There is currently a huge problem with the commonly known 'status dog'; the staffordshire bull terrier, a dog once known as a loyal, family dog, now becoming victim to a thug's ideology of having a fighting dog by their side.
The number of staffies being bred and sold for hundreds of pounds as a puppy, not receiving basic training or social skills, or worse being 'hardened' as a fighting dog, and being abandoned by its owner as an adult is shockingly high. Of course, this does not only apply to the staffy, pure breed and mongrel puppies are bred for a quick cash injection, being sold to people who love a tiny, cute and fluffy puppy and disown them once they have grown, needing bigger meals, proper training, time and love. Something that my dogs Rusty and molly were victims of.
Luckily my dogs never made it to the rescue centre, Rusty was advertised as 'dog free to good home' and Molly was left in my care following a 4 day 'holiday'. I do wonder what would have happened had they been abandoned, or allowed to roam the street until a dog warden picked them up. There is a likelihood that there may not have been space for them in a rescue centre, if Rusty had shown his boisterous side he may have been classed as a socially inadequate dog, not fit for re-homing and put down. All because a family wanted a puppy for Christmas, and 7 months down the line became surplus to requirement.
For me, the answer is simple. If you are looking for a family pet, companion, friend don't buy from a breeder, adopt a rescue dog. Essentially it is a more responsible way to acquire your excellent addition to your family.There are often puppies available if an older dog is not what you are looking for. House checks and the qualified 'matching' process is a very good and responsible way to ensure that you and your dog are well suited in terms of lifestyle, and general compatibility.
But I must go back to an important point. There are many reasons a dog is abandoned. The rescue centres are finding that some dogs are found roaming the streets with no microchip or identity tag on its collar. Some dogs who are identified and returned to it's owner are returned back to it's home only to find the owner no longer wants it back. Some owners see a dog as a luxury, and with the economic climate making finances more difficult, it is the first thing to go to save some money. Or, quite simply, some people can no longer afford a dog (but probably still afford to spend £30 a week on booze and fags!)
Taken from The Dogs Trust Website: http://www.dogstrust.org.uk/mediacentre/newsreleases/pr09straydogssurvey.aspx
On average 12 stray and abandoned dogs an hour are now handled by Local Authorities. Each hour:
- 5 are reunited with their owners
- 3 are taken to welfare organisations
- 1 is rehomed from the Local Authority kennels
- 2 are in kennels for their seven day holding period
- 1 dog is put to sleep
Ensure your dog is microchipped. The Dogs Trust and some local vets offer a free microchipping service, call your vet for advice and information.
Make sure your dog receives its annual inoculations. Again, there are a number of services available where you may get this free or at a reduced cost. Look out for offers run by the Vaccination Amnesty or ring your vet or the PDSA for advice. There are often deals for worming and flea treatments too. Do your research before you pay. There are a number of discounted retailers such as Wilkinsons and Boyes where you will find this at a lower cost too.
Insure your pet! Yes insurance can save you the horror of that niggling thought in the back of your brain, which is forever questioning how you would ever afford vets treatment in the event of an emergency.
http://www.gocompare.com/pet-insurance/
And aside from walking your pet and remembering to pick up it's poo - the little critter needs feeding.
Many people will opt for the standard mixer with tinned meat option and feed them this day-in-day-out. My advice is DON'T! How would you feel eating the same meal each day? Dogs are omnivores and will eat everything. However they are not allowed chocolate or onions!
I've figured out a way to feed my dogs a very exciting and varied diet that is more nutritionally sound for them then feeding them a tin of Butchers. Many dog foods on the market do not contain good cuts of meat. it is a 'derivative of' meat'. Gross! A dogs meal should be split into 3 components, carbs, veg meat. in this dairy is necessary too, but not every day.
For the carb section they have a mix of cooked rice, pasta and lentils, sometimes porridge too.
For the veg section they have peas, broad beans, courgette, apple, banana, plums, brambles, carrots, tomato's basically anything - just not onions. Peas are excellent for dogs as they also contain calcium as well as vitamins.
Its so satisfying searching the 'reduced' meat counters and getting better quality foods for cheaper than commercial dog foods.
Dogs need dairy, but not everyday. Give them a bowl of porridge with a splash of milk, a little sprinkling of cheese or a raw/cooked egg.
Remember, dogs need to keep their teeth in tip top condition. Eating soft foods can cause their teeth to begin to rot so as a treat chuck them a carrot, or alternate the 'carbs' section with some mixer biscuits. Try to avoid sugary foods for them too.
I currently spend around £40 a month insuring and feeding both of my dogs. That's the cost of a night out, or for some of you around 6 packets of cigarettes or filling up your car with petrol for a few days.
Dogs are my favorite thing in the whole world. They do not chose to come into your home. you chose them so don't make them a victim. Choose wisely, responsibly and be prepared for good and bad days, but most importantly, enjoy their joy when you come home and they bounce around you so very pleased by your return!
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