I wrote this about the time the last puppy was adopted. I evidently didn't post it because I was afraid of insulting someone. Well, as it turned out, it was a bit prophetic.
The adoption process was one of the most painful things I have ever done. I know the rescue was ready to shoot me because I was so difficult.
The adoption process was one of the most painful things I have ever done. I know the rescue was ready to shoot me because I was so difficult.
I wanted these puppies to go to homes that were right for them and to people who appreciated the start they had and wanted to build on it. I also wanted this to be an educational process for the people that adopted them. I think that people adopting puppies absolutely need to know that the are making a major commitment to what kind of dog that puppy grows into. The 1st year of life can make or break a dog. As Ian Dunbar says, all shelter dogs are once perfectly normal puppies.
Raising a puppy is not something that can be done by leaving puppy alone 8-10 hours a day or leaving it alone with another puppy all day to raise themselves. I realize that rescues have a to look at the larger picture of a great many dogs and puppies to rehome. I see this as a long term issue, though. How do we make difference so that maybe someday, we don't have unwanted dogs/puppies.
I think it comes from an educated populace. When someone is adopting a puppy, you have a captive audience. Rescues practically give puppies away for free – when you consider the cost of spay/neuter which is usually included in the cost of the puppy, They are almost paying people to take the puppies. What better time to help people learn about the responsibilities of raising a well socialized, happy puppy? One that is well integrated into the life of the family.
