Guest guest Posted November 11, 2002 Report Share Posted November 11, 2002 I am so sorry Genie about your Gandalf. Its amazing how these guys can come into our lives and steal our heart! >I think that most people who don't spay and neuter their animals don't fully comprehend the implications of not doing it.>> This is very true and really the bottom line in most issues dealing with overloaded shelters and rescue groups. Most of the people who don't spay or neuter are not mass murderers or even bad people. They are just ignorant of owner responsibility. They don't know any better and are totally oblivous to the fact that everything has a consequence! There is normally a pattern and it usually starts from the very beginning. People don't check the compatibility of a particular breed to thier lifestyle and/or family, therefore after a frustrating relationship the dog either ends up relegated to the back yard or in rescue. In addition, a lot of people don't realize that owning a pet takes a little more than the little effort they have put into it. Examples of this could go on and on. As big as " excerice your pet " consists of more than just letting the dog trot out to the neartest tree to lay down, to as small as Pet poop scooping in public places. (My personal favorite and beleive me, I have even seen people in canine competition who do this and should know better!) Of course- the examples could go on and on. The biggest mistakes I have seen are in Rotties. (They wanted a macho image maker and ended up chaining the dog to the dog house in the back yard and wondered why the dog was unsocialized!) and Goldens. (What do you mean a " sporting breed? " You mean they need exercise!? " ) I know it sounds like I am being hard core, but I suppose I have delt with it so long sometimes I loose my patience. The key to all these issues lies in educating the owner. Educating on choosing the right animal and/or breed, or type of dog and basic pet care and responsiblity. Sorry...as you can see this is a personal issue of mine! My humble ramblings! With kindness, Beth genie bottle <geniesflower wrote: Well, Gandalf was put down Saturday morning. The surgeon took a closer look at his leg and the xray and that, in combination with his aggression toward me, lead us to the very sad conclusion. It is a sad end to a sad life, especially knowing that it could all have been prevented. I think that most people who don't spay and neuter their animals don't fully comprehend the implications of not doing it. If Gandalf had been neutered, he most likely would never have wanted to wander, the lack of testosterone would have resulted in lower aggression and he would not have ever been shot. If his owner would have cared enough to have that one simple surgery performed... But somehow the implications of human castration are transferred to our pets... Animals self worth does not include their reproductive capacity, but only the love and affection that they give and recieve to the humans responsible for their care. I always knew the value of pet sterilization, but now I know the pain associated with not doing it. I only knew Gandalf for 5 days, but I learned so much from him. Perhaps in his passing, a lesson has been learned about the true meaning of responsible pet ownership. For those of you whose pets are not altered, hopefully you too, have learned from Gandalf. Genie U2 on LAUNCH - Exclusive medley & videos from Greatest Hits CD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 11, 2002 Report Share Posted November 11, 2002 On Mon, 11 Nov 2002 10:17:52 -0800 (PST), you wrote: >I know it sounds like I am being hard core, but I suppose I have delt with it so long sometimes I loose my patience. The key to all these issues lies in educating the owner. Educating on choosing the right animal and/or breed, or type of dog and basic pet care and responsiblity. Some of 'em should be 'educated' with a 2x4 upside the head.... or better yet, 'educated' by being treated as they treat their dog - The former owners of our house are a case in point: they had a German Shepherd - a nice dog by all accounts - who lived in a 10'x16' chain-link dog run at the very back of the property: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.... I shudder just to think about it. I like to think that there is reincarnation and that they'll change places with their dog in the next life.... Pat -- Pat Meadows Books, books! Low prices. Music CDs too! http://www.wellsborocomputing.com/sales.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 11, 2002 Report Share Posted November 11, 2002 <<<I like to think that there is reincarnation and that they'll change places with their dog in the next life....>> LOLOLOLOLOL. Pat, I think you just solved the pet overpopulation and irresponsibility problems!! Can you imagine how many people this would deter?!! I bet this would change a WHOLE lot of thinking! Thanks for a chuckle on a yucky monday! With kindness, beth Pat Meadows <pat wrote: On Mon, 11 Nov 2002 10:17:52 -0800 (PST), you wrote: >I know it sounds like I am being hard core, but I suppose I have delt with it so long sometimes I loose my patience. The key to all these issues lies in educating the owner. Educating on choosing the right animal and/or breed, or type of dog and basic pet care and responsiblity. Some of 'em should be 'educated' with a 2x4 upside the head.... or better yet, 'educated' by being treated as they treat their dog - The former owners of our house are a case in point: they had a German Shepherd - a nice dog by all accounts - who lived in a 10'x16' chain-link dog run at the very back of the property: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.... I shudder just to think about it. I like to think that there is reincarnation and that they'll change places with their dog in the next life.... Pat -- Pat Meadows Books, books! Low prices. Music CDs too! http://www.wellsborocomputing.com/sales.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 14, 2002 Report Share Posted November 14, 2002 Not everyone who keeps their dogs outside are bad. We have 3 beagles and they are all outside dogs. I have to admit that the fenced in yard is a little too small for my liking. But, that's only until spring when we can make it bigger. They're dog house is underneath our porch. It is almost 4 feet tall and 8 feet by 8 feet. It is carpeted and very well insulated. (We used upper middle level insulation.) They also have about 4 or 5 blankets and various different cushions. They are fed what I feel is the best dog food -- Nutro Natural Choice. They have toys. I even have dog sweaters to put on them when it starts to get really cold. They get a few different types of medication and supplements -- heartworm, flea pills, multi-vitamins (tailored to each individual dog's need, age, etc.), and some other supplements for skin and coat. Since I'm a housewife and am home pretty much every day, I'm able to go out and play with them throughout the day. I usually go out in 20 to 30 minute sessions a few times a day. Hubby always plays with them before he leaves for work and when he gets back. Plus, they play with each other. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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