Vasha,
You are pointing out the facts that I think some may have never realized. I know prior to volunteering, I had only adopted from rescue because I knew it was right. So, I thought I was rescue knowledgeable. But NOW that I am deep into volunteering I know the harsh facts I could have never imagined before.
-Dogs are not disposable. Case closed. But everyday people throw them away. They are a lifetime committment. It is just a matter of ethics to me!
-Purebred dogs are being put down every day around the country.
-Our rescue has taken in over 100 purebred boxers in the first four months of this year. (Some the day of their pts appointment, some unwanted, some left for dead)
-Not many people want to adopt an older dog. They take up valuable space in rescue and the ones we take in usually live in rescue.
-People breed their pets. They are directly contributing to these problems. If you can't guarantee each dog for life, don't breed. Professionals do this and understand this.
-Pet shops and puppy mills directly contribute to these woes. Many dogs die or end up with horrible families that pass them on and these businesses are making big bucks.
We live in a self-centered world. And many people no longer respect life. Responsibility is seen as a downer. I don't think the posts stating facts is flaming.
I think if the majority supported rescue, spay/neuter, and legally opposed puppy mills/pet shops our problems would begin to diminish. But most people don't know the facts. They are horrible, dark secrets.
So until then, people like Vasha, and I, and many others here will spend our free time racing to shelters to pick up a dog before it is pts, or nurse an emaciated boxer to health, or bathe a demodex puppy because the owners said it was messy.
It is hard not to sound bitter after awhile because the whole situation is just disgusting! I am disgusted daily of how people treat their boxers. But for the boxers, I keep going back for more each day. Rescuers lose boxers that we got too late and hear awful stories way too often. And we know that if only everyone knew the awful facts, maybe just maybe someone would do things differently.
I know I am most likely preaching to the choir on this particular forum and on this site, but if anyone thought some of this seemed harsh, we get a little hardened after awhile. We see people dump their older pets, put down a pet before we get a home open, or leave one for dead in the street way too often. It makes you pretty bitter towards irresponsible owners, although you try to mask it the best you can! To see hundreds of broken boxer hearts each year can really break one's heart.
Ashlie
