Given the high number of owner-surrendered dogs at the local shelter recently, it seems acceptable to “get rid” of your own dogs at the shelter.
While that is preferable to leaving them abandoned along the road, in the woods, in vacated houses, tied in the sun/snow in front of the shelter, or worse — the county shelter is not a home for unwanted animals or a rescue.
The county shelter’s intended use is temporary housing for the county’s stray dogs. Surrendering your dog should be an absolute last resort and it is your responsibility to make every effort to find a suitable home for your dog before even thinking about taking them to the shelter — your dog depends on you.
I wonder if people understand the heartbreaking reality for the surrendered dog. I’ve watched dogs being dragged, bewildered and terrified, through the front door by wardens with their humans assuring their dogs that everything will be OK.
I’ve taken dogs for walks and have seen them watch every car that pulls up and I know they are wondering if that car is their human. Dogs develop a deep, loving bond with their humans. When abandoned, dogs can suffer from terror, fear, stress, anxiety, loss of appetite, hair loss, major depression and sometimes just lack the will to live, all because their owner decided that the bond meant nothing.
Do people understand what fate might befall their dog after they coldly walk out the shelter door? First, your dog might push the shelter over its limit on space, which means a dog may be euthanized. Your lack of feeling can kill.
Second, your cute, forgotten afterthought might be terrified and act out toward shelter staff in fear. If that happens, the dog could be euthanized before he or she makes it to the adoption floor.
Third, anybody can adopt your dog and might not treat him with love or care. They may tie him outside and forget about it, use it as a breeding machine, use him to fight or neglect and abuse her.
Fourth, he’s not just a dog. He has feelings, thoughts and a heart as big as the outdoors. He has been your best friend and confidant, your protector and defender, he has made you laugh and has silently accepted your tears, he has snuggled with you, forgiven your faults, and he has never judged you and has loved you unconditionally.
If you can throw that away like so much trash, please never get another, because you have lost the privilege.
Michele Summers is an Athens resident.
