A Line We Never Wanted to Cross - Turning Away Dogs in Need

Sadly, we've reached the stage of having to turn dogs away now. As much as our heart breaks for them, we need to draw the line, or risk the dogs already in our care. We currently have over 100 dogs in our care. It's not about finding more kennel space, but how the hell do we pay for the kennel space. It sometimes seems that many people are under the illusion that we get cheap kennel space. We may receive a minimal discount but believe me, our kennel bills are still enough to give us nightmares.

[Editor - We'll post an article about the cost of Welfare tomorrow.]

So, when we turn these dogs away, what happens to them? I know these dogs in the photo are not GSDs but they were found last night tied to a tree risking strangulation. The well known rescue charities were called (the ones who have millions in the bank and can pay for expensive advertising), but they were "unable to help". The dog warden doesn't work weekends!. So, were they meant to stay tied to a tree?

If the well known rescues are not taking dogs, why do we feel so bad at having to say no? Because we genuinely care. As breed lovers/enthusiasts/breeders/exhibitors/guardians WE SHOULD ALL CARE. It shouldn't be about not being responsible for someone else's mess, it should be about the poor dogs.

This is what could happen to the German Shepherds we turn away. By the time people come to us to ask us to take them, they have already made their minds up that they don't want the dog. We all say they should be made to take responsibility. To a degree that is true but these people that are capable of things like this obviously don't have a conscience! What about the people that sell the dogs? what about the rescues that home the dogs? What about the breeders that breed the dogs? Shouldn't they be made to take responsibility? Yes of course, but in the meantime, it doesn't help dogs that end up tied to trees or abandoned.

Thankfully, Rose has taken these dogs in for the weekend out of the goodness of her heart, until the dog warden is back at work on Monday.

Rest assured, we do not turn dogs away lightly for worry of what could happen to them, but what are we supposed to do with all these calls we get? How are we supposed to pay for all of the kennel fees. Answers on a postcard. ;-(

There are many ways you can help, from adopting a rescued dog, to volunteering your time, and all manner in between. Some of the shopping donation schemes cost you no money, and only a few minutes to set up. See how you can help here - https://gsdwelfare.blogspot.com/p/how-you-can-help.html