MOVING?? WTF

You know it never ceases to amaze me how many people give up their dogs, so just let me vent here for a moment. Whoever came up with the excuse, "I have to give up my dog because I'm moving..." should be slapped up side the head - hard.

For the past several years I've heard a plethora of excuses for giving up the animal that's shared it's life with you, the most honest is, "I just don't want him any more." It's stupid, but honest. I can't imagine any excuse for giving up a pet once I've commited to it, but then again, that's just me. Commitment is something some people take seriously while others have no idea "what it means." Since these people probably meander through their meaningless lives with little focus on structure or function, they probably don't see the meaning for focus let alone commitment. These people probably make bad parents, employees and partners. If you can let go of an animal that has given it's life to you, only to drop it at a shelter with little regard to what will happen to it; leaving it with a person you've never met, then your charachter may be a bit flawed - actually severely flawed.

But, back to the idea, "I'm moving and can't take my dog with me." I would like to know where that special place is where you are moving where dogs are illegal. I've traveled around this country a bit and haven't found a state, nor city that has a ban on dogs. Recently I was forced to move and did find it a little bit challenging to find a place that would allow dogs, but I persevered... and believe me, my scope of interest of where I wanted to live was much more limited than most people. I can promise you that if its important enough for you, you'll find a place that allows dogs. In fact ask yourself this question, "If giving up my dog will cost me 15% of my yearly pay, would I expend the effort to find a place that will take me WITH my dog?" And if you answer YES to this, WTF is wrong with you?

Am I being a jerk here? NO. I'm speaking for the animal that, when dumped in a shelter has less than a 30% chance of getting out alive. The animal that has no voice after you walk out the front door back to your normal life, the animal that sits and wonders WHEN you will be back... you always came back before. These animals deserve a voice, and their voice is taken from them... I am that voice today... and I am pissed.

Think about what you do BEFORE you get a dog or cat. This is one reason why I am criticized when I don't speak out against breeders. In my opinion, if you get your dog from a breeder and keep it for life, you are NOT a part of the problem. But, no matter where you get your dog, if you dump him when you grow tired, move or can't afford him anymore... YOU ARE THE PROBLEM. Lets take the blame off of people who have little if anything to do with the problem and place it squarely on those who ARE THE PROBLEM.... irresponsible pet owners... not breeders.

THINK - its a life your messing up... its your choice to be a selfish ass or be to be kind.

The Revolution Has Begun

I received an email the other day and it floored me, I wanted to share it with you. I met Dennis through my good friend Kim a few months ago. He runs a pet store in Camarillo and his passion is saving dogs. He is a one of a kind guy and a real stand up person. He told me that he really loved the concept of Bound Angels, and had created a media center in his store that shows Bound Angels videos all day long. The center is beautifully created and a joy to visit. Everyone who walks into All Pet Headquarters in Camarillo can see the videos playing, learn about adopting shelter dogs, and NOW... adopt a shelter dog right there.

Dennis has dedicated an entire area of his store to puppies from kill-shelters that can be adopted from him instead of buying one. My hat is off to Dennis. The photo above is the marquee over the area where the puppies are house. He concept was a Knight riding in and freeing a dog and bringing him to a forever home. Here's a quick quote from the email which made my day:

"Robert, I truly like your work and think you do a great job with the videos and also believe the revolution has begun. A tribute to your work……Dennis"

Don't Adopt a Dog Because You Feel Bad

I've had a note to myself, sitting on my computer for the last month to write this particular blog post.

It might be hard to understand what I mean by "don't adopt because you feel bad," so I will explain. It seems all to often people are swayed by their emotions when it comes to adopting a dog. Having created many campaigns geared at getting dogs adopted out of our shelter system, I'd like to be clear on something very important. Adopting a dog is a decision that lasts for many years, and because of that should be carefully evaluated. Yes, the warm and fuzzy feelings of saving a life is enough to make people jump in with both feet, but you have to think about the logistical aspects and long term ramifications of what you are doing. A dog is a commitment for many years, not just for today. This dog will be a member of your family for the next 10 or more years. The feeling of sympathy that you are feeling today will soon pass and you'll be dealing with the reality of what you just got yourself into for many years. This often creates a resentful person, and that is not fair to you or your new dog.

