Recession's effect on Pets

Dude, you rock... no lie! This is now my feel good story of the day/week/month/season. . .

Especially considering all the crappe' that is posted on forums w/ the inter-member bickering/arguing/baiting/flaming/spamming... not to mention Alsatian is my fav' dog!

 

Long shot if your neck of the woods consists of trailer homes, but see if they can scan it for a microchip. I would think that most pet owners would care enough to drop them off at a shelter, not just let them loose and skip town. Also check craigslist and the local paper for lost and found...and maybe put a notice in? Is there a general store with a community bulletin board? Town hall? Police station?

 

Peter,

Thank you for doing that--it's lot more than most people bother to do. The reality is, "foreclosure pets" have been flooding the shelters for over a year. And as much as you've given this dog another chance, the cold reality for this dog's future is probably going to be euthanasia. Rescue organizations are over-burdened with trying to place dogs in homes, and as the economy worsens, so will this situation. I get really frustrated every time I see someone with a new puppy from the corner store, or when I get a call from someone thinking I sell animals looking to buy a dog. I always encourage people to adopt from a shelter. Hope for the best--these animals deserve so much better than the fate that awaits most of them.

 

I really don't understand how people can just dump their pets. Mine are member of the family

 

Fortunately you're in the majority there. But if you think about it, you have plenty of people out there for whom a dog is something to chain out in the yard behind the trailer or just another accessory to their over-priced McMansion. There are probably people out there who would dump the kids, too, if it didn't mean going to jail.

 

The dog was most likely abandoned. Hopefully it finds a new owner.

 

Good job

 

PeterS -
I think sometimes animals are destined to find people. Dogs rescued can be very appreciative. I think if there's any way possible for you to keep the dog, which is clearly not your responsibility, in the long term you will be very happy.

 

+1


Peter,
It seems through all the pissing and moaning you really are a nice guy


haha.

Seriously, can I have a copy of that bone recipe? My "mother-in-law" has 3 dogs and I'd like have my wife bake her some dog bones.

 

The vet bills are usually the back-breaker. If you continue to consider this, speak with your vet, let them know the situation and ask for a discount on the initial wellness visit. Canvas some of the local vets and see if you can get any background on the dog based on its description. Also, see if they can titer the dog to check for vaccinations, assuming there weren't any tags. Having two dogs is a lot of fun, and it's great for the other dog to have a companion. A lot of stores offer discounts on products for people who rescue dogs, so you can check into that as well. As far as the insurance, read through the policy very thoroughly and make sure it's worthwhile to hold onto. A lot of pet insurance holders discover the limits of the policies when it comes time to make a claim. You may be able to apply the cost of the premiums towards the care of dog #2.

Donating your time to the Humane Society will definitely help them out. Be prepared for some hard, dirty work as well as some grim experiences. But it can be very rewarding as well. Good luck.

 

I think ya got a new dog, Pete


For some reason, I always have more of a soft spot for pets in tough times than people. People at least can work themselves out of a mess, pets are usually just screwed. I shudder to think about the number of dogs and cats and gerbils and such impacted by Ike and Katrina and all the other 'canes lately.

My dad used to do foreclosure appraisals back in the 80s and I would help out in the summer. We ran into several cases where people left and didn't take the dogs. Too often, the dogs were discovered too late

 

+1

My dog is like my kid. I couldn't ever abandon him. It's sick to me to see people without feelings like this. I'm glad you did something for the poor animal.

Mark

 

Dude,
You earned my respect, Thanks for helping the homeless dog. Wish you all the best in adopting the dog, and hope your wife would agree to it.

God bless

 

Do check with the local vets as well to see if any of them know this dog. There could be a very distraught owner out there, searching high and low for her.

But, if no one claims the sweetie, Rigby wants a companion! Woof!

Additional vet bills may not be as much as you think, and certainly it takes no more time to walk or play with two dogs instead of one. 30-40 additional cups of dog food each month should not cost that much extra. And two dogs in a town home is still ok, no? I agree that any more than that would be a bit much unless they were really small. Go on, adopt this sweetie. She will shower you with love and affection forever. Could you really put a price on that?

Once you have had her for a couple of days, I bet you will always wonder how you could possibly have considered not adopting her.

 

I am not assured of the character of humans, but I am assured of the character of dogs.

 

I'm a softy for stuff like this. Although, she is not completely out of harms way, you did a great deed. Perhaps, after a few days, if no one claims her, you can take her in for a little while. Perhaps there is a German Shepard rescue somewhere, or a no kill shelter you can take her to? EDIT- - Google German Shephard Rescue California and a few pop up! Certainly there is a G.S chat forum where you can perhaps get more information as to a better place to put her, OR even find someone who wants her. I love that picture of her in the back of your truck! How could anyone resist a face like that? She was certainly smiling at you!

J

 

I too was going to suggest a rescue. My mom adopted an older Shepard from a rescue a few years back and she has since died. She was so sweet and lived to a ripe old age. My dad has mentioned wanting another Shepard, but I doubt he wants one now. I can't imagine there's not a family that would want such a beautiful and sweet dog. I recently saw an ad on craigslist for a 7-month-old ShihTzu FREE to a good home, said she was sweet as can be. I don't understand how someone can get an animal and just give it away. I was considering taking her but she was gone in a flash. I'd live in a box before I'd let anything happen to my dog.

 

Zophie,
Can you please ask your dad whether he is interested in adopting this shepherd? I will pay for the shipping charges.
Thanks.