The Lowdown on Adoption

Every year in South Africa, thousands of beautiful dogs are given up to shelters

Recycling is becoming more and more popular, and with good reason, but what is concerning is how many people are treating dogs like they would a cell phone or an old car – like a disposable item. If they have a problem with it, they get rid of it and bring home a new one.

But dogs are living, breathing creatures, and when we commit to a relationship with a dog it should be for life.

Worldwide the problem is even worse – it’s estimated that there are 600 million stray dogs. This is heart-breaking, because many of these dogs will be euthanised as there just aren’t enough homes available.

Sadly, some dogs who are adopted end up being given back to the shelter, and we know that their chances of finding a new family aren’t going to be good. When people are asked why they gave up on a dog, the most common reason we hear is a “behavioural” problem – which could cover anything from the dog messing in the house to barking to showing aggression to other dogs. The sad truth is that most behavioural issues can be solved by training and by helping the family to better understand the dog.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT DOG

In many cases, the problem begins when people choose a dog that they’re not compatible with. Far too many people treat going to find a new dog like shopping for a new phone. They think that all they have to do is go to the shelter where they’ll fall in love with a cute dog, take her home, and everything will be perfect. Sometimes an adoption will work out that way, but usually a lot more thought needs to go into the adoption of a dog.

The first step is to take a good look in the mirror and think about what kind of dog owner you are. Do you have the experience to handle a powerful breed, or the time to devote to a high-energy dog, or the patience to help a dog overcome some traumatic life incident?

BE REALISTIC