Title: Dogs Suffering an Early Death Because Their Owners are Getting it Wrong
Author: Trudy Coulter
Dogs Suffering an Early Death Because Their Owners are Getting it Wrong
Millions Of Pets Are Euthanized Every Year, Simply Because
People Never Learn How To Choose And Care For A New Animal
In Their Home
(New York) Dec. 31 -- Owning a pet is as American as apple
pie. Whether people choose to bring a dog or cat into their
home for companionship or protection, pet ownership is a
high priority for a majority of people.
So, why is it that, according to the American Society For
The Prevention of Cruelty To Animals between 5 and 9
million pets are euthanized in animal shelters every year?
"The problem is that people really never learn how to care
for their animals," said noted pet expert Kath Turner.
"They choose pets that are inappropriate for their
lifestyle, don't learn how to train them properly and
finally give up when they don't end up with the perfect dog
sitting in their living room."
Turner works with .the group Pets As Therapy - which brings
animals into nursing homes to help provide love and
companionship for elderly patients. She has also worked as
a dog breeder for most of her adult life.
"People have this vision that all they need to do is find a
cute puppy and bring it home and everything will be fine
and dandy," Turner commented. "Most people don't realize
that having a dog in your home is a real commitment for
years to come. Your dog will be almost completely dependent
on you - and if you don't know how to be a responsible dog
owner you will be doing yourself and your pet a great
disservice."
Turner pointed out that many people don't really understand
the how different types of dogs have different
personalities and have never really learned how to figure
out what type of dog would best meet their lifestyle.
"It's also sad that people don't realize they they will
have to protect their home before bringing a new puppy
through the front door," Turner said. "I've heard of people
who've taken their dog to the animal shelter because he
ruined their expensive furniture. It's not fair - because
dogs only behave that way if their owners are not prepared
to deal with them.
Learning how to properly feed and train a new pooch are two
of the most elemental - yet least understood skills
relating to pet ownership, Turner said, noting that people
who just grab random dog food at the supermarket may
actually be hurting their beloved canines.
"I will never get over the neglect and misunderstanding
I've seen when it comes to dog ownership," Turner said. "In
a society as prosperous as ours there is no reason that up
to 9 million former pets are put to sleep every year simply
because people didn't bother to learn the basics about
taking care of their new friends."
Turner says many people don't even understand the basics of
dog ownership including how to find the right vet, the many
differences among dog breeds or even how to train and care
for dogs and puppies.
"It' doesn't take a lot of work to treat a dog right,"
Turner said "as long as you are willing to make an effort
to understand their needs."
About the Author:
Dogs deserve to live a long and healthy life but 1,000's
suffer an early death simply because their owners are
getting it wrong.Find out more at
http://www.thenewdo
present. Email for a copy.
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