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A request
The reason for this blog is to help get specific dogs adopted from TAS but equally important is to try to normalize the idea of shelter dogs being just as good and just as desirable as any other dogs including those which are regularly merchandised by backyard breeders, puppy millers and those few remaining pet store owners who still feel a need to sell live animals. The single greatest stigma shelter animals still face is the belief that shelter animals are substandard animals. Anyone who has had enough experience with shelter animals knows this is untrue but the general public hasn't had the same experiences you've had. They see a nice dog photo in a glossy magazine and too many of them would never think of associating that dog with a dog from a shelter. After all, no one abandons perfectly good dogs, right? Unfortunately, as we all know, perfectly good dogs are abandoned all the time.
The public still too often associates shelter dogs with images of beat up, sick, dirty, severely traumatized animals and while we definitely sometimes see victims such as these, they are certainly not the majority and, regardless, even the most abused animals can very often be saved and made whole again.
Pound Dogs sometimes discusses the sad histories some of the dogs have suffered. For the most part, though, it tries to present the dogs not as victims but as great potential family members. The goal is to raise the profiles of animals in adoption centers so that a potential pet owner sees them as the best choice, not just as the charity choice.
So, here's the favour I'm asking. Whenever you see a dog picture on these pages you think is decent enough, I'd like you to consider sharing it on Facebook or any other social media sites you're using (I know many of you do this already and thank you for that). And when you share it, please mention that the dog in the photo is a shelter dog like so many other shelter dogs waiting for a home. If we can get even five percent of the pet buying public to see shelter dogs differently, to see how beautiful they are and how wonderful they are, and to consider shelter dogs as their first choice for a new family member, we can end the suffering of homeless pets in this country.
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looks like all he needed was an updated portfolio and head shots. :)
Hmm, I always wonder about how photos affect adoption.
What lovely photos! I will miss Reggie, he was a darling. I liked hanging out with him in his kennel and just hugging and petting him, because he was so gentle. It is funny that it took so long, but I hope his new owner is happy with such an awesome dog. By the way, where is the fenced-in area? I'd love to safely let a dog off the leash once in a while.
Hi Fillyjonk, if you walk south from TAS, cross Princes Blvd to the south parking lot, there is a building there with a big boat beside it. On the other side of that building is a small fenced in area. It's not great and it's got rebar sticking of the ground so it's probably not good for larger dogs who might hurt their feet stepping on those things but it's okay for smaller, agile dogs to zip around in for a bit.
Maybe this will be the year TAS gets an official off leash dog area outside.
Fantastic, Fred! Thanks for the info.
We adopted him before we ever saw those photos! Though admittedly, photos of another dog were what brought us to TAS South. Reggie is a spaz, who loves being outside and chasing his new mallard duck squeaky toy, but he's also a good boy who listens well. We feel lucky that we found him!
Hi Reggie's Mom, congrats on adopting him and it's great to hear he's doing so well in his new home!