Outdoor dogs...

[Aroura]

This is an article that I read in an australian dog magazine 'Dogs Life!'. It really touched me and I thought I'd share it with you all:

When the Wilson family saw the movie "Babe", they decided right then and there that the Border Collie was the dog for them. With a big backyard and two kids to play with, the active dog would be kept happy. They also liked the fact that this was an intelligent breed, "one that would practically train itself". The black and white ball of fluff was instantly adored by the children who named him Prince. The kids were supposed to watch the pup carefully and take him outside for regular toilet breaks, but despite good intentions, Prince had several accidents on the new carpet. So the Wilsons decided it might be best to keep Prince outside - after all, working Border Collies live outside.
The Wilsons didn't spend a lot of time outside in their garden so Prince saw his family less and less. When the kids did come outside Prince would get so excited he would seem to go wild, jumping up and nipping at hands and feet. It became less enjoyable to go out and see Prince. Last time young Jimmy Wilson was knocked over and began to cry.
Soon, the kids did not want to go out in the backyard at all as they were frightend of Prince rushing at them and jumping on them. He was getting faster, bigger and stronger every day.
The Wilsons realized Prince probably needed more exercise so they decided to take him for a walk to the local dog park. Prince was so excited he pulled on the lead as hard as he could, aggrevating Mr Wilsons bad back. He barked excitedly at every dog he saw and lifted his leg at every tree. At the park, Mr Wilson let Prince off to play - he had the time of his life, chasing birds, nipping at the heels of the kids playing soccer and stealing the balls of other park users. It took Mr Wilson an embarressing 2 hours to finally catch Prince and bring him home. The whole experience was one that he cared not to repeat. The Wilsons dicided their only option was to let Prince live the rest of his life in the backyard.
For many dogs the story ends here, but not for Prince. In frustration and boredom he began digging more, chewing more and barking more. The Wilsons once beautiful garden turned into a minefeild. The neighbours started complaining about the insessant barking. One time, Prince even escaped over the fence and nearly caused a car accident. Mr and Mrs Wilson decided Prince would be better off left in the garage, where at least his barks would be muffled and he would be safe. Prince continued to bark out of sheer boredom and began to destroy everything he could reach in the garage.
The Wilsons were now convinced their dog was not suited to suburban living and really needed to live on a farm - at least thats what they told the animal shelter when they left him there.
A dog which is to wild to play with the children, destroys the backyard and has to be locked in the garage is not what anyone wants, yet the scenario is repeated thousands of times around Australia each year. More dogs die before 18 months of age due to behavioral problems than from all other causes put together.
The Wilsons were not cruel people and Prince was not a 'bad' dog. The problem was simply a lack of knowladge and understanding of basic canine need and behavior. If the Wilsons had worked on acheiving a good relationship with Prince, Prince could have become a valued and loved member of his human "pack", instead of an outcast 'lone wolf' - destined for a short and lonely life.

This is a sad reality that so many dogs have to face every day, and it makes me sad thinking of how easily it could have been prevented. :cry:
In case you are wondering, after mum read those posts before and I had a serious chat to her, you'll be happy to hear I've managed to convince her that my dogs should be in with me, where they belong. So me and my dogs can now spend a happy life snuggled together in my room, or the study, or the loungeroom :D :D :D
Not all storys have a sad ending! :P

[Guest Anonymous]

Oh! That is a sad story! :cry: I am glad for you that you get to keep your dogs inside! I have had plenty of those "long serious" talks with my mom but she is set in her ways! :-?

[Aroura]

beagle88 napisał(a):

Oh! That is a sad story! :cry: I am glad for you that you get to keep your dogs inside! I have had plenty of those "long serious" talks with my mom but she is set in her ways! :-?

Yes, parents can be like that. Have you tried making them a little rug, teaching your dogs to stay on it, bringing it inside and negotiating with your mum that if they stay put, and you vacum the floor every couple of days, that they can come in for just 5 minutes at a time to keep you company while you do your homework? If you can do that, slowly you can negotiate longer times etc. I know your dogs feel loved anyway, they must be some of the luckyest dogs around to have you as an owner :P

[Guest Anonymous]

Thanks Aroura. I will talk to my mom about it and tell her may I please have them in one spot in my room for only even one hour at a time. She would have to at least let me have that! I will tell her that they will be good company for me when I do my homework.. and I will have LOTS of homework.. even in the summer! :wink:

[Aroura]

Good luck Beagle!!! At least then you can find some GOOD in homework and get even better marks!!!! :D :D :D

[Guest Anonymous]

:cry: That is a sad story. I wish I could have a border collie, but our yard is on a hill and we cant have a fence, and not enough room. Before you get a dog you should always think long and hard about it. Just because they saw Babe they shouldnt have gotten a dog that required so much time.

[Aroura]

candybug2002 napisał(a):

:cry: That is a sad story. I wish I could have a border collie, but our yard is on a hill and we cant have a fence, and not enough room. Before you get a dog you should always think long and hard about it. Just because they saw Babe they shouldnt have gotten a dog that required so much time.

Yes, same goes for people who want wolves or Dingos, just because a dog looks good is no reason to get it. Any type of dog really, I think there should be ad campaignes etc teaching people how to choose the right dog and what responsible dog ownership is all about. It would cost so little to make a couple of advertisments and to educate people yet it would save so many dogs lives and in the long run it would save alot of money by reducing the number of dogs that have to be put to sleep.