We saw this article and actually do not disagree with it: http://www.examiner.com/dogs-in-national/dogs-die-because-of-social-norm. The issue the author raises is why is it ok to give up dogs to shelters when they are ten because “you are moving,” ”the dog is not well potty trained,” etc. There are extenuating circumstances to be sure, but when we take an animal into our home we become their caregiver and need to do everything humanly possible to honor our commitment. We do not give up our children easily and, while their is clearly a difference between children and animals, they are both dependent on their family. Additionally, dogs and cats form strong emotional bonds with their caregivers.
We are perpetually shocked by seeing posts like: “I am moving apartments and they do not allow dogs so I have to give up my 11 year old dog.” This dog has followed you around forever and loved you faithfully and you are going to give it up now?
This article suggests it is acceptable because we live in a world where euthanasia of dogs is common and people commonly give up pets. We suspect this will not always be the case and down the road we will look back and think it was pretty crazy that millions of dogs were put to sleep every year.