It's About Your Dog, Not You

I worked as a volunteer at Woofstock on Saturday. This was my first contribution to the shelter and I enjoyed every minute. It was such a big event and it really made me happy to see so many people who truly love their dogs. It also saddened me a bit as there were more people than I care to count who just did not know how to handle their pet. I hope none of those dogs end up in one of the local shelters strictly because of their owner's lack of leadership.

Not all shelter dogs are there as a result of physical abuse or negligence. Too any wonderful dogs are surrendered by owners who were simply oblivious to the fact that owning a dog is a huge commitment and a long-term commitment. It takes a lot of time and energy to be a responsible dog owner and sadly, too many people invest too little of both in their dog. People owe a lot more to their canine companion than just providing fresh food and water and a warm place to sleep.

Typical scenario. Kids want a puppy. Mom and Dad get kids a puppy. Other than spending some time on housetraining, the dog is expected to figure everything else out for itself. Maybe the kids play with the dog while it's still a novelty. But that doesn't last. When the puppy seeks out attention, the family tells it to lay down. Which it doesn't know how to do because nobody took the time to train it! Owners like this don't take their dog for a much-needed walk, they simply open up the back door so the dog can do its business in the yard.

With no play and no chance to experience the world outside the confines of the house, the poor dog is virtually living under house arrest. I'm sure the owners wouldn't like it, why should their dog? Putting down food and water and tossing a few toys on the rug doesn't make a responsible dog owner. So what happens when the dog who received no training, who can't respond to more than the simplest command, the dog who was never given guidance as to appropriate or inappropriate behavior, is deemed a "bad dog" by the owner? Why, the "nice" family packs up the dog and ships it off to the shelter. Where they try to explain how "bad" they feel and how they "really love the dog" but no matter what they do, the dog just "won't listen" or the dog is "out of control."

Please folks, do me a favor. Don't try to convince me that you are a good person. I care about your dog, not you. That's why I'm giving my time at the shelter. I, and other volunteers, will work hard to give your poor dog what it never had before - exercise, discipline, play and affection.

All dogs, regardless of size, need these things. But the bigger and more powerful the dog, the more imperative it is that the dog be raised by responsible people willing to invest the time to teach their pet to be a great household companion. Which is what dogs were born to be!

I did see a great shirt at Woofstock. It read "Throw Vick to the Dogs." The woman wearing it got a lot of compliments. Our shelter received $147 in donations which was more than was expected as there were a lot of other shelters and rescues vying for contributions.

Okay, counting today I've been Vegan for exactly 14 days. Only 16 more to go! It is getting easier. I'm feeling better and my belly is finally deflating! Sunday was a real treat. I visited my friends who own a farm and they prepared the most delicious Vegan spread - fried zuccini, fried onion rings and corn nuggets which I've never had before but am now completely addicted! This was truly the best Vegan meal I've had since beginning this adventure!