How Could You Abandon A Family Member?
Could you abandon a family member? This is a photo of a real furry family member who was abandoned by his fur-parents at a shelter. They simply discarded him without looking back.
Obviously withdrawn, he became even more confused. He eventually shrank into the corner of his kennel cell. The sad and dejected dog is too depressed to even get up to relieve himself. In this photo, he is seen lying in his own urine. A special thanks to Rob Groves who shared this photo on Facebook.
There Are Not Always Good Alternatives To Abandoning a Family Member
Not all people who drop off their dogs at animal shelters are callous and uncaring, Some are really loving people who are in a position that leaves them no other choice. I would not want to judge them, especially without knowing more about the circumstances leading to this event.
Sometimes unpredictable situations occur and good people have no choice but to give up their beloved family dog. It would be hoped that a better alternative than a shelter could be found. However, that is not always the case. So, we need to make sure the shelters have what they require to provide the care needed,
We all need to do our part to help these furbabies. Not all of us have the financial means to do as this wealthy man did with his hard-earned money. https://happymutt.org/man-gave-up-his-millions-to-set-up-shelter-for-stray-dogs/
Shelters are mostly staffed by volunteers. They receive little, if any, money from the government. Every year, the number of animals dropped off at shelters increasing. The cost of supplies is more expensive just as the need for them is growing.
What Can We Do To Help Prevent Anyone From Having to Abandon a Family Member?
The first thing is to educate everyone on the importance of being sure you can afford to own a dog BEFORE adopting one. There is a lot more to being financially able to own a dog than you might think. Besides the initial adoption fees or purchase price, their ongoing health care and nutritional needs add up quickly.
Some dog breeds are more susceptible to health problems than others and any dog can receive injuries. Some vet bills can be quite expensive both for acute and on-going care. https://happymutt.org/the-most-expensive-dog-breeds-on-the-planet/
This article shares some of the most important details of dog ownership in regards to expenses. https://happymutt.org/can-you-afford-to-own-a-dog/
Don’t Abandon A Family Member If You Become Ill
Some dog owners make arrangements to provide care for their fur-babies when they are no longer able to do so. This is a great idea and helps to keep their furry family member from being abandoned. It is bad enough for them to grieve the loss of their human loved ones. Don’t add going to a shelter as well.
Many people have extended family who knows their furry family members and would be willing to foster or to adopt them. For those who do not, here is an article that may give you some good ideas on how to prepare for such an event.
How To Help The Shelters Care For Abandoned Family Members
There is a well-known wish-list of sorts that animal shelters wish every dog lover knew about. Number One on every shelter’s wish-list is MONEY. There is never enough to go around and some needs cannot be donated tangibly. Rent, utilities, and salaries for the few employees on staff all require money.
There is rarely enough money to cover all these needs. So, gift cards, cash, checks, or donations made via credit or debit cards are always welcome. Also welcome is YOU volunteering your time at the shelter.
The dogs need attention as well as daily care such as feeding, walking, and grooming and washing their toys and blankets. A little TLC goes a long way to make the shelter stay more tolerable for the abandoned dog.
Would you abandon a family member?
Here is a list of tangible items all shelters could use more of to make it easier on the abandoned family members
- Toys. Be sure they are safe and are of good, durable quality such as KONG or Nylabone. Avoid donating toys easily destroyed and with small parts that can be swallowed. You should avoid donating Squeaky and stuffed toys to shelters.
- Pet Food and Treats. Food is a major expense for all shelters. Donate good quality food that has not expired or recalled. Shelters mix peanut butter, hot dogs, meat-based baby food, etc with dry food on some occasions.
- Food and Water Bowls are always needed.
- Nursing Products. Too many newborn pups and mama dogs ready to whelp their babies are in the shelters. They always need to have a way to provide nourishment to the babies.
- Blankets and Towels. Do not have to be new, just clean, and in decent condition. The towels serve as bedding as well as for cleaning.
- Cleaning supplies. You can donate the supplies or money to purchase them. Shelters go through a lot of cleaning supplies, as you can imagine. Some of the most needed items are laundry detergent, bleach, disinfecting wipes, dishwashing liquid, paper towels, mops, brooms, sponges, rubber gloves.
- Plastic bags and Newspapers. Ask about these before donating as not all shelters request them. Lining crates with newspapers may or may not be a practice with them. Plastic bags for feces removal is needed in most places.
- Crates and Carriers. These are expensive items and old ones still in good condition are welcomed. Of course, new ones would be extremely welcome as well because they will last longer. All shelters need both of these in various sizes.
- Shelters need Dog mats, pads, or beds as well as heating and cooling pads, either new or used but in good condition.
- .Grooming Supplies. Most dogs dropped off at shelters have matted fur and are in serious need of major grooming. Shelters need all grooming supplies. These dogs need to be clean for health reasons and to make them more attractive for adoption. Donate brushes, combs, shampoos, clippers, etc.
- Flea and Tick Treatments. Many dogs are infested with fleas or have ticks. It is important to treat them for their sake as well as the other dogs in the shelter.
- Collars, Leashes, and Harnesses of all sizes. These dogs need exercise and attention as well as time out of their crates or kennels. Help to keep them healthy and happier by donating these items to make it easier and safer to take them on walks.
- Office Products. Not only do they need computers, they go through a lot of items such as printer paper and ink, pens, sticky notes, staples, etc. Do you consider Instant Coffee an office necessity?
In conclusion….
There is more than one way to support rescue groups and animal shelters. Fostering and adopting are not the only ways that you can help. Not all of us are in a position to give a forever home to another dog right now. However, you can donate time, money or supplies to help them take better care of more dogs.
Photos Courtesy of Pixabay
