They didn't see this coming? Seriously?

[Leslie and Halas]

A Facebook friend of mine fosters dogs all the time and shares Petfinder posts from her area. Here's one she just shared:

2 Australian Cattle Dogs: "A couple of the new kids at the shelter. They're herding dogs. Surrendered for chasing cattle."

Wow. I get that they're supposed to herd the cattle, not chase them. But, really?! How could the owners not realize that this might be a possibility? It's like surrendering a chihuahua for being small.

[Camilla and Darwin]

Some people are so idiotic... (sigh). We have a lot of those types at our local shelter too. There is a lot of cattle/herding dogs being bred by BYB's here because Logan has a lot of farming type households. Then people get them because they are cheap or free, and have no idea what they are in for. This adorable guy has been at the shelter since I started back in August.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Camilla did you take this photo? It's beautiful! He looks like he has a big grin on his face, lol!

[Camilla and Darwin]

I did, thank you! He is awesome, always grinning! I get to see him every week, which is sad and fun at the same time.

[Pat and Traveler]

Crazy!  Aren't they cattle dogs?  Sigh.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

It's just another version of what we hear in doodle rescue. People are dumb. They look at the color and size of a dog and have no clue as to what that dog is all about.

Yesterday I had an hour-long conversation with a woman who got a free 4 month old standard F1 GD puppy from a co-worker who bought her at Petland and then could not deal with having a puppy. The new owner is having a hard time, too. In addition to help with housebreaking, she is having trouble with the puppy's being "too active and energetic". I told her that a four month old GD puppy who is not active needs to go to the vet. She wanted to know what she could do to reduce the puppy's energy level. I told her the puppy needs more exercise. The woman is single, works full-time, and does not have a fenced yard. It's January in Chicago. This is a sporting breed puppy.  Here's what the AKC says about sporting breeds:

Naturally active and alert, Sporting dogs make likeable, well-rounded companions. Members of the Group include pointers, retrievers, setters and spaniels. Remarkable for their instincts in water and woods, many of these breeds actively continue to participate in hunting and other field activities. Potential owners of Sporting dogs need to realize that most require regular, invigorating exercise.

The woman is considering relinquishing her to rescue, because "I don't think this is the right breed for me."

Why oh why can't people learn these things before they get the "wrong" breed ????

 

 

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

awrghhhhhh...to your point Karen!  If you're getting a goldendoodle or labradoodle you're getting a sporting dog --a retriever on springs who's smart enough to outsmart you every step of the way if you let them.  Sometimes I have to laugh and ask myself why anyone ever thought this cross was a good idea :)  but personally you know I think it's the best cross ever.  With an ALD, throw in some cocker spaniel attitude and some Irish Water Spaniel fearlessness and OMD, you've got an adorable handful :)  I tell people don't ask yourself do I want a dog that's hypoallergenic, non-shedding, adorable, intuitive, and smart? -- ask yourself do I enjoy exercising my dog, training my dog, grooming my dog, training my dog some more, and including my dog in a lot of my activities?  If the answer is yes, this is the best dog ever.  IF no, this cross is not the dog for you.

[Sheila & Finnley]

Dang, that's like going to the Wal-Mart, and not expecting to see people in their pajamas !

[Ronna, Murphy & Wilson]

Sheila..I just peed.  Thank you for the laugh!

[DJ & Chance]

LOL