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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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OMG these pups are so ridiculously cute but it is hearbreaking to think how neglected they were - and the thousands that continue to live lives of abject misery and endless tedium. These guys are at least young enough to learn new ways- it makes me happy to see them play. My Llyr was chained up at 8 weeks and neglected and was just over 3 when I rescued him - it took me years to get him to actually accept a toy - still really doesn't have a clue about playing though (to Finn's eternal frustration). I think a lot of people would be shocked at the reality that the Mennonites and Amish are such HUGE puppy millers - but here and especially in the States, some of the WORST puppy mills are on their farms.
Overly long? I could watch them for days. Really touching. Thank you.
What a face - I'd say soulful rather than sorrowful. Just look into those eyes. And I'm sure they have quite a story to tell, unfortunately. I hope they find the love they deserve!
Hi Fred, and all,
I don't know what your policy is on sharing other videos on your site, but I came across this on Wimp.com and hope that it can be shared with your supporters as I believe it hits home with the goals your have set here. Though, as I have mentioned before, I am not nor have ever been a dog owner (I wish I could have come up with a better description, partner maybe, lots of cats,though I feel owned) I hope that this clip can be shared with the supporters of I Want A Pound Dog. Here it is: http://www.wimp.com/neededhug/. One way or another, thank you for all that you all do.
Sean Doherty
FYI - the phone number posted is actually for Toronto Ambulance..
Anon, thanks. Number corrected. I need a fact checker.