A blogger recently published an editorial post about the fate of pets discarded in her rural Texas hamlet. Her reality is awful, but it’s one that we all need to be aware of. Unless they are fortunate enough to meet a wonderful soul like Seger, most dogs abandoned to “live in the country” do not experience the idyllic life their owners imagine.
There are numerous reasons why dog owners believe they are unable to care for their pets. Whether the problem is financial, behavioral, or housing-related, the truth is that abandonment is never the solution. Some people can’t face the prospect of their dog ending up on a local shelter’s “death row.” They can persuade themselves that their pup has a better chance of surviving by just releasing them in a rural region.
They’re completely wrong, according to Lisa Seger. The bulk of the dogs left to roam aimlessly around the enormous Texas farms in her neck of the woods will be shot, hit by a car, or starve to death. Professional farmers’ livelihoods are dependent on the health of their livestock, and hungry stray dogs are a big menace. Even well-intentioned landowners who seek assistance from the local police are frequently urged to simply shoot the stray dog.
The lucky dogs, according to Seger, are those who are put down with a single shot. Some dogs may survive the wound only to succumb to infection, larger animal predation, or malnutrition later. SSS – Shoot, Shovel, and Shut Up – is how locals refer to the practice of shooting stray dogs with their weapons. It’s not something any of these hardworking individuals look forward to. Dumping unwanted pets on their property puts them in an extremely difficult situation.
Even worse than being shot, some dogs are poisoned with antifreeze or rat poison, which both result in protracted, agonizing deaths. I won’t go into detail on what each drug does to the body, but those who are curious are welcome to do so. To say the least, these poisons cause unbearable anguish and suffering before death. In her blog post, Seger clearly summarizes the dilemma of abandoned dogs:
“There are a plethora of heinous ways to die in our country. And the most likely conclusion for any abandoned dog is dead. You must be aware of this. Your dog will not be content to live on a farm.”
Seger and her family have taken in a number of abandoned dogs, but they are in the minority. She cautions against believing that your dog will be the exception to the rule. There are some unpleasant realities that must be confronted, no matter how cute and nice your dog is. Any good dog can be turned into a potential problem for farmers by fear and hunger. Furthermore, domesticated dogs are not designed to survive in harsh environments, as they are far removed from their ancestors.
Please do not consider abandonment as an option if you are faced with the difficult decision of giving up your dog. The best solution, according to Seger, is to place the puppy with friends or family. If this isn’t an option, look into rescue organizations that specialize in your dog’s breed. Several groups dedicated to rehoming certain breed combinations can be found in almost every state.
Online advertisements can be dangerous, but if you do your study, you might be able to land a good job. Never leave your pet with someone without first checking their references and thoroughly screening them.
Before resorting to death, several shelters have committed to becoming “No Kill,” or will try to place adoptable pets with fosters or rescue groups. Even shelters that euthanize dogs after a specific period of time are a more compassionate alternative than abandoning a dog in the country. Don’t allow your pet to suffer this dreadful and cruel fate.
