22/12/2021
Those who know me, know that I have been involved with several Purebred Rescues, along with many all Breed Rescues, and Wildlife Rescue among others. I also ran many Pet Fairs here in the Tri State for years. I also had a Radio Show for a year and had a different rescue/shelter on each week to help them with the placement of their animals. I have also breed a few litters of purebred dogs over the years. I have kept my personal opinions about various rescues and shelters,even when they slam Responsible Breeders until I saw this post today. I am sorry, but not only did this post upset me, but I was totally appalled by it...here is the post
Hello Clermont County! We are still trying to get a few dogs out of the shelter for Christmas. If you have a basement, warm garage, spare room we would like to see some of our long stay dogs get to spend a day in a home for the holiday. This gives the dog a little bit of time to sleep and enjoy a normal life for a night. If you are interested please e-mail [email protected] Thank you for all your support
My Response to this...
Why? Just Why Would a Shelter do this? I am appalled that they would do this!! I have been in rescues for 40 plus years and have worked with purebred rescues, private rescues and shelters. I have fostered and hand raised 100's of dogs and cats along with birds and small mammals. So it's not like I have no understanding of any type of rescues or the animals that come through any of them.
Dogs do not know it's Christmas, we do, but dogs don't. Is this being done to ease the work load for your workers on Christmas Eve and Day? What about what doing something like this does to a dog? If you don't know let me explain a few things....
First of all, taking in an animal for a day or two- Just think of the stress you are putting that animal through! They most probably been living loose and defending themselves for a long time (which means they have had to learn how to survive, develop a fear of people and how to fight,) They go to a shelter, that's stressful enough. They start to learn that they have food and a clean place to sleep. Now, pull them out of that situation 'for the night' and return them. Think of how confused they are.
How long have they been there? Have they been socialized properly? Have they been exposed to other animals with diseases and treated or in isolation to prevent the spread of something, or fully vaccinated and de-wormed? Have they been 'proofed' around other dogs of all ages, other cats, other animals and especially kids before you send them out 'for the night"? Any respectable foster would keep an animal for the minimum of 2 weeks as it takes that long for a dog to feel comfortable in it's new environment to show it's true behavior and personally?
You are creating more stress on that animal by moving it from the shelter to a 'home for the night' then leaving it in the shelter!! They go from one environment to another and not understanding why? To them its like they are being dumped again. They have no concept that its Christmas. Have the new places 'for one night' been properly screened? Do they have other animals and children? You are placing a confused animal 'for the night' and bringing it back. Not only are you confusing the shelter dog but you will also be confusing any other animals in the existing household. They will have to adjust to a 'new intruder' and have no idea that this new animal is just 'for an night'
Another thought, who is legally responsible if said dog that you send to a private home 'for the night' bites someone, attacks another pet or worse a child, or does property damage?? Does the shelter's insurance cover that ? Is the person/family capable or have enough experience and physically able to handle any situation that may occur?
Most of all I am appalled that Shelters and Rescues talk badly and say how horrible Responsible Breeders are! But yet, you are doing ONE thing that no Responsible Breeder will do- place an animal (especially short term) on Christmas Eve or Day and including a few days before and after these days!!! Think about how confusing and hectic a home is on those days leading up to, during and after. It is filled with much hectic activity, people coming and going. And yet, no Responsible Breeder would place a puppy or a dog during that time. They need time to have people spend time fully with them, helping them to adjust to a new home, not as something to make a person 'Feel Good' that they are helping out a shelter dog. for Christmas.
Like I said, over 40 plus years I have worked with all types of Rescues and Shelters and Fostering and Placing pets into new homes. I am also a Responsible Breeder and would NEVER jhave or would place a dog or puppy that I breed or one that I Fostered into a new home like shelters and some rescues do, even if it is 'for a night'. I screen all homes for both my puppies I raise and those that I foster and place them into the home that is best for that animal. Just because someone says they want to take care of a dog 'for one night' so that they can feel good about themselves, let them come and walk dogs, give treat or donate food. That would help the dog out more then dragging it from one place to another and back to that place in the next day or two.
I CARE about Animals, but this action has showed little regard to the mental and physically state of those animals that you claim you care about and in charge of!!!
