Why do people do this?

Too many places that place dogs screen for the wrong things. North Shore Animal League used to turn people way if they worked full time, nevermind that working is how the kibble gets paid for. My galpal, whose dog is the most social Jack I've ever seen in my life, and who goes everywhere with her, was turned down by several places because she doesn't own a house.

A lot of single people -- who often have the most time and energy to devote to a dog -- get turned down because there's a perception that a dog needs "a family."

I understand that screening is difficult, so people tend to chose tangible, measurable criteria. But truly, having a house doesn't qualify you to have a dog. Neither does being home full time. Having a heart, having a back bone, having a deep desire to commit to a furry companion, having an understanding of dog behavior (or a willingness to learn), being active enough to get your dog exercise...to me, these are far more important to determining whether people are "qualified" to adopt a dog.

I also am astounded how easily people give up dogs that have been with them for years. I went pre-dog-shopping on a Thursday, where I saw this gorgous yellow lab that everyone said was the sweetest dog ever. I would have taken him on the spot, but I didn't close on my house til Saturday, and I needed to be sure I would have a place to put said dog, so I waited and hoped the dog would still be there...Saturday came, and the dog was already adopted. I got Jessie instead, and Sunday we had our first sign that the dog had "issues." Monday, my sister called and said, "I don't want to mess with your head, but I was at the shelter earlier looking at cats, and the yellow lab is back. It's not too late..."

And the funny thing is, it was too late the minute I put Jessie in my car. I would never even have considered "changing dogs," even as I found myself with the dog from hell. But Jessie was mine now, issues and all. I'd looked her in the eye and said, "You'll never have to worry again -- you belong to someone now, you've found your forever home, and we're going to be together for as long as you live." I can't imagine saying that to a dog and then saying, "Uh, well, sorry. But the other dog is back, and it was problem free and you're not. No hard feelings, I'm sure you'll find another forever home soon. Adios!"

Then again, the people who give away their dogs after five or ten years without a second thought for no legit reason are probably the same people who disown their kids when the choose spouses or careers they don't approve of.

Not everyone deserves a dog. Too bad dogs aren't as rare as the people who deserve them...

Jan