Give it Time

When did we become a society where we can just return things without question? I grew up in a  world where you worked at things, and if they didnt work you tried some more. Today it seems that people are not prepared to try, and the moment it gets to tough they give up. This is apparent with animal rescue, as far too many people return dogs, after 24 hours like a pair of shoes.

Now, I understand there will be issues with a new dog, I understand that the pack will be disrupted, but come on people give it a chance. We are here to discuss, advise and help, but screaming and making stupid demands because you cant be bothered, simply isnt good enough. These dogs have been through hell, they need time to adjust, to settle, and to develop.

Imagine living for days, weeks or even months in a cage. Your home is a kennel, surrounded by lots of other kennels and unfamiliar barking dogs. You may have come from another shelter or been given up by your previous family. You may have been living as a stray. You may have been with an abusive owner. You may have bounced from various foster homes. Your environment is stressful, to say the least.

One day, your routine changes. A new person takes you from the shelter and brings you into a new home. All the surroundings, all the people inside the home, are new. You have no knowledge of your new home’s rules or schedule. You aren’t even sure if you will stay in this new place.

This situation would be traumatic for any person, and would arguably require the support of a myriad of social services to help that person cope. And yet, this is a common situation for many dogs who are adopted from shelters. 

Although a dog may have come from the best possible shelter and is entering a loving home, the change in environment will undoubtedly cause stress. Most dogs don’t have a support team to see them through the storm, but they do have you, and are depending on you to guide them through this transition period.

The time following any adoption is critical – not simply because you and your dog are getting to know each other, but because you are laying the foundation for your dog’s new life. While the transition from a shelter to a new home will always be a considerable change for a dog, there are ways to make the journey more comfortable and soothing. The following is a guide to help you prepare for your adoption and lay the foundation for a successful transition for your dog. So Please..... give it time....