Last week whilst chatting to Diana, a lady who had adopted a dog from the SPA in March, I learned that there is a common belief that the dogs would not be at the refuge “unless there is something wrong with them”. Diana is doing her best to put an end to this rumour by telling all her friends about Millie (formerly Charlotte) with whom she is delighted.
Why do people think being at the SPA means that the dog is to blame? How often do we write that a dog is at the refuge due to a house move, or a couple’s divorce? In what way is that the dog’s fault? And how about all the poor hunt dogs who are old or too frightened of loud noises? In what way are they to blame? And how about the dogs who are left behind by people who go back to the UK and “Can’t” take their beloved dog with them? And yes, this does still happen, despite the relaxation of the passport rules.
How about the dogs who were bought or “acquired” as puppies and whose owners have not trained them, only to bring them to us when they are adolescents? How are they at fault for their owner’s lack of effort?
And all the puppies full stop. Why did their owners not sterilise their dogs in the first place and avoid bringing yet more unwanted dogs into this cruel world of ours?
It really is time that people started to realise that the dogs are at the refuge due only to people and our selfishness and idiocy. Each and every one deserves a second chance. Okay, there may be some who are not good with other dogs, but not everyone wants more than one animal. Some are not good with cats, but that is not necessarily uncurable. And for some people it does not matter; I have four dogs, none of whom likes cats, but I don’t have any, so for me it is not an issue.
So tonight my plea is to give a dog a second chance. Do not make assumptions about a dog because he or she is at the refuge. Make assumptions about their former owner, instead. You have a greater chance of being right!
So here is Driver, a lovely boy who arrived at the refuge at the end of August and who was adopted by a friend of Diana’s today. He is now called Cooper or Coop for short. He is young and boisterous, but ready for a fresh start!
Thanks you Diana, word of mouth is a wonderful thing!
Cooper leaves the refuge