One can’t help but be hooked looking into a set of sweet, puppy-dog eyes. What often starts as love at first sight has the potential to turn into total chaos as new four-legged family members jump on visitors, bark at every noise and tear the house apart.
It’s a scenario rescue organizations find all too often ends with the owners giving up the animal.
Pet surrenders at Heaven Can Wait Animal Rescue Foundation in High River are common, and have doubled in recent weeks due to the current economic slump.
One can’t help but be hooked looking into a set of sweet, puppy-dog eyes.
What often starts as love at first sight has the potential to turn into total chaos as new four-legged family members jump on visitors, bark at every noise and tear the house apart.
It’s a scenario rescue organizations find all too often ends with the owners giving up the animal.
Pet surrenders at Heaven Can Wait Animal Rescue Foundation in High River are common, and have doubled in recent weeks due to the current economic slump.
“People call me saying they lost their jobs, they don’t know where they are going to live in a month and they can’t take care of their big dogs,” said founder Kim Hessel. “I’m afraid to pick up the phone. I average 10 calls a day and Angie at the adoption centre is probably more. Some of the reasons are valid. Some are really ridiculous.”
Most cases could be resolved if people were better prepared for a new pet, said Hessel.
“Half my battle is getting people to think with their head and not their heart,” she said. “I find it so incredibly disappointing when they come back.”
Hessel said many potential pet owners are set on a specific breed because of the way they look or they had the same breed as a childhood pet.
Preconceived ideas of how the animal will behave often lead to disappointment, she said. “Really think of what it is you want,” she said.
“Most of the people I talk to want the perfect dog. There’s no perfect dog. I often get people looking for a border collie. I’m like, “They’re high energy. Tell me about your energy.’ If, as a family, they like to have movie night it’s not going to work.” Others insist on getting a puppy, but don’t always look at the big picture, said Hessel.
“There is going to be some damage to your home at one point,” she said.
Many new dog owners don’t fully understand or research their breed of choice, said Hessel, and several find it’s more work than they thought.
“In most cases it’s really a matter of inconsistency,” she said.
“People are so busy and all of a sudden it is a problem and they’re walking in the door, “Here, just take it.’”
Former dog trainer Renilda Van Aerden, an Okotokian who owns three dogs of varying sizes, understands Hessel’s frustrations.
She sees similar scenarios at the Calgary Humane Society, where she works.
“The dog is a novelty when it comes to the home, then nobody has time for the dog,” she said.
“They don’t think in the future of the care and attention it needs. Some people buy a dog on the spot like they would a piece of clothing. It’s a privilege to have a dog, not a right.”
Van Aerden said many people expect the animal to already know how to react around people and other dogs.
When they discover the dog requires training, some return the animal saying they don’t have the time or money.
Others find their new addition has too much energy.
To avoid this scenario, Van Aerden recommends they find a breed that best suits the family.
“If people are couch potatoes they should adopt a dog that needs minimal walks or care,” she said. “The energy of the dog needs to match the energy of the person.”
Van Aerden said new owners should also prepare for the added expense of a dog.
In addition to an estimated $1,500 a year, not including adoption costs, they should plan for unexpected injuries, surgeries and dental work – which can run in the thousands of dollars.
Training also costs money, she said, adding group classes run around $200 or hiring a trainer can cost $100.
Van Aerden advises against buying dogs online as the information provided may not be truthful.
She also suggests people not get their new addition from pet stores or puppy mills.
The best places are rescue organizations, the humane society and registered breeders, she said.
Top breeds for first-time owners Low energy: • Bichon frise • Chinese pug • Maltese Medium energy: • Golden/Lab retriever • Shih tsu • Yorkshire terrier • Pomerarian • Greyhound High energy: • Poodle • Boston terrier Common reasons owners surrender their dogs • Excessive energy • Expensive • Behaviour • Allergies • Shedding • Too big • No time • Moving • Divorce
