should I do anything?

[JenBo]

Hi all... just wanted to relay something that happened to me today to see if anyone thought I should do something about it, and if so, what that might be? (or maybe I shouldn't do anything... I don't know)

Being a graduate student in counseling psychology, part of the requirements of my program is to see my own clients. Today I had a second session with an individual, and towards the end the client mentioned something about her dog. Of course I asked what kind of dog it was, and she said a white boxer. I thought that was a little ironic, since I just got my little white Heidi about 5 weeks ago, so we joked about that and decided to bring some pictures next week.

That was fine until she said that her dog was expecting puppies (she was bred with another boxer), and that this was the second litter she had had! I am concerned because I know it's not a good idea to breed white boxers, but also because I know this client comes from a very impoverished background and may be using this as a way to make money. I hope I'm not jumping to conclusions here, but I highly doubt that this person knows how to care for a litter properly and I'm concerned about where these little pups are going to end up!!

Am I overreacting here, or do you think I should do something? Any advice would be appreciated... Jen

 

[Jake H.'s mom]

My first thought is -why is a girl with her masters in psychology asking these kinds of questions? Next thought is I think you would have to explore the issue further to know what she is doing. You were taught to ask open ended questions and see what she offers in the way of information. I think you should trust your instincts. I just don't know what you would do from here. Good luck! It's a tough issue to approach. With all your training (and congrats) you will do well.

 

[JenBo]

Well, hopefully that last post was not meant to be as insulting as it seemed... I just was hoping to get some feedback because I'm concerned about the dog having the puppies (it could be the start of a very long life for her if, in fact, they are just interested in the money the puppies could bring), the fact that a white boxer is being bred, and the impression I got that this person doesn't really know or care about properly caring for the puppies and ensuring that they go to good homes. (She has not even taken her pregnant dog to the vet yet, and she's due this week, if that's any indication) Maybe it's not any of my business and I shouldn't be worried about it, but now that I have a pup of my own, I seem to be more sensitive to these things. It's a difficult situation b/c even if I do something, it's very likely the client will trace it back to me.... anyway, I apologize if "this kind of question" seems dumb or inappropriate... just was concerned when I heard about this situation today and was interested to hear if anyone else had encountered something similar. -Jen

 

[gidget1]

Jen,
I wish I had some words of wisdom for you but I don't. It sounds kind of like being between a rock and a hard place.
Even if you say something to her I doubt it would do much good.
I hope someone else might be able to help you but I just wanted to wish you good luck with the situation.

 

[Peggy G]

Jen,
I can see your predicament, wanting to keep things on a professional basis yet inform him about proper breeding pratices.

Maybe you could print out some info on breeding (nothing too overwhelming) and give it to him to read over. Tell him you were thinking about his situation and thought the information would be informative and helpful. The following week, at the end of your session, ask him if he was able to read over the information and what his thoughts were.


Good luck. Be sure to update us.

 

[Jake H.'s mom]

Jen,
I'm so sorry you feel my post was insulting. I didn't mean for it to be at all. I tried to insert the smiling faces and didn't know how to do it. Again I am so sorry.

 

[JenBo]

No hard feelings... I just didn't understand your first statement. It seemed that I should have known what to do from my education and it was dumb of me to be bringing this situation up. Anyway, it will just be a little difficult for me to continue to help this person in a professional sense while knowing what is going on at her home... guess it is just the first of many ethical dilemmas I will face in my career. (Of course I will continue to provide her with the best possible care I am able to... but, it will be difficult to keep my mind off that dog and her new puppies...) -Jen

 

[JenBo]

update

The white boxer had a long, hard, and painful labor according to my client. Although she was bred with a fawn boxer, she whelped 10 white puppies, of which 4 have died. Someone asked for an update on the situation, and this is what I found out today... -Jen

 

[Mandithemush]

I just wanted to wish you good luck with a very sticky situation. I am sorry to hear about the bad ending with losing 4 pups. I agree with Dogz21 that maybe you can make up an excuse to see the puppies and try to help that way.
Good luck and its great you are being such a caring person, we need more people in the world like you.