Recently there was a story in our local paper about a family that took their dog to a local “No Kill” Animal Shelter only to change their minds the next morning. They called in the morning, as soon as the shelter opened to tell them they wanted their dog back only to find out their dog was the last one in and was put down due to the full capacity of the shelter.

I do not know the full story of the dog, her behavior, breed background or her temperament. I do not know the family and the circumstances leading up to why the dog was brought into the shelter. I do not know the complete story behind why the shelter put the dog down within a 24 hour period. I also do not know why the vet they used made the suggestion to them to take the dog to a shelter instead of exploring other options.

What I do know is that as stressed as the local animal shelters are for help, room, funds during this trying economic period there are other alternatives that pet owners can turn to. If the dog is a pure bred there are breed rescue groups that may be able to take the animal in, foster it, tend to it’s medical and behavioral needs and then adopt it out to an individual or family. It gives an animal a second chance at life.

I personally have seen county shelters full to capacity, no room left with a waiting list of people needing to drop their pets off due to the economy, personal reasons, etc. The shelters were so full that if the dogs became ill they were put down humanely rather than treat them due to the expense and shortage of funds and donations and the lack of space for dogs on waiting lists. This was done even if the dog was a good dog and would have been a remarkable pet if it was healthy enough to be adopted out.

Some of the owners that are turning pure breeds over to rescue groups are doing so due to personal health reasons, financial problems or the fact they took a dog into their family and it did not work out. It is heartbreaking to have to give up a loved pet but rescue does a wonderful job of placing a dog in a good home. This is a comfort to the pet’s previous owner, to know they did what was in the best interest of the dog and that their pet is safe and loved in a new home.

If the dog is a mixed breed there are rescues for them also. Petfinder.com is a wonderful site to locate such rescue groups for both mixed and pure breeds. Sites like AKC and pure breed clubs are a good source for references to breed rescue groups. They are also good places to find advice on behavior, training, diet and health needs of your breed of dog. Breed clubs are also a good resource for references on good, reputable breeders in your area if you are looking for a pure bred puppy.

I am truly sorry for the lady and her family, my sympathy for the loss of your pet. My sympathy to the dog, it is sad that the circumstances kept her from getting a second chance in a new home. Shelters and their staff would rather not take a life if they do not have to, they would rather adopt the animal into a new home. You can help take the burden off of shelters and try turning to rescue groups for help.

Also professional dog trainers are a valuable resource for help with training and suggestions. If you live in a deed restricted area, check your homeowners associations rules before brining an animal into your home; it will avoid getting attached and having to make the difficult decision later to give your beloved pet up.