With regard to Pippa’s article on Labrador Temperament today, I have a story I would like to share with you. It is a sad story, but I know you will understand. My sister, who lives in Australia, has always loved my dogs, and has a yellow Labrador bitch of her own. She came to stay with me a couple of years ago, and after spending time with Bones decided she really wanted a male, black Labrador as a friend for her Lab. When she got back to the small town she lived in in Australia, sure enough, there was a young male black Lab, in need of a good home. He was about 18 months old and had never been trained – the family, while not intentionally treating him cruelly, had just pretty much left him to his own devices in the family back yard. My sister took him on, and thought that all would be well –after all, he was the third Lab she had owned, and although she worked full days he would have long walks in the morning and evening with her and her daughter, and during the day would spend time with her lovely gentle friendly Lab. What could go wrong? Sadly, it could and did go wrong. Mambo had never been trained, and while he was lovely with the family, was very destructive both in the house and outside. He also did everything possible to escape from the yard, and became an expert at digging under the fence. Once outside, he became increasingly aggressive to other dogs and indeed to people. Finally he attacked a farmer and backed him up on his house porch and refused to let him pass – the farmer was used to dogs, but was really afraid. After much soul searching, my sister broken-heartedly made the decision to have the dog put to sleep. It has always bothered me, as I am certain that the dog could have been rehabilitated – but ONLY by someone who really had the time available to make a difference to him. He lacked proper socialization skills, and was clearly distressed by being parted from his family during the day. When my old dog died, I really wanted to give a good home to a rescue dog, but soon realized I simply could not guarantee the time and input needed. It’s difficult enough taking in a puppy, where you have researched the breeding and where you do everything you can to ensure the dog has a good start in life. Taking on a rescue dog is a step beyond that – and my hat goes off to those of you who have done and are doing such a good job with your rescue pets. You are amazing, and every time I read your stories on this site I want to give you all a big hug. Karen
Re: Cautionary Tale Karen well done on such a thoughtful post. It IS a very sad story and a good lesson in that good intentions don't always create a good outcome. I was luckier with my rescue dog but I really had no clue what I was taking on which is partly why I decided a puppy would be better for me when I came to find a friend for him. Having said that in the interest of balance there are rescue dogs and rescue dogs. The little dog Lexi that I fostered for a while was a cracking dog that has settled into her new home and not caused any bother. The difference was that she was a great dog who's owner's circumstances had changed rather than a stray with an unknown past (like Barney) or the neglected dog like the one in your story. Sometimes great dogs are homeless for no fault of their own so yes think very very carefully before adopting just as you would think very carefully before buying a puppy and weigh up each case on it's merits and your situation.
Re: Cautionary Tale Karen, this a great post for anyone thinking of rescuing a dog. As you know we rescued Charlie a year ago and he has been a challenge which we didn't expect or really know how to deal with, but with the help of all of you on this site and agility etc. we are getting there. When Charlie arrived here he had no manners at all and infact we found him standing on our kitchen table! Now all he lacks is good recall and better lead work which are coming slowly. I would say to anyone please don't be put off rescuing a dog as all dogs deserve a good and loving home and someone that can commit to training them to lead happy and fulfilled lives. No one has shown them the way and they so deserve it. Charlie was on the PTS list at 6 months because his family just couldn't be bothered with him. Many times David and I thought "what have we done" but we love him so much and he us. We know that it will take lots of time and training before Charlie will become a respectable memeber of the doggie community, but he will get there - fingers crossed!! Helen x
Re: Cautionary Tale Thanks Carole and Helen. Of course I wasnt trying to put anyone off giving a loving home to a rescue dog; quite the contrary. I only wanted to point out that they mostly really need someone who has got enough time, determination and empathy to deal with the issues that a rescue dog may have. It seems really sad to me when a dog is sent back to be re-homed time and time again, because the new owners also cannot deal with the insecurities of the dog they take on. I am a huge fan of rescue pets, and have brought several unwanted puppies and kittens back from holidays in rural France and successfully rehomed them here in Germany. Also most of the small pets belonging to my children came from shelters - that includes rabbits, guinea pigs, and several budgies! None of these had major issues that I could determine... except for one rabbit that was a biter!!!
Re: Cautionary Tale Thanks Karen, I know you weren't trying to put anyone off and I am very sorry if I implied you were. You gave some great advice through your sad story of your sisters dog which is invaluable. We took two years to make up our minds about a rescue dog and all the dogs in all the rescue centres we chose Charlie!! ha ha . Charlie gives so much back in love and loyalty and he has now spent more time with us than with anyone else that has had him and he is only 23 months old. Time and patience is an absolute must, which is what we have had to learn. Wow that's a lot of rescue pets, we too have had peoples unwanted rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens and ducks but down to one rabbit now. Thanks Helen
