Editorial: Kudos to AWS (Printed Dec. 14, 2007)
It’s wonderful to hear that the 249 dogs and their
offspring seized from J’amie Kennels in Buxton this past August are
finding their way into loving and caring homes. We applaud the Animal
Welfare Society of West Kennebunk and the Animal Refuge League of
Westbrook for helping to nurse the ailing dogs back to health as well
as the loving families who came out in throngs willing to open their
homes to the neglected dogs.
While adopting a dog is wonderful, it’s also a big responsibility. The AWS is instituting a 24 hour waiting period for adoption of the pets so families can go home and really think about whether or not they’re up to the challenge of adopting a dog that has seen a lifetime of pain and suffering.
While most of the new puppies have been born since the seizure, many other dogs lived in cages and were neglected for long periods of time, subjected to life threatening diseases and not properly socialized. It’s these dogs that need the most love, but will also present the biggest challenge.
Adopting a dog under the best of circumstances can be challenging. Potty training can be frustrating and new owners need to understand the challenges they will face by opening their home to an un-socialized pet. Though the challenges are great, the rewards will be even greater as the dog learns to love and trust its new family. Many of these dogs have known terrible hardships in their short lives, and a caring home is the least they deserve.
It’s important for new owners to research the special needs and behavioral patterns of the breed they wish to bring home and the behaviors of an abused or neglected animal. A German shepherd will not behave the same way as an American Bulldog, and each dog’s needs must be addressed individually.
To the groups that saved the lives of these helpless animals, we commend you. To the people offering them loving homes, you are our heroes. We just hope this heartbreaking story results in many happy endings and the alleged offenders who neglected these creatures are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
While adopting a dog is wonderful, it’s also a big responsibility. The AWS is instituting a 24 hour waiting period for adoption of the pets so families can go home and really think about whether or not they’re up to the challenge of adopting a dog that has seen a lifetime of pain and suffering.
While most of the new puppies have been born since the seizure, many other dogs lived in cages and were neglected for long periods of time, subjected to life threatening diseases and not properly socialized. It’s these dogs that need the most love, but will also present the biggest challenge.
Adopting a dog under the best of circumstances can be challenging. Potty training can be frustrating and new owners need to understand the challenges they will face by opening their home to an un-socialized pet. Though the challenges are great, the rewards will be even greater as the dog learns to love and trust its new family. Many of these dogs have known terrible hardships in their short lives, and a caring home is the least they deserve.
It’s important for new owners to research the special needs and behavioral patterns of the breed they wish to bring home and the behaviors of an abused or neglected animal. A German shepherd will not behave the same way as an American Bulldog, and each dog’s needs must be addressed individually.
To the groups that saved the lives of these helpless animals, we commend you. To the people offering them loving homes, you are our heroes. We just hope this heartbreaking story results in many happy endings and the alleged offenders who neglected these creatures are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
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