How much is that Puppy in the Window?

How much is that Puppy in the Window?

Remember the song? The days of pet shops and puppies in the window are thankfully almost extinct in this country. However, step forward social media and websites advertising almost anything for free, including dogs and animals of all sizes and breeds

Especially popular are the so called ‘handbag’ dogs who have been specifically overbred for the market. I wonder how many people purchasing these realise just how these puppies are bred and the conditions that they have had to live in. Sadly we live in a society of ’’must have it now’ culture which drives sales.

Christmas is on the horizon and the advertising has been cranked up a notch. I wonder how long it will be before puppies are advertised cheaper on Black Friday or even buy one get one free when dealers get desperate?

Most rescues dread Christmas as they know their kennels will be full of unwanted dogs and they will have a waiting list of dogs needing to come in. Vets no doubt will be on the alert because some dogs undoubtedly will be taken in for an early demise when rescue space is not available. Failing this there will always be those who will take the dog out and tie it to a tree and simply abandon it.

Another trend that raises its ugly head at Christmas is ‘Out with the old and in with the new’. Our rescue has had this time and again where the old dog is no longer wanted, too much trouble and too expensive at the vets so the decision is made to buy a puppy for Christmas and start all over again. It is heartrending for all the volunteers when this happens and a lovely older dog is dumped with us on some pretext. Older dogs make wonderful companions and it just breaks our hearts when this happens.

As a responsible rescue we cease rehoming in the month of December unless there are special circumstances. Christmas in many households is busy, noisy and overwhelming for a new dog and puppies especially need to start their routine training which is near impossible in these circumstances. If we have an elderly dog and a home which we know is going to be quiet during the festive season we may well consider placing a dog there or in a suitable foster home.

A note of caution when obtaining a dog via social media or one of these free websites. Remember the dog has probably not been vetted and there is always a reason for needing to rehome it. Many lies are told in order for a person to dispose of a dog and unfortunately you may find to your cost that it was not the puppy in the window you were expecting!

Anne Carter
Labrador Lifeline Trust
www.labrador-lifeline.com
Labrador Lifeline Trust Reg Charity 1076061