Bobbie blogs about dogs as she lives with mostly hounds. While no longer rescuing, she maintains Silverwalk Hounds Sanctuary for the remaining Sanctuary dogs as well as occasional fosters. She enjoys talking about dogs, including rescue, fostering and adoption.

Heat, Young Lives and Collaboration

Posted Friday, July 23, 2010, at 4:32 PM

As Garrison Keillor would say, it has been a quiet week at Silverwalk. No dogs have found homes, though Jedi TreeWalker has a pending owner who takes him for almost daily walks. The heat here as everywhere has been oppressive, though even at the hottest, we tend to have a breeze in the front yard under the shade maples. I am putting out and changing water frequently to keep it cool and fresh; my and I am sure others electric bills are sky high with the AC on day and night. Dogs have been either all in the house or in the breezeway crates w/the back door open to let them share the AC. Don't tell me - I know "they are dogs" - I know in my yards and field they will do fine as there is shade, shelter and lots of water BUT...they are dogs in my care....:).

I have had several inquiries to take in dogs. I have had to pass these on to others, sometimes the Humane Society for found "lost" dogs, sometimes to other rescues for Coonhounds and Beagles out of state. I simply have no more room. One inquiry, which turned out splendidly as the puppy found a wonderful home, was from a couple who had rescued a 6 month old Beagle puppy from being shot by her hunter owner as she did not display adequate hunting prowess. I am plainly asking of local hunters and their families: what are your current practices should you have dogs who "won't hunt?" Is there a means we could collaborate to find homes for these failed hunting dogs - who may then be very good house pets? The photo today is of the puppy whose life almost ended. Fall is coming - we had Beagles galore needing homes in the spring and I anticipate the same this fall, though many of these Beagles will be lost or abandoned in the hunt. What say you? No judgment here. Thanks for letting me know in a comment or to Silverwalk Hounds at semoMarketplace.

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Well said Bobbie! While I may not work with many hounds, I do have occasion to work with Sporting breeds that have not been considered adequate hunters. Just because a dog does not shine at field work, does not mean it won't excel at some other job or as a companion animal. Please do not simply throw these dogs away. Allow the rescues and shelters the opportuntity to evaluate and place these dogs in alternative homes or programs. You never know when that life you spare is the one that enhances the quality of life for a human in need.

-- Posted by Melanie Coy on Sun, Jul 25, 2010, at 12:44 PM

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