Dog Getting Medical Treatment After Tsunami (photo courtesy of JEARS)
I am not saying that the profiles on Petfinder are compelling or even complete and it is not a shock to me that people pass over these dogs. In fact I would say that 75% of the time that I find a cute face on there that I want to spotlight I can’t because there just is no information other then maybe their age and that they are up to date on vaccinations.Which i really sad because I know how many hits I receive on a post and that calls are actually made and adoption paperwork filled out on dogs we post here to the point that I have been asked to remove dogs because rescues receive calls on them long after the dogs are safe in their new home. So yes I am very aware of the fact that rescues are doing a disservice to those they are caring for by not putting up full information with stories and pictures and possibly even a video.
Yes it is true that in the past even through Vietnam not just WWI and WWII that the military dogs were left behind in the countries there was fighting in and that until several years ago it was difficult for even the handlers to adopt the dogs after their service was over. There is now a law in place that the dogs can return or go into civilian life when they retire and live like any other pet dog. I think that is a huge step in the military realizing these highly trained dogs can fit into civilian life sometimes even better then their handlers can and can live a life as a pet as long as the adopter understands the dogs special needs.
What I am saying is that some of these people who want to adopt the flood victim or the military dog would never in ordinary circumstances consider adopting a dog not because the story is not compelling or their picture isn’t cute but because they consider them damaged goods. And they don’t want a damaged dog. My point is that these dogs most likely have the same if not more in terms of behavioral issues (that would just not be acceptable to some of these people). We all know that dogs can have behavioral problems just by going from one loving owner to another or that the fact that the dog was allowed to sleep in bed with the original owner is seen as horrible and out of the question by the new one and so the dog cries all night. Or what about the dog that instead of hiding under the bed in a thunderstorm freaks out and potties all over the floor? You or I would allow it and then cuddle the baby and tell them it is going to be ok and how they are the best dog ever but not everyone is as understanding or tolerant of behaviors they don’t like. They wouldn’t give the dog (or cat) the time they need and unconditional love they need to feel secure again (if ever).
That those who literally yell at the Military training place that they have to allow them to adopt dogs because they have the best home and who cares if the handler who just lived through a war wants to adopt them because they are the better home for them. They have kids for the dog to play with or they are older and retired and can devote their days to the dog. Eventually their handlers will have children if they don’t already have them and had to leave them while fighting the war. And I don’t think for a minute someone who relied on their dogs during war would not be the more devoted owner of the dog when it retires. People think because of their training that they will be the best dog and require nothing other then some food and water and a yard to play in.
So yes I think they have good intentions but have not thought things through and the last thing I want to see or anyone wants to see is any of these Disaster Victims or Military Dogs land in a shelter because their new owner didn’t realize how much work they would be or they are too needy. Or require too much money in terms of medical bills or training. Then were does that leave the dog (or cat) in a much worse situation then before because now they are no longer identified as a victim or a military hero only another in with hundreds that has medical and behavioral issues. I just think people need to think beyond the story and think of the actual life they want to take into their hoem and if they are prepared to meet the needs of the animal.
There will always be stupid people, thoughtless people, self-absorbed people. But there are plenty of sensible people who simply lack the information that policy towards military dogs has changed drastically and they are, with very rare exceptions, safe and loved and in no danger of being tossed away when their military careers end.
As for disaster dogs–again, yes, there are foolish people out there, but also many sensible ones who are simply trying to help. And as with any other adoption situation, for the surviving pets who can’t be restored to their original families, there needs to be a proper screening process to make sure it’s a good match.
I guess as much as anything, I’m frustrated at the focus on scolding the foolish rather than providing information and guidance to those who simply want to help dogs whose stories have connected with them and whom they believe to be in need of help. People who genuinely want to help can often be gently pointed in a more useful direction, while the foolish will remain foolish no matter how roundly they are scolded.
You make a really good point. If these people truly want a dog, why will only a disaster victim or retired military dog do? If there’s a waiting list for those animals or they are not the right fit, why not give a home to another homeless animal instead? I don’t quite get people who only want one of those dogs and won’t consider other options. Doesn’t really strike me as the ideal dog owner…
On the other hand, I hope that something like this at least gets some people to consider rescue/adoption… I’m sure there are some people out there who explore the option of a MWD or disaster victim, and then end up pursuing adoption on a separate track because maybe they become more informed about adoption. But I guess it’s hard to know if/how often that ends up happening.
In any event… really great post. You’ve given me something to think about.