Frustrated

[Discussing Labradoodles & Goldendoodles]

Can someone please explain why there are so many beautiful doodles with wonderful temperaments that are turned over to IDOG and the DRC?  How is it that people "finally" realize after 3 or 4 years that their doodles are too energetic or require too much attention?  Are most of these dogs relinquished by first-time dog owners?

http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/16250140 

She sounds like an absolute angel as do all of the dogs listed.  Don't people realize that golden retrievers, lab (and poodles) are sporting dogs that have high-energy needs?  Sometimes I think people buy doodles because they want a dog that looks like a teddy bear, that doesn't shed and that does whatever you tell it to do... maybe they should buy a stuffed animal instead.  Sorry to rant, but it is so frustrating to see all of these wonderful dogs thrown out by their families.  Thank goodness for the DRC and all of the wonderful volunteers that can give these wonderful dogs a second chance.

[Karen P]

I agree "Thank goodness for the DRC and all the wonderful volunteers" that give these dogs a second chance. I think people don't take the time to train their dogs. If people just put in the effort in the beginning, I think a lot more dogs would not need to be rehomed. Just my opinion.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Jane, I ask myself this same question all the time. It is so hard for me to understand how someone gives up a Doodle that they've raised and cared for. It breaks my heart that these dogs who have grown up with a family will have to leave everything they know and love. Even though I know they are going to well vetted, loving homes, it still has to be traumatic. I couldn't even imagine it. Often there are children involved....how heartbroken they must be, and what a message they are being sent. I think that's why sometimes some of us come across as negative with DKrs who are going to be first time dog owners....it's so they can be absolutely certain that they are really ready for this 15 year commitment and are truly educated on what it's going to be like. I so agree with you about the DRC!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I should add that I think there can be circumstances where an owner who has loved and cared for their dog can be forced into a situation where they absolutely have to rehome them. I think there who are people in financial crisis losing their homes and everything they have worked for who might have absolutely no choice. I also think of a single dog owner who is seriously ill with nobody to fall back on...probably no choice there. Although rare, these situations do occur, and they must be totally heartbreaking for the dog and the owner. I have great sympathy for people who are faced with this.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Me too. I hope I never face that situation.

A story to warm your heart though: my best friend has three rescues and lost her home last week in the flooding here. She got her baby out first, then sent husband back for dogs, who were swimming in 4 feet of water. Thankfully, all survived. My friends are living in another friend's condo with the smallest dog. The other dogs are at her mother's. She was crying about them not staying with her while they struggle to get their house inhabitable. I told her they are happy to be together and safe. My friend goes there daily to take them on walks. So there are wonderful people out there that do counter-balance the things we can't seem to understand, especially when looking at some of these rescues.

I agree completely about these rare situations when giving up an animal is a must, but wanted to share one that is near to my heart and uplifting!!!!

[Melissa & Porter]

Gosh that made me tear up. How can a family with "many kids" not have time for their dog of three years! With many kids, you don't have time for anything in particular--that is just the way it is and you accept the bed you made and lie in it.

I have many kids and have "no time" (except when I want to post on DK when I should be editing a manuscript).

Yes, I think people want a fluffy stuffed animal--but no dirt, vet visits and walking requirements.

[Dan, Judi, & Timbow]

I agree. These dogs are so precious and it is so sad that people aren't responsible enough to take care of them. Heartbreaking..

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

What a beautiful f1b. She will be adopted immediately, I bet!

I think there are some very valid reasons for having to give up a dog, like financial issues, allergy issues, etc.... I think this is an example of someone not thinking through the committment of having a dog (as others have said). Especially with some of these doodles, I think they are seen as pretty or cute accessories - that is my opinion only. I don't know, that is probably a big generalization. But I have always grown up having dogs go on vacation with us, hiking, anything, you name it. I can remember only part of one year that I have not had a dog (aside from during college). I just think the way pets are integrated into homes is different for everyone. I also think most of us that are active here on DK really cannot fathom why people don't take the committment as seriously as we do. Doesn't make it right, but it is what it is....sadly :(
Thanks as always to the DRC. True heroes in my opinion.

