stick to your guns

vivatifosi

I hope that the dogs get re-homed. My Mum specialises in taking in old dogs that have been returned to the home by the first re-homing family. It never ceases to amaze me that dogs can get to a relatively old age without having received any training. People are so lacking in common sense and responsibility these days. The dogs sound gorgeous though, I hope they find somewhere. Its such a shame Mum is already rehoming two, she would love the sound of them!

lemontart

well done you for helping the animals, i have two rescue dogs and am involved with several animal santuaries all of whom tel the same story, I would rather go with out food to feed my beloved ladies as I call them. and deplore anyone who is struggling not to just desert their pets - if they have to please please take them to a pet rescue centre there are 100's out there who will look after them. If anyone wants to help be it with their time or donating food or other items look at https://www.anihome.co.uk to find animal rescue centres listed by counties and please add details of any you know of too

POSSETTE

Never Never Never Would I leave my boys...never.. .and i swear to you all,as my witnesses, the day i win a decent amount of money, :rolleyes2 i am going to build/buy a kennels and rescue any animal i can...hubby says same and i even have 2 friends who would help me with it....i just need lottery win...is that too much to ask:D