21/11/2023
This is the side of rescuing that people don’t see, and just don’t realise how hard it is for us behind the scenes.
Strap in guys, while I explain.
This is Marcus.
His owner contacted me to ask me to rehome him, because….
‘He barks at other dogs and people when out so needs rehoming ’
Marcus is a 2 year old patterdale x Labrador.
He had been owned by said owner for… 5 weeks.
He’s just settling in, learning his new environment and family, and at only 2 years old he will be rather overwhelmed as well as adjusting to everything new.
Barking is how dogs communicate, and express their fears, and also excitement.
When I asked his owner what training she had been doing with Marcus to help him overcome his possible nervous behaviour, the answer was ‘he’s had none’
I explained I am full at the moment but I will let her know when I had room to fit him in.
2.5 hours later I receive a call from a vet practice.
Marcus had been taken to the vets to be EUTHANISED.
Put to sleep.
To end his life, because his owner could not be bothered to put any time or training into him.
THANKFULLY, the vets refused and called us.
They spoke to their behaviourist while they were there, and offered the owner sessions to help Marcus- the owner declined.
Killing him was the easy way to end her problem.
So, of course, with fear the owner would then just go to another vet and put him to sleep- I made room.
I don’t have room, but I’m not having it.
Marcus has been with us less than half an hour.
He has sat, taken a treat very gently.
Has met 6 dogs- enjoyed a sniff and his tail hasn’t stopped wagging
He hasn’t barked yet.
Too many people are getting pets without any consideration to the time they need to adjust, and expecting them to be ‘perfect companions’ without actually putting anything into them.
Take some responsibility and invest the time into them, you chose them to be part of your family. Stop destroying them just because you cannot be bothered to help them.
It’s not their fault.
You are safe Marcus, and loved.
You will never be treated so badly again, and that I can promise.
