HoundsGood: Chronicles of a Virtual Volunteer

Over the weekend, I saw Marley & Me.  As a dog lover who has the most special dogs in the world, of course it was required viewing.   I am not going to spoil any of the movie here, nor review it.  What came to mind was wondering what would happen as far as the demand for Yellow Labs.  Would the demand go up just like it did for chihuahuas after the Taco Bell dog debuted?  Would puppymills go into overdrive to meet the demand.  Or, will rescues and other organizations be able to get out the message and be able to see the adoptions of labs go up who desperately need homes.

Of course the Labrador Retriever has remained among the most popular dog breeds in America, but they are also some of the most euthanized at shelters, especially if they are black.  Even more in danger are lab mixes, mostly the result of people neglecting to spay or neuter their labs.  At this moment, there are over 18,000 Labrador Retrievers and mixes on Petfinder.   There are even more to add to that number hanging out at county and city pounds that do not use petfinder because they do not hold onto animals long enough.  I won’t even mention the souls that don’t ever get listed because the shelters are so crowded.

The author of Marley & Me, John Grogon, and family sent a positive message.  Although their new puppy came from a breeder, and was one of thes stars of Marley & Me, the Grogan family decided to keep.  The story is revealed in the USA Today article by Grogan from December 21st:

“Just bring him back,” one of the breeders said, “and we’ll swap him out for a new puppy, your pick of the next litter.” I have to admit the offer was tempting, like turning in a lemon automobile for a gleaming new model. But dogs are not commodities to be discarded when they break, and I assumed that if Woodson were returned, he would be euthanized.

My wife and I thought about it overnight before realizing there was really nothing to consider. Woodson was part of our family now. I got on the floor with our special-needs dog and placed my lips against his snout. “You’re not going anywhere, Woodsy,” I whispered. “We’re in this together.”

So many dogs are returned to shelters or dumped by breeders because of a physical deformity or medical issue.  Perhaps someone out there has read the article and either thinks twice before getting a pet if they cannot follow through on their commitment, or they will think twice about abandoning a friend because they are not perfect.

By the way, the dog pictured is not a dog that played Marley.  He is a dog at Carroll County Pound in Georgia living on limited time.  He is friendly, two years old and has a beautiful coat.   He is ALREADY NEUTERED TOO.  Phone the Carroll County Animal Shelter (770-834-8150 ext. 10) or visit the shelter from 9:00 a.m. till 4:30 p.m. on Monday through Friday and 9:00 – 11:30 a.m. on Saturdays.   HURRY, as his time is LIMITED

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