Be Responsible In Acquiring, Caring For Man’s Best Friend

We got a call from the Spokane Humane Society. A litter of 3-day-old puppies had been left outside in the rain, shivering, in a cardboard box. My kids and I volunteered to be a foster family, and so we took two and named them Holly and Reeses. We bottle-fed them every two hours and placed them on heating pads. They started to fail on the second day, and despite our best efforts, both were gone by the next morning.

None of the 10 puppies in the litter made it. They never had a chance to be dogs, to do the things my dogs get to do - hike, play, roll in the grass.

The Humane Society euthanized thousands of dogs last year. Most of these were “owner released.” That means the dogs became inconvenient.

In the classified ad section on any Sunday there are more than 120 separate advertisements for litters and individual dogs. These facts paint a horribly accurate picture of abuse, overpopulation and death. The sheer numbers reflect nothing but irresponsibility. But what can be done? And who is responsible?

Unfortunately, we are. Every puppy we purchase from a pet store or from the back of a truck - we are creating a market. Every puppy we buy from an “accidental” neighborhood litter - we are allowing someone to be unaccountable for their actions.

Every puppy we get “for the kids” that is dumped at the shelter when the honeymoon is over - we are teaching our children that even someone once loved is disposable.

Every dog we leave chained to the fence or locked away in the back yard - we are cruel in our ignorance.

There are few joys as honest as the unconditional love of a dog. They teach us about loyalty, selflessness and forgiveness. They show us how to live in the moment and relish simple pleasures. And if you’ve been lucky enough to have been loved by this true friend, you know we are better for the prints they leave on our hearts.

If you are considering a dog for your family - please choose wisely. Look first to the shelters and rescue groups and check references for reputable breeders to make an educated choice. Spay and neuter your pet - now.

And when you do choose your canine companion, please be a responsible pet owner and take an obedience class. By doing so, you show consideration to your neighbors and respect for your community. That’s what we can do.

MEMO: Your Turn is a feature of the Wednesday and Saturday Opinion pages. To submit a Your Turn column for consideration, contact Rebecca Nappi at 459-5496 or Doug Floyd at 459-5466 or write Your Turn, The Spokesman-Review, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210-1615.