DogBoston’s Dog Blog

The Boston Channel reports that the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA) has seen at least 15 families bring their dogs into Boston-area adoption centers because of the prohibitive cost of ongoing care.

Use a Shelter 

The article also goes on to mention that the numbers of abandoned pets in the past few months is much higher.  I know it is tough to go through a major financial situation, but it would be better if people tried to give the dog another chance at a decent life by utilizing a local shelter. I also believe that would probably be considered extremely embarrassing, to walk in and say, I can’t afford this dog anymore.

But a Shelter is Last Resort

I am not advocating for giving up pets in general but there’s probably a few life-events that could render a household incompatible with your current pet. And people understand this. But… shelters should be last resort…  Best case scenario if you absolutely must give up your pet to avoid a life-threatening situation, is probably: family, friends, then the shelter - in that order.  Most shelters in this state are actually “kill shelters” because it’s an unfortunate reality of how many dogs are left out in the streets.

So, it’s always better to try to find a safe-haven with someone you know before resorting to the shelter.