Senior Abandonment :: A Disturbing New Trend

Peggianne Wright
Sep 27, 2021
3 min read

How do they do it?

Gather up the leash, the food and water bowls, the snuggly teddy, and the "blankie" and say, "Come on pal, who wants to go for a car ride?" and then heading for a shelter. Or, worse yet, the monster who drives out to the country late a night and, with the car running, says, "OK boy, go fetch the ball!". Surely not, you say? But, let me assure you, it happens. There's also the softer "dump" and even sometimes, the heartbreaking-no-other-choice "dump". But, to the senior fur-kids, a dump's a dump!!!

The last 17 months have certainly been filled with stress and uncertainty and I know that there isn't one of you out there who hasn't, in some way, been negatively affected by any or all of the events that have unfolded so far.

Unfortunately, the needs of others don't stop; especially during hard times. And, that includes the care and maintenance of dogs in foster. Surrendered, stray, abused, and abandoned dogs are still landing in shelters everywhere, albeit not currently at the same level here in Canada as in the United States. In fact, there was a point earlier in the pandemic that Canadian shelters were turning away would-be adopters because there weren't dogs available. Unfortunately, in the US, the rate of abandoned dogs skyrocketed as fears of false and misleading info regarding the canine-to-human transfer of Covid-19 spread, people landed in the hospital (or worse yet, died), or families could no longer afford their dog due to the loss of jobs.

THE "PANDEMIC" DOG

Here in Canada, the trend to adopt a "pandemic" dog caught traction as people decided they could use the company since they had so much time on their hands while stuck at home. But, the greater concern now shared by rescue groups around the country is what will happen post pandemic?

As folks begin to resume their normal lives, will that sweet little dog now become a burden? It has been widely speculated that the rates of dogs developing separation anxiety (a serious issue if you've ever had to deal with it) will escalate and thus, possibly lead to dogs being "dumped". And, for folks who were used to being socially active and now discover the issue of having a fur-kid at home with needs that must be met in a timely manner (like potty and meal times), will the nuisance outweigh the cuddliness of said fur-kid? (Oh, how I pray NOT!)

A NEW AND DISTURBING TREND

My heart broke this morning as I read the profile of this bonded pair, Blue and Molly, because their family could no longer care for them. Or, recently, there was Pantoufle, a darling 10 year old whose family complained that he barked too much when he was left outside for long periods. I just sobbed as I read their stories of abandonment! (How totally UNFAIR!)

But folks, here's the gist of my story. You see, Happy's Place - Retirement Home For Dogs is working overtime to save these sweet souls from the despair of being abandoned and provide the warm, loving, secure, and happy life they deserve for their remaining days.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

There is never a good time to appeal for support. But, the hard times are when it's even more important to pull together. And we, together, can make the twilight time of an aging, dumped off fur-kid happy and safe! Even the tiniest donation will help make a a BIG difference to the lives of those like Higgins, Sky & Meadow, and so many others who've found themselves homeless at a time when love and security is more critical than ever.

Your loonie or toonie, five, or even $10, the smallest amount, is still better than none. And, for added convenience in this global world, I have created a GoFundMe page (click on the GFM logo) but for my local supporters I am happy to accept cash, cheques, and e-transfers (StrollingForFurKids@gmail.com).

Together, we can help Happy's Place - Retirement Home For Dogs find homes to make those dumped off dogs truly happy!

My commitment to support pet rescue burns ever stronger as I STROLL IN THE PARK FOR KIDS WHO BARK!!!

#happysplacearetirementhomefordogs #findyourhappy #seniordogsrock #myrescuekids #luvmyrescuekids #SITPFKWB #NNTB