I
In Search of
the Perfect Pet Owner
Wow…I can’t believe how
quickly time flies. I was looking at the
website the other day and realized that I have not written anything about dogs
since last fall. Now we are looking forward
to spring and flowers and all that good stuff instead of snow! Last time I
wrote about some of the things you need to consider prior to getting a pet. I
hope it helped some of you in making a decision on what type of dog you are
going to buy or if you are able to make the commitment that it takes to have
one.
As promised, I wanted to share with you a story about a pet adoption that ended badly for the pet. It was not his fault, but his life began and ended due to irresponsible breeding, irresponsible pet ownership, an irresponsible rescue organization, and an un-informed pet owner. As a Trainer and Boarding Kennel Owner I get numerous calls on a daily basis regarding training. Some of the questions can be answered on the telephone, yet sometimes it is necessary that we get involved with the training. On occasion we even bring the dog in for Board and Train Programs.
I had a lady call from Western Nebraska that had purchased a 1 year old large Mastiff from a rescue organization. She relayed to me that the dog was a little bit unruly and had no manners and she wanted me to train the dog for her so it was more manageable. During the pre-screening process, the owner assured me that the dog was in good health just too big and playful for them to train without help. One week later she brought the dog into the kennel for me to evaluate and train.
When they arrived she told me that suddenly 3 days after we spoke, the dog started having seizures 3 to 5 per day and after examination by her vet, it was also discovered and explained to her, that the dog probably had bad hips as well. They had started a regimen of seizure medication, in an attempt to control the episodes. The dosage at that time was so high the dog was really lethargic. I was not comfortable with what was going on but was willing to evaluate the dog for her.
After numerous conversations with her vet about the dosage, we finally got the seizures somewhat under control. When I started training however he turned viscous with any kind of pressure. Seizures, medication, pain from bad hips made it difficult to determine the mental stability of this dog. He was very large and dangerous when provoked. Needless to say the lady had the dog euthanized. My point is not to tell you a sad story, but to illustrate what could happen to you if you are not careful when purchasing a dog. Obviously this dog was poorly bred. I would hazard a guess the original owners did not want the responsibility of dealing with it, so they turned it over to a rescue. The rescue did a poor job of screening the final owner and presenting a clear picture of the health of the dog. Sadly the mastiff gave the ultimate sacrifice…his life. For this one story there are thousands like it, around the country. There are dogs in shelters that originated with irresponsible breeders. Do your research…because the sole responsibility for your dog’s health and welfare falls on you.
Next time I want to talk about training…
Mike
As promised, I wanted to share with you a story about a pet adoption that ended badly for the pet. It was not his fault, but his life began and ended due to irresponsible breeding, irresponsible pet ownership, an irresponsible rescue organization, and an un-informed pet owner. As a Trainer and Boarding Kennel Owner I get numerous calls on a daily basis regarding training. Some of the questions can be answered on the telephone, yet sometimes it is necessary that we get involved with the training. On occasion we even bring the dog in for Board and Train Programs.
I had a lady call from Western Nebraska that had purchased a 1 year old large Mastiff from a rescue organization. She relayed to me that the dog was a little bit unruly and had no manners and she wanted me to train the dog for her so it was more manageable. During the pre-screening process, the owner assured me that the dog was in good health just too big and playful for them to train without help. One week later she brought the dog into the kennel for me to evaluate and train.
When they arrived she told me that suddenly 3 days after we spoke, the dog started having seizures 3 to 5 per day and after examination by her vet, it was also discovered and explained to her, that the dog probably had bad hips as well. They had started a regimen of seizure medication, in an attempt to control the episodes. The dosage at that time was so high the dog was really lethargic. I was not comfortable with what was going on but was willing to evaluate the dog for her.
After numerous conversations with her vet about the dosage, we finally got the seizures somewhat under control. When I started training however he turned viscous with any kind of pressure. Seizures, medication, pain from bad hips made it difficult to determine the mental stability of this dog. He was very large and dangerous when provoked. Needless to say the lady had the dog euthanized. My point is not to tell you a sad story, but to illustrate what could happen to you if you are not careful when purchasing a dog. Obviously this dog was poorly bred. I would hazard a guess the original owners did not want the responsibility of dealing with it, so they turned it over to a rescue. The rescue did a poor job of screening the final owner and presenting a clear picture of the health of the dog. Sadly the mastiff gave the ultimate sacrifice…his life. For this one story there are thousands like it, around the country. There are dogs in shelters that originated with irresponsible breeders. Do your research…because the sole responsibility for your dog’s health and welfare falls on you.
Next time I want to talk about training…
Mike
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NE | 68531 | 402-435-3003 |
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