People ‘Highly Satisfied’ with Shelter Rescue Dogs Despite Issues
People 'Highly Satisfied' with Shelter Rescue Dogs Despite Issues
Shelter Dogs: Unconditional Love and Happy Endings
Adopting a furry friend from a shelter can be an incredibly rewarding experience. It may take some time for the pet and their new owner to get used to each other, but with patience, love, and a good sense of humor, the bond that forms can be unbreakable. Just ask Daniel Cooney and his husband Patrick Key, who adopted their beloved coonhound mix, Rothko, from a shelter eight years ago. Despite Rothko’s quirks and occasional difficulty with other dogs, they have learned to navigate their furry friend’s unique personality.
“There are several dogs in the neighborhood that we have to stay away from, but we have gotten good at noticing the signs of aggression well before he reacts,” said Cooney, an art gallery owner based in New York City.
A few years after welcoming Rothko into their lives, the couple decided to expand their furry family and adopted Molly, a 12-year-old beagle with a sad and withdrawn demeanor. Cooney recalls how Molly’s previous owner had passed away, leaving her feeling lost and abandoned. However, as time went on, Molly began to thrive and even seemed to age in reverse. “They are such loving dogs and are the center of our lives,” Cooney expressed. “It’s so worth it.”
According to a recent study, the majority of people who adopt shelter dogs share Cooney’s sentiments and are willing to work through any behavioral issues that may arise. This study sheds light on the experiences of owners who adopted dogs from shelters, providing valuable insight into the challenges and joys of bringing a shelter dog into a new home.
The Unbreakable Bond and High Satisfaction
Every year, about 3.1 million dogs enter shelters, with approximately 2 million finding their forever homes through adoption. However, around 920,000 shelter animals are still euthanized, highlighting the need for more adoptions and compassionate pet ownership. To better understand the experiences of shelter dog adopters, researchers conducted a study involving 99 dogs adopted from five Ohio shelters.
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Participants in the study were asked to complete surveys at different intervals: one week, one month, three months, and six months after adopting their new companion. The surveys measured various aspects of the dogs’ behavior and temperament. The results revealed a consistent increase in stranger-directed aggression and other challenging behaviors such as excitability, touch sensitivity, training difficulty, and chasing. However, certain behaviors, like separation anxiety and attention-seeking, decreased over time.
The study’s most heartwarming finding was that owners reported their dogs adjusting extremely well or moderately well to their new homes, with approximately 94% rating their overall behavior as excellent or good. Impressively, only a small number of participants returned their adopted dogs during the study period, indicating the strong bond and commitment between owners and their four-legged family members.
Dr. Kyle Bohland, the study’s author and a veterinarian at Ohio State University, emphasized the significance of the bond people form with their pets. “People often love their dogs unconditionally,” he explained. Dr. Bohland advised potential adopters to engage with shelter staff and volunteers, who can provide valuable insights into a dog’s background and behavior. He also highlighted the benefits of fostering a dog before adoption or providing temporary care for them, as it offers a chance to assess compatibility in a less stressful environment.
Shelters vs. Pet Stores: Choose Adoption
While the “adopt-don’t-shop” movement gains momentum, many people still obtain dogs from breeders or pet stores. However, the study suggests that dogs adopted from pet stores, often from high-volume commercial breeders, tend to have more behavior problems overall. Dr. Bohland urges individuals considering adopting a dog to utilize shelter resources, which often offer guidance and support for troubleshooting behavior challenges post-adoption.
The findings of this study are gratifying to animal welfare advocates. Amanda Kowalski, the Vice President of Animal Welfare at the San Diego Humane Society, commented, “It’s exciting to see that despite an increase in some behavioral concerns that initially arise post-adoption, the majority of the adopters reported their new dog’s behavior as excellent or good.” The study provides valuable information that can help set new pet owners up for success and facilitate a smoother transition for shelter dogs into their new homes.
Dr. Jamie Whittenburg, a veterinarian director at Senior Tail Waggers and Kingsgate Animal Hospital, appreciates the insights gained from this research. She emphasizes the significance of the fact that none of the surveyed owners reported poor satisfaction with their dog’s behavior after 90 days. Additionally, all owners eventually reported that their dogs adapted well to their new homes.
Bringing Happiness Home
Adopting a shelter dog is a wonderful way to provide a loving home to a furry friend in need. Despite the behavioral challenges that may arise, this study demonstrates the resilience of both the dogs and the people who open their hearts to them. The journey may not always be smooth, but the satisfaction and joy experienced by adopters outweigh any initial concerns.
If you’re considering adopting a shelter or rescue pet, the Humane Society of the United States provides valuable resources and tips to help guide your decision. Remember, while getting a pet from a breeder or pet store may be an option, the unconditional love and happy endings that often come with adopting a shelter dog make it a truly rewarding choice.
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Source: – HealthDay – PLOS ONE (August 16, 2023)
