The BlogPaws challenge from this past conference was to blog about a less-adoptable pet this week.
So what’s a less-adoptable pet?
Dogs who struggle with getting adopted tend to be older dogs, dogs of a certain appearance (black dogs and bully breeds, for example), pups with health conditions or who are socially awkward.
Here is an example of a less-http://ohmydogblog.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=1986&action=editadoptable dog. He was two-years-old, had been bounced between shelters, was overweight (over 80 pounds. seriously.) and a bully mix:
Here is another less-adoptable dog. This one – whoo boy – mange, a limp, malnourished, and he was terrified of dogs, people, cars, noises, inanimate objects, dogs, buses, dogs, and a few other things I have suppressed from my memory:
So these dogs aren’t perfect. But these so-called “less-adoptable” pets aren’t any less adoptable for the right family! In many cases and for many families, it’s just the opposite.
But puppies… who can resist a puppy? So in the face of some serious puppy competition, these “less-adoptable” pets need to become more competitive! More marketable! They need a re-branding!
The first place to start is the name. Toss out “less-adoptable.” These dogs are now “perfectly-adoptable!”
And let’s scope out the perfectly-adoptable dogs’ competition:
As we all know, puppies have a great reputation (awww! they’re so cute!), but they’re not right for every family. How many families are surprised, shocked even, that their darling puppy needs to be house trained and will have accidents for a little while, or that he mangles your shoes, or that he gnaws the arms of your furniture?? Or how about the amount of exercise they need? Not to mention that stubborn phase they all go through? Also, has anyone ever noticed how annoying puppies can be?
I’m just saying.
So who wouldn’t want to bring home one of these perfectly-adoptable dogs? A few examples:
- Older dogs have so many advantages over puppies!
- Bully breeds can make the most wonderful, loyal, snuggly companions.
- Black dogs… how is this even a problem?
- Dogs with disabilities are often so much more capable and resilient than we could ever be.
- And, maybe most of all, how can you pass up the opportunity to give a very deserving dog a long, happy, healthy life?
These older, black, bully, disabled dogs are as lovable and cuddly as the oh-so-popular puppies. And they give so much more back to you than you could ever dream.
Emmett, for example, knew who we were the second we stepped foot in his shelter. From that day on, this little bully baby has been more loyal and devoted of a best friend than a girl could have ever imagined. He visits with children who need a little love. He reads at the library. He goes for walks, plays with other dogs, and loves nothing more than to climb into my lap at night.
And Lucas? The fact that this poor guy was so terrified of the world when we got him, and the fact that he can now navigate a pet store, run at a dog park, ride in the car, makes me burst with pride every single day. We couldn’t pat him and he never once wagged his tail for the first few months we had him. Now, when he rests his big head on my lap while we watch TV or read, my heart explodes. Seriously. I die every night.
So instead of looking for a “less-adoptable” pet, consider adopting one of these perfectly-adoptable pets! Volunteer at your local shelter to write glowing personality descriptions or take gorgeous photographs to make these dogs more marketable!
Michele C. Hollow
I posted a story by guest blogger Ellie Smith on 5 benefits of adopting an older dog. It really makes sense. Most of these older animals are already trained.
Maggie
Hi, Michele! I actually linked to her post in my older dogs bullet points! 🙂
Peggy @Peggy's Pet Place
This is great, these less-adoptable dogs need special homes. I was just thinking it is great when people really consider their lifestyle and temperament before choosing a dog. Someone with patience, time and love to come along and meet a special needs dog. Someone with a calm and consistent personality to be matched up with a timid and fearful dog.
asta
Thank dog for hoomans like you..I know if Daddi hadn’t lost his job my pawents would love to adopt a pawfectly adoptable pet..now they’we bof nevew home wunning awound twying to keep us in ouw apawtment. Thanks to hoomans like you, they have been edoocated to know that thewe awe jillions of pawfect doggies out thewe waiting to be adopted
smoochie kisses
aSTA
Chase Harris
Can my dog have gotten mange from sitting on the scale at the
vets after an infected dog?