Just read this pretty heartbreaking story about a 3 year old chow named Chen that was waiting for his owner to return for three years before someone rescued him: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2012/11/15/atlanta-dog-abandoned-three-years-new-home-ohio/1707377/

Chen was abandoned at a house and kept sleeping on top of the carport for three years waiting for his owners to return. He would scavenge garbage and around the neighborhood to get food while he waited for his family. Some people even threw rocks at the dog trying to get him to leave because he stuck around. Chen would not leave. It is horrifying that such a loyal dog was abandoned and it took three years for a rescuer to finally take Chen and post him online to find a new home. Well, Chen is on to greener pastures and has a new family. Chen deserves it to say the least.

Who knows what happened to the family or what the circumstances were behind leaving Chen like this. Maybe a lost job or divorce or whatever. It is a sad story but far too often people take on dogs and then move on from them for whatever reason. In many countries it is common to let dogs roam the streets but it is very dangerous and the dogs are domesticated so if for some reason you cannot take care of your dog please find a new home for her or him. If you cannot find a new home, then try to find a local rescue so the dog won’t be euthanized. If you cannot find a rescue, then it is better to leave the dog at a shelter than roaming the street, where they could be hit by a car.

Dogs are a huge responsibility so if you find room in your home for one, remember that it is a ten plus year commitment.