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Need for Dog Adoption Rises Due to Foreclosures

February 16, 2012 1:50 am

Among the biggest victims of the economic recession are the once beloved family pets surrendered to shelters as their owners deal with extended joblessness, losing their homes, and renting properties that don’t accept pets. The U.S. Humane Society estimates 6 to 8 million dogs and cats enter shelters each year— and 3 to 4 million are euthanized.

Inga Fricke, director of sheltering issues for the U.S. Humane Society, says that while the majority of the public is in favor of adopting pets from shelters, the reality is, only about 20 percent actually do.

Fricke and retired police officer Irvin Cannon, a confirmed dog lover whose new book, “For the Love of Dog Tales” (www.FortheLoveofDogTales.com), have teamed up to promote pet adoption. They offer the following pointers regarding breeds:
  • Among the breeds known for intelligence: Shetland sheepdogs, golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers, poodles, Australian cattle dogs, Papillons and Doberman pinschers.
  • Bulldogs, beagles and Basset hounds all start with ‘B’ but get much lower grades for smarts.
  • It’s a myth that mutts have fewer health issues than purebred dogs. Because some breeds have tendencies toward problems such as deafness, blindness or hip dysplasia, remember, these are genetic issues that are inherited. So if you’re mixed-breed includes some German shepherd, it may also have hip dysplasia (a problem with the joint’s bone structure).
  • If you’re in the market for a purebred dog, you have a 25 percent chance of finding one – although maybe not the breed you want – at a shelter. If your heart is set on a specific breed, check your area for a rescue group specializing in that breed.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

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