Monday, June 21, 2010

What To Do Once You Realize You Have an Awful, Loud, Smelly, Nasty, Wonderful, Living, Breathing, Puppy Who Needs You

Dogs: The Ultimate Care Guide by Prevention For Pets
1998
Weight: 2.5 lbs
Method of Disposal: Giving to a woman and her children who just got a new great dane/mastiff puppy—who is also their first dog. They are feeling a little overwhelmed.



*Sabre is one of many shelter pups looking for a good home*

Mondays always seem to bring out droves of people trying to surrender their pets and a couple individuals trying to do the right thing after picking up a stray. I was afraid to walk up to the front desk to see if I left my leash there because I thought I might get trapped yet again, and I had so much to do in the kennels. A woman walked in with three children and an adorable black puppy. She said she had “gotten in over her head.” The puppy was only 2 months old, and I was instantly irritable. How long could see have possibly taken with this dog? How hard could she possibly have tried? I attempted to hand her a list of other shelters and go about my day but, as usual, I couldn’t. We got to talking about training, vaccinations, and just the overall troubles/joys surrounding baby animals.
She was trying. I had to admit that I would not want a puppy. I always prefer adults, and the reason why is because puppies are TOO MUCH WORK. They are all over the place, and they always start off out of control. They grow up to be energetic teenagers that will test you for months/years before they will give you a break. She needed help. She did not know a grunt from a growl and had her children to look out for. She needed some words, a crate, a clicker, and a support system. After she had all of that there still seemed to be something missing—and then I thought about this book. I don’t need it anymore. I have been working with dogs for several years now, and long ago I had read/studied this book. It is time to pass it on. The book covers basic training, health, and socialization. Aside from its support of breeding—a HUGE faux-pas and close to unforgivable if the other information was not so needed—this book has a lot to offer. I could not have found a better family for it. I am really hoping that all these things combined will save this pup’s life, give some kids a best friend, and help the mom manage. She has a lot of people and things to care for and, now, she has a pet.
The whole thing has also taught me a lesson about my own judgment calls and attitudes, and I am very thankful for that. The rest of my day followed the same trend, one surprise after another. Maybe it is because after talking to that first woman I was more open to all the others who walked in the gate or stood in the parking lot. I hope I will be able to update you in the future about this little black puppy. I think the mother will be in contact with me, and I am keeping my fingers crossed that I get some good news.

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