I don't say these things to be harsh, but to be realistic. All to often as a dog trainer I see people complaining that the dog they rescued is turning out to be a nightmare to both them and their dogs. If you're adopting a dog to save his life, you need to understand that this dog, no matter how bad you feel, will need structure. Feeling bad because he was living in the shelter, and was about to be put down, will make you treat him in a state he's not used to. Dogs are very resilient creatures, and all too often I see people hanging on to the negative past of the dog long after the dog has forgotten, or should I say "moved on."

The recidivism rate at shelters is a testament to what I am saying. Some shelters have over a 50% return rates on dogs that were adopted. This is in part due to: no screening, evaluation or consulting on what people are getting into. Dogs do have feelings and shuffling them around from place to place, shelter to home, home to rescue and so on creates dogs with behavioral issues.

When people first bring rescue dogs into their homes with their personal dogs, they often drop the ball on the introductions. If the dogs get along at first, they think that all is well and they forget about it. Eventually there will be an issue, and both dogs and people would be better served to understand the proper way to introduce a new dog into a home. I cover this in my article on www.blackbletdogtraining.com called "Bringing Home the New Dog."

Adopting a dog is a decision of compassion, but it must be infused with a dose of logic. Take your time, understand what you are getting into and do your homework. Saving a life is one of the most important things you will ever do. Be sure that you are in fact saving the life and making that commitment. It requires some thinking about the dog and your situation.

Robert Cabral
Bound Angels

Save Ziggy - 100 days in the Shelter...

Ziggy is a super sweet 3 Year old PitBull Mix living at the LAAS Shelter in Downtown LA. He is super sweet.. did I mention that??? He's sweet with other dogs, during my evaluation, and that was an un-neutered male.. During my test he showed no signs of any aggression or dominance... He was totally neutral..

Ziggy has been at the shelter for more than 3 months... Please don't let his three months be in vain... give Ziggy a chance..

Check his youtube video...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l66bTu42rao&feature=channel_page

Be sure your speakers are turned up :)

Take a look at his pic above for all of his info.

Contact LAAS North Central Shelter at 3201 Lacy Street LA, CA 90031
213.847-2240

Thanks,

Robert

Adopt Ozzie.... the Prince of Barn-ness

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApxGGz20WXs&feature=channel_page

Ozzie was dropped off at the shelter in a shopping cart. For the first two days he was in a state of shock and merely laid on the floor of his cell. I took him out and slowly he got up and licked my hand. A few days later I got a call that he was die to be killed. I went to the shelter and did an evaluation and found him to have no behavioral issues and no signs of aggression at any time during my test. He is still scared and needs to learn to trust.

He's a beautiful brindle colored shar pei, about 50lbs, approx 4 years old. He appears healthy and low key. Watch the video and you'll see him "in action." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApxGGz20WXs&feature=channel_page


If you have any questions, contact me or go directly to the North Central LA Animal Shelter at :
3201 Lacy Street, Los Angeles, CA 90031
888-4LAPET1 or 888-452-7381, FAX 213-847-0555

Step up for Ozzie.... his time is very limited.

Thanks,

Robert
www.boundangels.org

1000 Days in a Cage

I'm not talking here about a criminal who deserves it, this is the story of a group of dogs that got the bum rap of hooking up with an idiot human... a person we call a hoarder. This "person" had over 200 dogs living in bad conditions... obviously gone mad and "collecting" dogs. Through no fault of their own, our judicial system has confined them to various animal shelters. One step above the needle, these beautiful animals were, and are still, confined to living in a cement and steel kennel. They are deprived of human or other canine companionship. They've been there for three years as our judicial system moves all so swiftly.

YOU CAN HELP.

Helen of the Wuffington Wag is spearheading this campaign to get foster homes, temporary or permanent for these very special dogs. These dogs are a part of a dark history in animal cruelty, however they will shine a light onto your life. Imagine taking an animal to you that has not known love for almost 3 years.

Here's a great NEW YEARS RESOLUTION.. SAVE A LIFE