mortgage fallout hits pets - Page 1

i was just watching the local (southern calif) news and they had a segment on how the mortgage fallout here and in some other parts of the united states is affecting peoples pets. because they cannot keep their homes and finding rental properties is getting very hard and competitive and pet friendly rentals are scarce, people are abandoning their pets or turning them into shelters or rescues. for those who help support these groups already, they will probably need some extra assistance now. unfortunetly, i'm sure in the next few months, there will be "christmas" pups who will end up abandoned too. this isn't abouting judging people, its just a "heads-up" for those who help rescues/shelters. on a lighter note, happy new year to everyone.

The realy sad part is that these dogs often are NOT turned in to shelters. They are sometimes just 'left behind' either in their outdoor kennels, or worse still, inside the house! Some are just turned loose to roam the streets and fend for themselves. I met a lady here in Ontario who had adopted a Rottweiler which had been abandoned inside the house when the owners moved. She was close to death from thirst when neighbours at last alerted the Humane Society, who got a police warrant to enter the property and rescue her. I just can't believe how cruel and thoughtless some people can be... :-((

Oh, yeah. People will just leave the pet in the backyard and leave. It's pretty sad really. You'll notice this type of thing happens often in many types of disasters not just financial disasters like California's mortgage crisis. I'm quite sure we are already in a recession from this mortgage crisis. The housing industry cycles every so many years and the economy usually falls with it.

Just this past week alone I have had 5 emails and calls from people wanting to dump their GSD into my rescue. Only one had a legitimate reason (a death in the family), but after the holidays I will expect people to start dumping their "Christmas" pups and yes, having a high foreclosure rate in our county, I also will see more and more requests to take in dogs from such situations. Unfortunately, funds are limited and shelters and rescues only can do so much. As well, if it is a GSD in question, at the slightest sign of temperament issues, aggressive behavior, shyness etc., these dogs are put down. Sadly, in our county we see many, many instances of abandonment. But all the breeders in the state assure me they place their pups in "wonderful" homes.....too bad so many are not also "forever homes". And really too bad that the breeders do not honor what they say about "taking the dog back" if for some reason an owner cannot keep the dog...... Happy New Year.

We saw two brand new "christmas" puppies today. At least they had come from breeders and not a pet store.

If an owner can not keep a dog they got from me, they know very, very well I WANT IT BACK! No "Xmas puppies" sold here either. SS

I have mentioned this on one or the other boards already. We have a big problem with our breed if we do not do more to ensure the good representatives of the breed are out in public doing public service, supporting good causes etc. Many rentals may allow dogs, but they will have an exclusion for the GSD. Having scary dogs with poor nerves does not help the breed. I shudder to think of the affect this will have on the GSD in particular. Take your good dogs out and about so people can see that a well bred, socialized and trained GSD is not something to fear but a loyal and dedicated good companion dog. Get those Delta Society Titles and CGC's on them. You may not think that they aren't worth anything, but they are. Join your local GSDCA club and try to make a difference. It is in numbers that you can affect some change. Breed primarily for good temperament, regardless of showline or workingline, German line or Am Line. Good character and temperament will always find a good home. I have been involved in rescue and everything we do is just a drop in the bucket. As much as one tries to get those special dogs into good homes, the battle is endless with always new hurdles as the one or other abandoned puppy mill is uncovered. Do right by your own dogs and make sure they will never have to want because all that has gone into them has made them into a dog that anyone and everyone would want. Breeders, pick those stud dogs selectively, not for easy marketing but for health and temperament. Breeders, get involved and ensure your own progeny is returned to you and do not wind up into rescue which is overburdened anyway. Thanks Shelley, you are the type of breeder that should be the norm. I have done likewise in purchasing pups back to ensure they do not wind up being passed along from hand-to-hand or wind up in rescue. Maren Friedhoff

[waves to Maren] We need more like you, too! :-)) How's Gally doing? Happy New Year to you and your dogs!

Sunsilver, Galaxy has had a boo boo on his rear right hock. My fault. I had a growth removed (non cancerous) and the vet bandaged his leg too tight (twice). Foot wound up the size of a grapefruit. Poor boy has been on oral and topical antibiotics for a month but today I feel that we have turned a corner. I have been taking him to the office with me and he likes driving in a sedan and being an office boy. Everyone loves him. No muzzle necessary at the vet. He is for me a dream dog. At night he has his E-Collar on so he no longer can jump into bed. It is a good thing we aren't showing him anymore because I think it will be a long recovery. I should not have been so paranoid but cancer is foremost on my mind. He is well though and is very loving with my 83 year old Dad. On another board I have a pic of the two. I wish everyone could have a Galaxy. Thanks for asking.