How to help the current dog crisis.

I can't hop on Nextdoor or any other social media platform anymore without seeing, yet another....

- random person selling puppies (and disguising it as "rehoming"),

- another dog found roaming the streets, or

- someone else wiping their hands clean of their dog (commitment) because they're "moving".

It's heartbreaking.

We're in an economic and emotional crisis right now (what most are referring to as "mental health" is actually *emotional health*... not mental health; PTSD, anxiety, chronic survival mode living, etc.- all emotional health). And there are so many people throwing dogs together to make a buck with their offspring (see earlier post on the difference between real, ethical, knowledgable breeders and backyard breeders. Big clue: if you see a post on Nextdoor or anywhere else on social media, they're a backyard breeder and, I can guarantee, are not paying attention or investing in ensuring sound genetics, health, etc.).

Dogs are also being stolen out of yards... even while out on their walks with people... and sold for money, used as bait dogs for dog fighting rings, etc. NEVER. EVER. Leave your dogs *unsupervised* outside of the home (...and get rid of the dog doors).

Dogs are also being dumped and abandoned at alarming rates (if you find a dog and have a heart, take the dog to the vet to have them scan for a microchip. Have them scan all over the body as, sometimes, the microchip can migrate after some time).

There are angels out there. People who care. People who'll take in lost, stressed, confused dogs and try to help them find their way home. They'll post shine and- maybe, just maybe- the owner will see the post commenting, "That's my dog!" For the life of me, I'll never understand how people don't realize their dog isn't home and is missing. If they're gone and at work, the dog shouldn't have free, easy, and unsupervised access to the outside world.

Of course, there are circumstances like : the front door not closing all the way, the gardener leaving the back gate open, etc. But, if we're home *and paying attention,* we'd catch it right away. If away, the dog should be inside and - again- not have access to the outside world.

As for people moving and not taking their dog with them, for shame.

I'll also never understand why people bring dogs into their homes and lives yet not consider them a lifetime commitment. For that temporary emotional hit? So many dogs end up in these one-sided dynamics. It's all about the person and their needs; never about the dog and his/her needs (for the record: "needs" do not include overflowing barrels of toys, outfits, bedazzled collars, an endless stream of treats, etc. Those "needs" without the actual other needs dogs have create more imbalance, anxiety, and frustration than anything).

Dogs feel, and are aware of far more than we realize.

They experience trauma, fear, loss, grief, confusion, etc.

Shelters and rescue groups are operating at max capacity right now. Shelters don't have enough space, and rescue groups don't have enough fosters. Euthanasia rates have skyrocketed to make space for all the incoming "discards."

If you're planning on giving your dog up, be aware of this things:

- if in a shelter, they will likely experience trauma, confusion, and be highly stressed. This will reflect behaviorally in different ways, and they'll get passed over by people who don't understand this. If they remain too long in the shelter system, they'll likely end up losing their life (at no fault of their own). It's not a peaceful or comforting way to go.

- if to a rescue group, they operate on foster availability. If no foster, they go to boarding. There may be a lot of bouncing around, and the inconsistency and instability may also impact them behaviorally. Being in a rescue doesn't guarantee an escape from euthanasia, either. I used to volunteer for a rescue group who ended up euthanizing dogs who were in boarding too long and didn't "move." Do know that there are also unethical and "bad" rescue groups in existence, as well. Having a social media presence and a clean website doesn't mean anything. Anyone can create a feel-good facade. Do. Your. Homework.

Yes, there are situations where a dog being discarded by their human is actually for the best... but them ending up with someone respectful, responsible, compassionate, *knowledgable*, experienced, and *committed to their commitment* is a crapshoot.

The best thing we can do right now to address the "dog problem?"

Be a part of the solution by loving and committing to the dog you're with. And, if you're ever in the position to, fostering and/or welcoming another dog in need into your heart and home.

And if you're a landlord? PLEASE. Be a part of the solution. Let's work together to create better screening and ways to *ensure* a *successful* property (and neighborhood) friendly rental experience to those with dogs. So many people who have dogs as members of their family are finding it more and more difficult to find affordable (and decent) housing. After selling my home in DC and moving here to CA with my 4 dogs, I can empathize. The questions I was being asked about my dogs had *nothing* to do with who the dogs are as individuals or who I am as their "owner." My level of responsibility and care. The "restrictions" currently in place for "pet friendly" housing have zero to do with these two important things.

We don't have a "dog problem", but a human one. All of these things happening with and to dogs, they're not choosing or doing to themselves. They're suffering the consequences of - and, oftentimes, paying the ultimate price for our : lack of knowledge and understanding, choices, state of emotional health, coping mechanisms, etc.

If you're having problems with your dog or struggling with them behaviorally - get assistance. They're not "happy" when this is in play, either. We've created different ways to obtain information at various price points (ebooks, books, digital courses, social media content, one-on-one work, etc.).

Love the dog you're with.