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What makes a dog happy? I've been thinking about this a lot lately, especially since we opened. I am constantly trying to find ways to appease, relax, stimulate, and entertain all of the dogs that come to The Barn. We play a lot of ball. We throw a lot of frisbee. We give a lot of treats, love, cuddles, and walks. All of that is good, but the one thing that absolutely thrills them and lets them rest is time. When I let them out with me while I'm cleaning, doing laundry, and just everyday stuff, they relax, they sniff, they follow me, and trust me. It's not a race any longer of time. It's not a competition for attention. It is just existing in this space together and being at peace. They will eat better. They will sleep soundly and not stay on guard. They bark less. All of this just by sharing space and existing. And I knew this, just like with children, overstimulation can cause more problems than it helps. However, finding that rhythm and allowing it to happen naturally, that's been so fun to watch and has allowed me and them both to breathe a little better.
So this leads me into my next thought: why are there so many dogs being surrendered because the owner states they don't have time? This is just me thinking out loud, really, a theory, but I believe society has made such a push that we must walk and play with dogs for hours every day, causing unnecessary stress. That the dogs and cats need constant stimulation and interaction with you and each other to thrive. That if you can't be there all day, they need daycare (and that's expensive), and so on. And don't get me wrong, there are breeds that do require all of the above and then some; I have one of those breeds (please do your research if you are getting a certain breed). Society is pushing for unrealistic expectations of dog owners. I hear it daily, shaming and guilt trips because the dog is home alone for 8 hours. People making other dog owners feel like less if their dog isn't on the raw diet and getting supplements every meal. "I can't believe you don't walk your dog every single day for 30 minutes." Guys, hear me when I say, this is harmful rhetoric. Suddenly, that new dog owner, who rescued that dog from the shelter, has become so overwhelmed with new responsibilities that neither they nor the dog can relax or bond. All the dog owner feels is guilt, stress, and shame. All the dog feels is what the owner is feeling and not understanding why they can't just sit on the couch together. Next thing you know, the dog that just wanted time is back in the shelter because the owner couldn't do it any longer and couldn't afford the expense of the "extras". This then creates trauma for the dog, which rescuers then have a hard time correcting and placing the dog. The rescues are full, and the shelters are full, of dogs that just wanted to exist in the same space as their person. It's honestly a crisis. If ever there was an animal emergency, it is now.
Are there other reasons for shelters and rescues to be full? ABSOLUTELY. Spay and neuter, people. SPAY AND NEUTER! I can't shout that loudly enough or say it often enough. If you can't afford to spay or neuter, the answer is not "then you can't afford a dog", there are rescues and funding for that. The Red Barn, specifically, has a donation box to help with that, and I know so many others that would love to help. This has to be addressed because this is a major problem, especially in the South (why are we like this).
Another reason often given is, "not allowed by the landlord." I personally have experienced this, but it was at a time when there wasn't such an apartment shortage, so it was easier to find a different apartment. I understand this is a major issue currently. I know of groups that are currently trying to work with city and county officials to encourage (if not reward) landlords to accept pets under reasonable circumstances and change their policy from a hard no. We all have to work together to find a permanent solution to the animal crisis we are currently facing. No one can brush this off and say, "that's not my problem, those aren't my dogs." This is a county, state, regional, and worldwide problem. We are inundated with abandoned and abused animals that don't have voices and need help.
So, all of this to say to you, there are no rules or requirements to be great dog owners. There isn't a set salary you have to have to be a great dog owner. Most dogs don't require daily walks; letting them out to pee is enough. A lot of dogs don't like to play ball and frisbee; they would rather nap on the couch with YOU. If you have a dog and you love that dog, but you feel you can't afford that dog, please reach out to people. If you have a dog and you love that dog, but you feel guilt or shame from the constant narrative of people screaming requirements and such at you, please reach out to people and see if it's warranted. There are so many rescues, shelters, vets, and private people that want to help. So many people understand the economic crisis and the state of our country currently and want to help. Dogs just want to hang out. It's pretty easy for the most part.
***This by no means is condoning dogs kept with no shelter, bedding, food or water, or way to get out of the elements. This also does not condone a dog being tied to a chain or lead for an extending amount of time. Nor do we condone dogs being locked up in crates all day long. We do not support the mistreatment of any animal, no matter their behavior or situation. We do support all attempts made to keep and care for your pets. We do support doing your research before adopting a dog. We do support asking for help, there is zero shame in that.
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