Not Just Unconditional Love
There is nothing better than coming home from a hard day's work to a tailwagging, sloppy-tongued mop of a dog who can't wait to greet you. Dogs are bouncy and loving and wonderful — there's no getting around it, they're exceptional companions. They are fun and friendly, and they love attention. They love to play, go for long walks, and be mischievous.
But before selling yourself on only the nice things about them, remember that no matter their size, coat type, or activity level, dogs are a tremendous amount of responsibility. It's fun to cuddle up with a dog while watching television or take him hiking and running; it's fun to play with a dog at the beach, in a park, or in the snow. But dogs are also completely dependent upon the care of their keepers for everything from food to exercise to training — and they don't take a day off.
Every year, thousands of dogs are left homeless and are sheltered in dog pounds and rescue homes all across the country. Often this is no fault of the dog's. When the cute puppy turns eight months old and starts showing an ornery streak, some families don't have the time or patience to handle it, and that can be the last straw.
When an over-obliging owner suddenly finds himself with a dog who growls when she's told to get off the bed, well, the dog may become a casualty. Often, people give up their dogs because they don't fully understand all the care requirements necessary to keep a dog healthy and wellbehaved. They find out that Dalmatians require too much exercise; they didn't know St. Bernards grew that big; they learn that their tiny Maltese is a mischievous ball of fire. Then, for reasons completely unknown to her, a once-beloved dog may find herself at the shelter, cowering at the back of a cold pen as countless strangers peer in on her and countless other distressed dogs bark and howl around her. At the same time, the removal of a dog from the home can be a traumatic experience for the children and adults who came to love her — despite the behavior that eventually led to her being given up.
This handsome adult Vizsla looks great while standing still in this posed position. Such a photo could cause you to want to own this kind of dog. What you can't see, though, is the dog's nature, and for the Vizsla, this is mega-energy. Owners who don't understand that Vizslas need lots of exercise could become frustrated easily (and often).
In a day when razors, pens, diapers, and even spouses are disposable, dogs are no exception. Unfortunately, they pay for being disposable with their lives.
Top Reasons Why Dogs Are Given Up
It's sad, but true. According to the National Council of Pet Population Study and Policy, these are the top ten reasons cited by people who give up their dogs:
Moving
Landlord issues
Cost of pet maintenance
No time for pet
Inadequate facilities
Too many pets in home
Pet illness
Personal problems
Biting
No homes for littermates
Think hard about whether any of these circumstances could lead to your thinking about giving up your puppy or dog. If so, you should wait before getting one.
