I am not famed for being nice to people who abandon their dogs. In fact sometimes when people come to the refuge to bring their dogs back, I have to leave the office for fear of speaking my mind. However a dog was brought back to the refuge yesterday, and, as the owners were English, I had to deal with them.
This couple had phoned up to tell us they needed to bring their dog back a couple of weeks ago and we agreed upon a date (that way we can make sure we have a place free). In any case, yesterday was the day, and Swiffer was brought back. I was all prepared to be angry, but honestly I just couldn’t be.
Swiffer was adopted from us 6 months ago, and I was aware that there had been some initial problems, but having heard nothing for five and a half months, I assumed all was well. Swiffer was adopted together with his kennel mate at the SPA. The two had got on fabulously whilst at the refuge, no fights, not even during feeding time. However once out of the refuge it was another thing entirely. Swiffer didn’t want to share his new mum and dad’s attention and started attacking poor Whisky. Unbeknownst to me, this has been going on ever since. I had no idea. I asked the couple why they had not asked for help, and they explained that they didn’t want to bother me, as they know I am busy, and they don’t speak any French so couldn’t go to dog training school.
We have 2 qualified dog trainers on our paid staff, and numerous volunteers who could have helped, but sadly it was too late.I just couldn’t be angry; the couple were so upset at leaving Swiffer, whom they felt they had let down.
Swiffer is now nine years old and will not be easy to home. I have arranged for him to be castrated, so that even if he doesn’t find a home, he can share his box with a girl and that will stop him being lonely.
All this to say that please ask for help if you have a problem with a dog. There won’t be a question we haven’t heard before and it is much better to ask for help than feel out of your depth and alone, as this couple clearly did.
Swiffer is a lovely dog who deserves a second chance. His former owners don’t have internet, but I would love to be able to tell them by telephone one day that Swiffer has a new home.
This is such a sad story & for just a telephone call, Swiffer’s return to the Refuge could possibly have been avoided. He looks gorgeous so I do hope someone will take him home soon.
I know. It is so sad for the lovely couple and also for Swiffer. I was nearly in tears. People who were just so full of love but out of their depth. I am sure that castration would have helped; they had his teeth cleaned and have loved him so much. Heartbreaking for everyone. On the plus side, Swiffer is wonderful with people, so maybe he will steal someone’s heart.
This is such a dreadfully sad story, I really do feel for you and for Swiffer’s family. We have an adopted (Dobermann) girl who was dreadfully badly treated before she came to us. She has been a nightmare, but with my husband’s long standing patience in understanding that she was really un-adoptable in the first place, lots of research into her underlying problems, lots of dog training books about aggressive dogs and nights spent studying….after nearly two years we are finally beginning to win. She is a sweetheart with people, but will attack other dogs in a second. I will win, I will turn this dog around. It is why, when I see a dog I would love to adopt I say….I wish….or if only…….!
Swiffer looks such a sweetheart I hope for the best for him. I wonder how he would get on with Bella!!!! 😉
Dogs like children are Hard Work! Whether a puppy or an older dog and especially if they have had a tough start in life, they need more than a heart full of love (although that does help!). A bit more realism is called for even if it means fewer dogs re homed, I’m sorry to say! I fully understand your grit & determination in turning your girl around and wish you every success. We adopted a fabulous girl from the SPA last year and know we are in for the long haul – 2 steps forward and 3 back! I’m glad to say that she certainly gives more than she takes and she’s not going anywhere else anytime soon. However it can be really difficult problem solving on your own – a bit of moral/ practical support goes a long way. When our new addition turned on our older dog – quite viciously- it was very distressing and I can empathize with the former owners of Swiffer. Who knows, maybe there is someone out there who can give him a good home – he is absolutely gorgeous!
I do feel sorry for poor Swiffer but I still dont understand why not speaking French is a problem for dog training. Its amazing how much people can learn if they just try. My patience runs quite short with English who dont attempt to speak French I am afraid. Also why did they not get him castrated? I thought that was a refuge policy.
Jane
No, we insist that our females leave us sterilised, but not the males. We lose money on every dog that leaves us having been neutered, and whereas we are willing to take the hit for the girls (cos they have the puppies), we can’t afford to do it for the boys too. If we raised the price of adoption to cover the operations, then far fewer people would adopt from us. We are in the poorest department of France and getting the adoption price right is very important. It is a balancing act.
Ref not speaking French, I agree 100%. But they seem to have got by with every other aspect of their lives without any French. And believe it or not, they had no idea that castration would be a good idea.
Incredibly well-meaning people, though.