I Didn’t Know There Even Was Such A Day!
It does make sense though since so many of us have dogs and they are treated as parted of the family.
Ziva And Raylan
My two dogs are Ziva and Raylan. Ziva is a mutt, most likely a chihuahua mix. Maybe rat terrier mix, your guess is as good as mine!
Raylan is a bloodhound.
Rescue Dogs
I consider that both of my dogs are rescue dogs.
Ziva I bought from a craiglist ad entitled ” Getting rid of little black dog”. I don’t know how people can bring themselves to put up ads like that just desperate to get rid of their dogs.
Raylan I found in a shelter in Virginia. He was a run away bear hunting dog that ended up a stray, found and took to the local pound. I took one look at him and just had to have him.
There Are So Many Places To Adopt Pets
From your local animal shelters, to many breed specific dog rescues all over the country.
Most of these places have websites with more information and available dogs listed.
Keep in mind, if their is a delay in response, most of these rescues are non-profits and a run by volunteers. Cut them a little slack for all the good they do for the dogs by volunteering their time.
Pet Searching Websites
There are even online sites that are dedicated to helping people find the right dog for the family. Websites that you can use all kinds of filters like, breed, age, large or small,location, etc…
Do Your Research!
Make sure you get the right breed of dog for your family. Research and find out what breeds might fit your lifestyle. There are so many breeds out there, there will be one that is right for you.
Please don’t buy a cute puppy without making sure it is the right dog for your family.
From being involved with dog rescue for many years, I can tell you first hand the effect of being passed around from home to home has on a dog.
Being left at a shelter is traumatic enough. Most dogs don’t do well in the kennel type atmosphere. Most dogs that seem shy or anxious will blossom into great pets when they are in the right home.
Letting a dog get comfortable and finally start to trust you, just to turn around and get rid of it a few years down the line is traumatic for them. Especially if they end up back in a shelter again.
What Happens When You Surrender Your Dog To A Shelter?
When you surrender your dog to a shelter, they are not obligated to find it a home. They will most likely try. But due to space being limited in some shelters, they have to euthanize dogs that are not adopted after long periods of time. Or dogs that have special needs or are older.
I have heard stories of people giving their dog away to a local shelter, just to change their mind and want them back. When they went back a few days later their dogs had already been euthanized.
Yes, There Are “No Kill” Shelters
Even though these types of shelters do exist doesn’t mean it is okay for irresponsible people to just drop their unwanted pets off.
As I have seen many a hat and t-shirt slogan, ” every dog deserves a home but not every home deserves a dog”. I think this is absolutely true and anyone thinking of getting a dog should be responsible and only get one if they are in it for the long haul.
A Word About Breeders
In my opinion there is nothing wrong with wanting a specific breed of dog. Buying from a responsible breeder is an acceptable thing. Some people don’t agree. To each his own opinion though.
Find a breeder that comes highly recommended, do your research!
For All Dogs Do For Us
For all dogs do for us, they deserve better than the way some of them are treated. Dumped by someone, passed from home to home or dropped off at a local shelter is unfair to these animals that are so loyal and trusting of us.
My dogs are like family. I know their likes and dislikes, and quirky personality traits. They have a zillion accessories. Clothes, collars, beds, brushes.
We consider our dogs when we make plans to make sure they won’t be stressed out or anxious about being alone for so long.
There is a reason why they say “dogs are mans best friend”. They are loyal to a fault. They watch as you leave the house and then watch excitedly for you to come home. Petting dogs is calming to many peoples anxious minds( mine included). They make you feel less alone because they will always be by your side.
So, in my humble opinion dogs are most definitely deserving of their own day!
Coming From The Girl Who Cries When The ASPCA Commercial Comes On
I really do. It is so sad for me to see all those dogs in pictures who have been put in such terrible situations because of crappy irresponsible owners.
I’m a dog lover and a dog advocate and I’m going to keep saying these things and writing posts about dogs. So if you don’t want to hear about it then just skip the dogs posts!
So if you are a dog owner, appreciate your dog a little extra today! Every dog has it’s day and today is every dog’s day!
Stepping Down Off Of My Soap Box Now!
Happy National Dog Day!
Raylan And Ziva
