Relinquishing your dog.

One of the hardest things I've had to "work thru" during my brief stent at MF is how people could turn their back on a pet and head home while the dog is put into a kennel at a shelter.  Or, even worse, people who leave them on the side of the road.  Do they think about the pet?  These guys are terrified!  They shake, won't eat and can't understand what is going on.  What do these people tell their kids?  

There are definitely situations where I can understand people's inability to care for their pet.  Some dogs have been brought in to MF because people have lost their homes, or gone to hospice care, or passed away, or lost their jobs and had to move in with family/friends/shelter where they can't take the pet.  These are all awful situations and I am so appreciative that people in these circumstances trust MF to find each dog or cat a wonderful Forever Family.  

But, then there's the sweet dog who was brought to MF as a stray.  MF found a microchip and called the owner - but he replied, "Oh...you can just keep her.  My new girlfriend doesn't like her."  Um...maybe you need a new girlfriend?  Or, maybe you & your girlfriend are the perfect match for each other and shouldn't ever have kids or pets in the future!  Then there is the middle-age girl who'd lived with her family her whole life.  Well, when she started chewing the kids' new Xmas toys, she was outta there!  Really...how do you explain that to your kids?  This dog is still at MF and has no idea what she did to deserve being turned out of her home.

Again, if people are going to give up their pet, I'm grateful they choose MF.  MF is committed to matching each animal with the right family.  They check several non-relative references, rarely do same-day adoptions and, often, do home visits.  And, until they find that perfect Forever Family, MF is there to provide shelter, warmth, socialization and love to each animal.  I'm impressed that each dog always has a pillow/bed/blanket in their kennel.  They also often have toys or special treats.  The kennel staff really care about the dogs and work hard to keep them comfortable. The volunteer-system is amazing.  The goal is for each dog to get one walk daily - always by a volunteer.  Considering that there are about 80 dogs at MF, this is no small feat!  Some of my favorite days at MF are when I show up later in the afternoon and all dogs have been walked - and some are on round 2!

Us humans could learn some lessons from dogs...starting with "Wag More...Bark Less."