[Dan, Judi, & Timbow]

Very true Allyson! Thank you DRC! You ladies are wonderful! This sweet red girl will hopefully be adopted very soon.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I hear your frustration Jane. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't make the statement (What is wrong with People)! However, in days gone by I wasn't the best dog owner myself. My very first puppy as an adult I ended up giving to my then "mother in law to be" because she did not get along with my fiance! (I should of listened to the dog). However, she was purchased in a pet shop (read puppy mill) and she was not mentally stable I don't think. However I didn't just take her to a shelter, I did find her a home. Now, 30 years later I have a completely different outlook on dog ownership. I feel that each and every one of us as doodle owners (especially) have a responsibility to educate the public. Doodles are so cute that it just makes people want to run out and get one. I can't tell you how many times I've encountered people that say "Oh they are so adorable, and so well behaved, I WANT ONE!" We must all be sure that those people realize what goes into getting a well behaved dog and what grooming all the "cuteness" requires. My favorite line when someone says "Oh they are so well behaved" is to tell them "They didn't come this way. This is hundreds of hours and hundreds of dollars of training you are looking at." Since I've become involved in fostering I constantly ask myself "How did someone just give this dog up". Particularly little Jett ..... they took him to a kill shelter! How do you do that? I thank God each and everyday for Jacquie and Lynn starting the DRC to help all these wonderful Doodles that are victims of these people!

[Eva (Lilo and Rocky)]

I too tell people who comment on my dogs' good manners that I have spent hundreds of hours and $$$$ training them and that they did not arrive as well-trained, well-behaved puppies. Hopefully that will deter the most ignorant ones from getting their own dogs and expecting them to be perfect from day 1.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

One case I remember very well (I wish I could forget it) was a beautiful 4 year old standard doodle who was relinquished because the owner decided she was not a "big dog person." I know some of you will think I'm making this up, but I only wish I were. She had had the doodle since puppyhood, and then decided to get herself a small poodle mix. At that point, she decided she liked the small dog better, and gave up her 4 year old, fully-trained, wonderful doodle. Her exact parting words were "He's a great dog, I just don't like big dogs".
There have also been many cases of first-time owners relinquishing dogs because after months or years, they realize they are "just not dog people". We had one very sad case where a family purchased two doodles, one for each child, and one of the children had lost interest and wasn't taking care of his. So that one had to lose not only his home, but his littermate, with whom he had spent his entire life, too.
I think a lot of people have false or unrealistic expectations about owning dogs in general, and doodles in particular. There is too much hype, and I have to say that some of the less-than-responsible breeders fuel this fire, with website comments about perfect temperaments, low-maintenance, etc. The last time I bought a dog from a breeder, it was like filling out a college application, complete with essay question. That's what rescue applications are like, too. The one I filled out to adopt Jack was 4 pages long. I wish that all breeders would be very picky about who they will allow to own one of their precious dogs, or at least make sure first-time owners understand all the aspects of owning a dog.
Look how many people we have had coming into the forum asking about goldendoodles since the Obamas considered one, admitting that they had never had a dog and never even thought about having one until then. I personally feel that if someone wouldn't have gotten a dog if they hadn't heard about or seen a doodle, they probably just shouldn't get a dog.
I know that sometimes I harp too much about these things, but if you have ever seen the total sadness, depression, confusion, and bewilderment of a dog who was happy & bonded to a family, and suddenly loses his entire world, you understand. Rehoming is very, very hard on a dog who has had a home and an owner. For dogs rescued from puppy mills and dogs who are picked up as strays, the minute they enter rescue, their lives improve greatly. For dogs who lose a home, they suffer a terrible loss.

[F, Calla & Luca]

It all boggles the mind. There are days when I suspect any pet owner chafes at being tied down, or gets tired of picking up poop but I cannot, all of my more positive feelings aside, imagine breaking my dogs' hearts. Even when you criticize them and they are uncertain why, they give you the most heart wrenching, questioning look.