When People Treat Their Dog as Something To Be Thrown Away: The Effects It Has On The Dog & Already Taxed Shelters and Rescues

Warning. The images in this blog post are real and current to our area at the time of this writing, which some may find upsetting.

Dogs are shining examples of unwavering devotion in a world where loyalty is often scarce. Yet, paradoxically, many humans who view life through the lens of a "throw-away" mindset lack the same commitment to their loyal companions.

The heart-wrenching and very real reality of dog rescues and shelters being inundated with abandoned or neglected dogs paints a bleak picture of our society's disregard for these loyal companions.

In the last few weeks alone, there has been no shortage of people dropping their dogs off at shelters and rescues in my area. If they are turned away due to being overcrowded, people are quite literally dumping their dogs on the side of the road.

Take these two dogs, for instance. Both were found wandering aimlessly in two different areas, one clinging to her "lamby."

Neither are "lost." They were DUMPED.

Aside from these two poor examples, the following is an example of a woman who actually drove to a local shelter that could not help her and gave her tips on other shelters that could help, but she decided she couldn't be bothered and dumped both elderly dogs off on the road further down from the shelter, on a cold, rainy day!

What a...you know what!

These acts committed by people are utterly heartless and cowardly.

So, what drives individuals to treat their dogs as disposable objects, casting them aside like yesterday's news? This #lifewitholddogs blog post delves into the unsettling and seemingly never-ending phenomenon of dog dumping and its profound impact on the dogs and already strained rescue organizations.

Understanding the distinction between responsible rehoming or surrendering and callous abandonment is crucial in addressing this ongoing problem in our communities. With countless dogs ending up in shelters or wandering the streets due to people's careless actions, it's imperative to delve into the underlying reasons behind dog dumping and explore ways to prevent this troubling behavior from persisting.

While there may be some legitimate reasons for surrendering or rehoming a dog, such as unforeseen circumstances like the owner's death or life-changing health issues beyond the owner's control, to name a few, what distinguishes responsible rehoming from dog dumping is the intent and effort put into finding a suitable new home for the dog. Dog dumping occurs when owners abandon their dogs without considering their well-being, often leading to neglect or dangerous situations.

Another aspect to consider is behavioral challenges in dogs that prompt rehoming. While some issues can be addressed through medical care, training, and behavior modification, it's imperative for owners to assess whether they have the resources and commitment to help their dogs overcome these obstacles PRIOR to getting a dog. However, giving up on a dog at the first sign of health issues or difficulty contributes to the cycle of dog dumping and perpetuates misconceptions about canine behavior.

Ultimately, being informed about available resources and seeking professional guidance can prevent unnecessary rehoming and ensure the well-being of both dogs and humans alike.

Surrendering Your Dog at A Shelter or Rescue.

Although I cannot mention one dog rescue or shelter that doesn't do all it can within its means to care for surrendered dogs, make no mistake about it: surrendering your dog with a rescue or shelter can and typically does have a profound impact on the dog's emotional well-being.

The sudden separation from family and familiar surroundings can lead to feelings of abandonment and anxiety, causing distress and confusion. Additionally, overcrowded shelters may result in limited resources and attention for each individual dog, further exacerbating their stress. or EVEN DEATH.

Furthermore, surrendering a dog at a rescue or shelter can disrupt their chances of finding a forever home. With so many dogs needing of adoption, newly surrendered dogs may be overlooked or face extended stays in shelters, prolonging their time without stability and love. This act not only affects the individual dog but also adds strain to already overburdened rescue organizations striving to provide care for all animals in need.

Ultimately, surrendering your dog should never be considered an easy solution; it brings about lasting consequences that extend far beyond the moment of abandonment.

The Act of Dumping Your Dog on The Side of the Road.

If this is the route you choose, well, that makes you a special kind of ass.

Abandoned dogs left to fend for themselves face a myriad of consequences that go beyond the immediate struggle for survival. The emotional toll is often underestimated, as dogs experience feelings of betrayal, fear, and confusion. Without proper care and attention, at the very least, they can develop behavioral issues that make it challenging for them to trust humans again.

In addition to the psychological effects, abandoned dogs are also at significant risk of physical health problems. They are more likely to suffer from malnutrition, exposure to harsh environmental conditions, injuries, and death.

Ultimately, the consequences of abandonment create a cycle of suffering for the dog that perpetuates unless intervention is provided.

For your information, the legal punishment for abandoning one's dog in Pennsylvania (the state where this blog was created) may encompass a spectrum of penalties ranging from fines to potential incarceration, contingent upon the severity of the offense and mitigating circumstances involved.

You can read more about that here: Humane PA | Pennsylvania Animal Cruelty Laws (humane-pa.org)

Responsible alternatives to Dog Dumping.

Again, I'm not saying that sometimes situations come up where a dog needs to be rehomed. What I am saying is that if this is your situation, and you've done all you can to keep the dog, then YOU are 100% responsible for ensuring that your dog finds the perfect new home where he is safe, loved, and most of all, committed to for the remainder of his life.

One responsible alternative to dog dumping is reaching out to local animal shelters or rescue organizations. That said, with just about every rescue and shelter full of dogs and low on funds, if they can't take your dog right then, that means YOU HAVE TO KEEP YOUR DOG OR BOARD YOUR DOG UNTIL YOU FIND SUITABLE RESCUE OR SHELTER PLACEMENT.

Most rescues have an owner referral program. In this program, you keep possession of your dog, and the rescue works to find a potential approved adopter for it.

Another option is to seek assistance from friends, family, your veterinarian, boarding facility, doggy daycare, or social media networks to help find a new home for your dog. By responsibly networking and spreading the word about your dog's situation, you may be able to connect with someone who is willing and able to provide a loving home.

***HOWEVER, DO NOT LIST DOGS FOR FREE ON SOCIAL MEDIA OR CRAIGSLIST. THIS IS JUST AS BAD AS DUMPING YOUR DOG ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD.***

Tips for approving a new person or family for your dog if you go about it on your own:

Remember, there are options available that prioritize the well-being of the dog over convenience, and you owe it to your dog to ensure its safety and well-being should you not be able to fulfill your responsibility to him or her.