| Dogs make ideal companions. They're loyal, and will | | | | may welcome the chance to adopt your pet. Also, |
| remain so throughout their lives, protecting you, your | | | | speak with your dog's veterinarian regarding whether |
| family, and your home. This is one of the reasons it is | | | | other customers would be interested in adopting |
| heartbreaking when owners make the decision to | | | | your canine. Some may be willing to do so since he |
| abandon their pets. In some cases, they'll leave them | | | | will already be housetrained, and his veterinarian can |
| with animal shelters, consigning them to the possibility | | | | vouch for his health. |
| of being euthanized. In other cases, owners simply | | | | 3 - "Caring For My Dog Is Beyond My Budget" |
| desert their pets, forcing them to find food and | | | | To be sure, taking care of your pooch can be |
| shelter on their own. This can lead to a fate even | | | | expensive. This is the reason you should make a list |
| worse than euthanization. | | | | of the annual expenses related to ownership. Such |
| Even though caring for a canine offers a rewarding | | | | expenses should include veterinary care, food, toys, |
| experience that will enrich your life, ownership poses | | | | treats, grooming supplies, and other essentials. |
| responsibilities. When times get tough, it's important | | | | If you find that you are unable to afford the basics, |
| to resist the temptation to set them aside. Below, | | | | look for less-costly alternatives before you decide to |
| we'll take a look at the 4 most common problems | | | | abandon your canine. For example, a low-cost |
| that spur people to abandon their dogs. We'll also | | | | veterinary clinic may be available in your area; you |
| offer a few alternative solutions. | | | | may be able to eliminate some nonessential items |
| 1 - "My Pet Is Too High-Maintenance" | | | | from your purchase list; and you might be able to |
| Many people adopt puppies because they're cute and | | | | save money by buying dog food, grooming supplies, |
| playful. But just as an infant develops into a toddler, | | | | and other items in bulk. |
| and eventually a teenager, a puppy will become an | | | | 4 - "I'm Starting A Family" |
| adult. Along the way, he may pick up habits that | | | | A lot of people think they need to get rid of their |
| irritate you. He may start to bark excessively, jump | | | | canines when they are expecting a baby. They |
| on people, or develop severe separation anxiety. | | | | believe having a dog in the home in the presence of |
| Depending on the extent of the behavioral issues, | | | | an infant is dangerous. With the right approach, |
| many owners lose patience, and become willing to | | | | however, your pet can play a valuable role in your |
| admit defeat. The next step is abandonment. | | | | child's early development. |
| First, realize that your pet's annoying habits are nearly | | | | The key is to provide plenty of supervised |
| always a reflection of the training he received. | | | | interaction. If your canine has exposure to your child, |
| Problem behaviors can usually be curbed or shaped | | | | and understands your child has more authority than |
| with the right approach. | | | | him in his "pack," he will yield. Plus, as the child grows, |
| 2 - "I'm Too Sick To Take Care Of My Dog" | | | | he'll likely form an unbreakable bond with your dog. |
| Owners sometimes become too sick to properly care | | | | There are valid reasons to give up your canine. If |
| for their canines. So, they decide to give up their | | | | you have a terminal illness, or an affliction that makes |
| pets to animal shelters. Given the odds of a dog | | | | it impossible to provide sufficient care, there's little |
| being euthanized due to lack of space at such | | | | you can do except find a good home for him. But |
| facilities, there are usually better options available. | | | | avoid making the decision lightly. After all, your dog |
| If you are ill and cannot take care of your canine, | | | | considers you his best friend. |
| check with your family members and friends. They | | | | |