Recycling Dogs

Last night I attended a high school fundraiser for dinner and performance by the school’s music group. The food was served on plastic, china-like dinnerware and the silverware glistened metallic but, too, was disposable. When appetites were sated and tables were starting to get cleared, the emcee made an announcement NOT to throw the plates and silverware away. There were surprised, halted movements as diners realized that indeed, the plastic could and would be washed and reused.

These are the same reactions that I see when intercepting owners that are relinquishing their dogs to shelters. They are shocked to find how easy it is to stop their dog’s undesirable behavior – that they can give their dog a second chance.

In our society, “get rid of the dog” is a saying that is blurted out as quickly and thoughtlessly as “throw it away.” No wonder our shelters are so full and euthanasia rate so high.

With a better understanding of canine behavior, diligent training, and a bit of patience, one can turn any “bad” dog into a good dog. The majority of issues are relatively easy to solve and even severe problems may be helped with the addition of psychotropic drugs.

Let’s help each other recycle our own dogs so the shelters won’t have to.