I'm sure not all who read my blog will agree with me here - the wonderful thing about writing a blog is it's "my" opinion. You don't have to agree, you don't even have to read it and I get it off my chest!
So here is my opinion:
If you are going to have a pet - be it a parrot, a cat, a dog or a goldfish - for heaven's sake think it through.
I am heartbroken by the plaintive posts on Facebook crying that their dog is missing (yeah, my angst is mostly focused on dogs). "He went out to potty and he always comes back but this time he never did". Well, WHAT THE HELL? Are you telling me that you opened the door and effectively said "Ok, you are on your own - do come back when you are done if it's not too much trouble".
Backing down a little here: stuff happens - the most careful dog owner can lose their dog due to unforeseen circumstances but anyone who consistently turns their dog out alone and/or walks them off leash (especially in a strange area) is asking to lose them. Most of us who adopt from rescue actually sign a promise to never let our dogs run off leash unless they are in an enclosed area. And, people, if your dog is small I still would be out there with them - coyotes are on the increase and even a big old owl can take a small dog and be gone in a heartbeat.
In my opinion unless a dog is in an enclosed area (or is some sort of obedience champion or too old and infirm to run away and I question it even then) they belong on a leash. Period.
We all see it all the time:
Lost while hiking in a strange area.
Jumped out of a car window at a stop light (why wasn't the dog in a crate or a seat belt harness?).
Went out to potty and never came back.
Lost while staying with a friend - ran out the door when one of the kids opened it.
Spooked by fireworks/gun shots/loud noise of some sort and ran into the woods.
We were walking him off leash on the road and we think someone picked him up as a stray. (Exactly how far ahead was he?)
Had no microchip.
Had no collar.
Slipped his harness.
These dog owners are sincerely heartbroken and truly do not understand that they set up their pet to be lost. I read somewhere that the best trained dog has the sense of a 6 year old child - think on that for a while.
I may live to eat my words but if I do I can at least be sure I did my level best to keep my dog safe. And god forbid he get lost, I know that he is chipped and tagged and collared and harnessed probably to a ridiculous level but in this case I'd go for overkill every time!
And may I touch lightly on obedience training here? It's a bonding experience for you and your dog and also gives you the best chance of his coming back to you rather than continuing into those enticing woods following that yummy smell should he escape his leash.
So consider what time and effort you have available to contribute to your pet - no shame in deciding that a goldfish is the way to go!
P.S. Unpaid promotional ad here: Granite State Dog Recovery has a wonderful set of tips for finding your dog - do's and don't's - should it ever by your misfortune to lose your pet. Check them out on Facebook if you get a chance!
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