Rehoming your dog – things to consider

Posted by dogwalk1 - May 24, 2012 - Health & Wellness, Mourning, Mutterings, Training

The following is from Black Dog Rescue

Dog re-homing or dog surrendering is something that most people never anticipate when first bringing home a dog. But many will have to face it at some point in the dogs life. It may be a decision that you have agonized over for weeks or months. It may be a decision that you find you have to make in just a few hours or a few short days. As fast as life can change, you may suddenly find yourself trying to find a new home for your dog.

Many people will be quick to judge you when you re-home a dog. Some may consider you to be an irresponsible dog owner for not being able to keep the dog his entire life. As you are faced with this decision, please keep in mind that you know your situation and your dog the best. Make this tough decision with only the best interest of your dog in mind. Others may judge from a distance, but only you can do what is right for you and your dog.

Dog Re homing vs. Dog Surrendering

To “Surrender a Dog”, typically refers to taking your dog to the local animal shelter or humane society. Not all shelters accept all pets. Depending on your situation this may or may not be an option for you.

To “Re-home a Dog”, typically refers to an owner trying to personally find a new home for their dog. Meeting the new family may help when it comes time to say goodbye. But there are many unforeseen and hidden dangers when rehoming a dog on your own.

Dog Re-homing Mistakes to Avoid

1. Never post an ad for “free dog” or “free puppy”. These ads are prime targets for dog fighters. They will pose as the perfect home for your dog, but they are really just trying to get a free dog to use as bait to train their fighting dogs.

2. If you do post an ad to find your dog a new home, make sure to tell the good and the bad. Disclosing the dogs true history will help ensure that you get quality responses from people who understand what they are taking on.

3. Always visit the home that your dog is going to. Do NOT hand over the dog to anyone that comes to your home and shows interest. Make sure they are who they say they are and have a home that is the right fit for the dog.

When finding a new home for your dog, you must be aware of the types of dog abuses out in the world. NEVER rehome an unaltered pet. They will probably end up with a backyard breeder . Go to the home your dog will be moving to. Make sure your dog is not ending up in hands of an animal hoarder . NEVER give your dog away for free. This will help ensure he is not being taken for lab experiments or to be used as bait for a fighting dog .

Dog Re-homing Options

There are different options available to you depending on the dogs age, health, and temperment. Click on the scenario below that best describes your situation to determine the best option for you and your dog.

Do you have an aggressive dog that is a danger to other dogs and/or people?

Do you have a sick dog with a chronic medical condition that you can not afford to pay for?

Are you dealing with dog behavioral problems ? (suffers severe separation anxiety or continuously digs holes under fences or jumps the 6 foot fence)

Do you have a change in personal circumstances, (moving, child has become allergic, etc.) that are forcing you to rehome your dog?

Saying good-bye to your dog may be one of the toughest days you face. Making sure that you have done all you can for the dog will help you heal in time.

Source – Black Dog Rescue

Dog euthanasia: The Toughest Decision – Putting Your Dog To Sleep

Posted by dogwalk1 - June 27, 2011 - Health & Wellness, Mourning

Such a tough decision. I had to make this decision for my 13 year old lab Kobi this past year. He was dying of cancer and suffering. We decided to euthanize him at our home after a day of easy hiking, treats and love. He seemed to be so at peace at the end and his eyes seemed to say thank you. Never an easy choice. The following are some things to ask yourself if you are arriving at this sad crossroads. Take care.

To perform euthanasia on your dog means to voluntarily end the life of your dog who is suffering from a terminal illness or an incurable condition that put your dog in constant pain.

In a survey record of a large pet insurance company on aging dogs, accidents accounted for less than 5% of their death. Natural death occurred in just below 8%. And dog illness was the cause of death in 35% of aged dogs.

The surprising part is that, euthanized dogs account for 52% in cause of death in dogs! Among this high percentage, dog euthanasia performed because of behavior problems accounted for only 2%. Dog euthanasia was carried out mainly because most dog owners and vet felt that it was in the dog’s best interest. Among these dogs put to sleep, more than 29% for illness and suffering reason and remaining 21% because of old age.

There comes a time when the kindest and best thing for the dog concerned, is for him to be painlessly put to sleep. This will no doubt be one of the toughest decisions most dog owners have to make at one point of their dog’s life. And reaching that decision will most often be very distressing for the owner.

Nevertheless, as unwillingly as you can be, the welfare and happiness of the dog must be taken into consideration and given priority. All too often, dog owners delay performing euthanasia on their dogs because they cannot bear with the thought of parting with them. While this act is highly understandable, it is also extremely unfair to their dogs too!

You can ask yourself these questions: to help make the decision to euthanize your dog.

1. Is your dogs health condition prolonged, recurring or getting worse with time?

2. Is your dogs condition no longer responding to medical treatment or therapy?

3. Is your dog in constant pain, or suffering physically or mentally?

4. Is it impossible to lessen your dog’s pain or suffering?

5. If your dog recovers, is he likely to be chronically ill or unable to take of himself?

If you  answered yes to these questions, then euthanasia may be the humane option. If however, there are some ‘no’s’ to several of these question, you can ask yourself these questions:

6. Can you provide the necessary care?

7. Can you afford the cost of medical treatment now – or over a long period of time?

The decision to perform euthanasia on your dog should not be yours alone. Talk to your vet, and of course family members. Your dog is part of your family – the final choice should be also the family decision.

Whatever decision make, you know that you have acted in the best interest of your dog and that he has had a happy life with you.

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