Thoughts on The Outdoor Life of Dogs
From a reader signing herself Paws, who was keeping up with the Bogey saga. She's offering level-headed, nonjudgmental advice (and I certainly don't think her heartless).
But this is a tough one. No one wants to leave pets cooped up all day inside if there's a fenced yard available, especially in beautiful weather. But no one wants to go through what Bogey's family endured, either.
Given the habits and inclinations of my particular dogs, I'm comfortable leaving the three of them in the fenced yard, with a doggie door into the garage. They have each other for company, and aren't jumpers or diggers. But this might not work for other folks (and other dogs).
So here's what Paws had to say:
Please don't think me heartless, but you cannot leave your dog unattended in your yard - no matter the fencing and gates. Dogs don't think about getting out and the dangers - they are live for the mo' kind of creatures. Puppies especially haven't a clue - perhaps that is why I am a "gimme an old dog" kind of gal.
I am delighted the family was reunited with their dog, but you have to keep your pets indoors when you are not home. I know that when I find a dog running loose, I stop to help, and sometimes I take that dog home with me. Do I risk leaving the dog running loose in the streets? We get a leash and go back to the neighborhood and I hope the dog takes me to his home. If not, the dog comes back home with me.
Signs are posted, flyers handed out, and contacts are made with animal control, humane organizations, breed rescue, local vets, and Pets911. Sometimes the dogs are reunited with their owners, other times no one steps forward. There are rules you have to follow when you find a stray animal and we should all observe them; but sometimes the humans don't make that effort.
Bogey's escape should serve as a reminder to pet owners everywhere, that it is OUR responsibility to keep our pets safe from their own sense of adventure. When you leave, the animal is inside your home. If you have a dog who can get out of any collar - you look until you find one he can't get off - Martingale type collars are good choices.
Accidents happen - I've been there myself; but you take as many precautions as possible so that you can say you've done your best.
But this is a tough one. No one wants to leave pets cooped up all day inside if there's a fenced yard available, especially in beautiful weather. But no one wants to go through what Bogey's family endured, either.
Given the habits and inclinations of my particular dogs, I'm comfortable leaving the three of them in the fenced yard, with a doggie door into the garage. They have each other for company, and aren't jumpers or diggers. But this might not work for other folks (and other dogs).
So here's what Paws had to say:
Please don't think me heartless, but you cannot leave your dog unattended in your yard - no matter the fencing and gates. Dogs don't think about getting out and the dangers - they are live for the mo' kind of creatures. Puppies especially haven't a clue - perhaps that is why I am a "gimme an old dog" kind of gal.
I am delighted the family was reunited with their dog, but you have to keep your pets indoors when you are not home. I know that when I find a dog running loose, I stop to help, and sometimes I take that dog home with me. Do I risk leaving the dog running loose in the streets? We get a leash and go back to the neighborhood and I hope the dog takes me to his home. If not, the dog comes back home with me.
Signs are posted, flyers handed out, and contacts are made with animal control, humane organizations, breed rescue, local vets, and Pets911. Sometimes the dogs are reunited with their owners, other times no one steps forward. There are rules you have to follow when you find a stray animal and we should all observe them; but sometimes the humans don't make that effort.
Bogey's escape should serve as a reminder to pet owners everywhere, that it is OUR responsibility to keep our pets safe from their own sense of adventure. When you leave, the animal is inside your home. If you have a dog who can get out of any collar - you look until you find one he can't get off - Martingale type collars are good choices.
Accidents happen - I've been there myself; but you take as many precautions as possible so that you can say you've done your best.
posted by ellie at 5:32 PM
1 Comments:
Ellie
thanks so much with all your help with finding Bogey. I'd like to comment on dogs being outside in south florida.
Really bad idea
1. Dogs that stay outside alot develop terrible skin problems that are really hard to get rid of.
(I can smell an outside dog-its this strange odor ) its too hot and humid here. besids skin problems there areear infections.
2. I don't think this lady with Bogey had bad intentions-i just think most people know the routine when you find a dog. Truely people have called me tht said they found a dog -would I find it a new home.
This whole thing with Bogey has inspired me to actually write it all down and maybe even create a video.
Having said that- dogs get stolen out of yards all the time and many times for neferious reasons- goldens are used as bait for teaching dogs how to dog fight.
This is not some charming new england hamlet where you let your dog out and expect to find it in your front yard when you get home.
Having said that, my dog casey has thunderstorm phobia and even if my house is shut down like ft Knox he finds his way out-he can open doors flip up locks open windowns push out screen and jump like the "Cow that jumped over the moon"-this from a dog who needs a hand up to get into the car.
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