After almost two years of covid lockdowns and travel restrictions, there had been drastic affects on people spending more time at home than ever before. One thing was for certain, it was a time where it seemed everyone was getting a dog. Sadly, and more unfortunately, predictably, so many dogs are now being surrendered to shelters now that people are returning to work and allowed to vacation overseas again. As published in an article by The Irish Times on the 4th of September 2021, rescues are receiving an average of 8 calls a day from people requesting to surrender their dogs (O’ Connell, J, The Irish Time, 2021).
Many people opted for rescued dogs adopted from shelters, others chose to buy a dog from a breeder during lockdown. However, it’s the rescues and pounds that are being burdened with all the unwanted dogs now that people’s circumstances are changing. Not to mention the serious emotional stress and anxiety that dogs that are rehomed can suffer.
Bringing a dog into your home is a long term commitment, one that can last up to 15 years. The decision needs to be one that everyone in the home makes after a lot of thought and consideration has been undertaken. When dogs are brought home without much reflection, this is when trouble can arise. Dogs have individual personalities and require care, some more than others. Many people acquire dogs out of personal preference, however, this does not always mean a match made in heaven. For example, someone may get a labrador retriever based off of looks and idealism, when a rescue greyhound perhaps may have been far more suited to their couch potato lifestyle. That person could then end up with a highly active labrador that requires more exercise and training that they are prepared to provide, that can lead to behavioural issues stemmed from boredom and they feel they have no choice but to surrender the labrador to a shelter.
Many people feel a labrador retriever would be quick to get adopted in a rescue shelter. Unfortunately, no matter how purebred or how young, it is likely that that labrador will be joining countless other labradors or similar sought after breeds, also surrendered outside of lockdown life and they may all share the similar behavioural issues that have gone untreated. The rescue shelter staff and volunteers are already under pressure and have no time to work on the individual training of each dog. They can only do their best to try rehome to experienced homes who are equipped to deal with the training required to take on such a dog and with restrictions easing and life returning to normal, not many homes are prepared or have the time and patience to meet such demands.
The same goes for all dogs and rescues across the country that will be facing the same dilemma and the phones and social media messages will no doubt be constantly ringing with more dogs in similar predicaments and needing a space in a rescue shelter as soon as possible.
The best way to avoid this, is for people to really do their research when they start to consider opening their homes and hearts to a dog. Always speak to a shelter or reputable training or behaviourist about the right dog for you and they will provide information on what life is like with a dog and how much training, time and money it can take.
It goes without saying, dogs are not disposable, they are the owner’s responsibility and deserve the same love and loyalty that they give us.
