I wonder, do people who drop their pets off at high-intake shelters even know what they’re doing? No shelter can refuse taking your dog, but they can euthanize them and often do in a matter of days. Those days can be some of the most stressful, confusing and sad days of your dog’s life. Your dog will be sent to a loud, sensory-overloaded environment that no doubt will cause them to experience various levels of fear. At the very least, a dog’s fear will ensure a first impression with shelter staff is not a true one.
Take a look at this extremely handsome hunk, Harley! In January of 2018, Harley was surrendered by his owner the Manhattan ACC in New York. The reason given at the time of surrender was that she did not have the time for him…why in the world did she get a dog in the first place?
For those readers who are not familiar with this particular shelter, New York Center for Animal Care and Control is a non-profit agency contracted by the City of New York to house and care for any abandoned, relinquished, or homeless animal within the five boroughs. They are not permitted to turn any animal away for lack of space, creating a high kill facility. They euthanize an average of 20% of the animals it takes in, roughly 6,000 plus lives lost per year.
Poor Harley must have been so afraid after being abandoned at the shelter by those he thought loved him. This poor boy ended up on the kill list, scheduled to be euthanized. Thankfully after seeing such a wonderful dog was about to die due to no fault of his own, AmsterDog Rescue stepped in and pulled Harley to safety placing him in a loving foster home.
Sadly, Harley’s stay with his foster family revealed another issue not noted by his owner at the time of surrender, it seems Harley had separation anxiety, one the most common complaints of pet parents. Your dog is disruptive or destructive when left alone. They might urinate, defecate, bark, howl, chew, dig or try to escape. Separation anxiety is triggered when dogs become upset because of separation from their guardians, the people they’re attached to.
Why do dogs develop separation anxiety? There are many reasons, but some of the most common factors include: being returned to a shelter after an initial adoption, changes in the family’s makeup such as a death, a birth, or a child going off to college, major changes in a family’s routine like returning to work after a period of unemployment or after a summer break, even puppyhood trauma such as malnutrition or being shipped across the country. There is also a genetic component for some dogs that struggle to be alone, due to breeding or other genetic factors they are simply predisposed to isolation distress. No one is certain which category Harley falls into here, but it’s no wonder the shelter put him on the kill list.
Harley’s foster mom who was extremely dedicated to him told me that “He has separation anxiety and does cry when left alone. Our landlord kicked him out so we left too and brought him to my mother’s house. She has 2 old dogs and they really could not tolerate his energy and puppy-ness.”
Poor Harley had to go into boarding; this young boy has not had much stability in his short life and spends his days waiting. Being in boarding causes lack of exposure, people don’t go looking for a dog to adopt in boarding facilities, and no dog should spend a lengthy time in a boarding facility. A cage is no place for Harley to grow up, how long will he wait without the comforts of home? Someone out there must have room in their heart and home for Harley! My heart truly breaks for this boy.
Harley is just the complete package! He is a 1.5 year old, 40 pound Pocket Pittie with a gorgeous brindle coat. His foster Mom says he’s a cuddly boy, always looking to stay close to his people. He loves going on walks, and is friendly with both large and small breed dogs. He also previously lived with a cat. If you think getting along with both dogs and cats is great, he even loves children! Harley previously lived with an 11-year-old child and has graciously accepted petting from children he just meets. Like I stated COMPLETE package, and no interest? I am honestly dumbfounded!
Harley requires a savvy experienced owner who will give him the love, time patience and training he needs to help overcome his separation anxiety. Also a home with another confident dog who can handle his rough puppy play would be best. Harley is neutered, up to date on shots and micro-chipped.
Harley needs out of boarding NOW! He deserves a REAL, forever home with a family who will love and cherish him. There must be someone out there who is the perfect match for this beautiful brindle boy who is looking for a fresh start, he is hoping to find the love of his life!
Separation anxiety is not a reason to surrender a dog, nor a reason not to adopt a dog. You are getting a complete package here with all the information up front. He is such a sweetheart and he really needs a home. He is a HIGHLY adoptable dog that is sadly hidden away in boarding. We need to change this immediately! No excuses people, I need someone to step up here and open your heart and home to this beautiful boy! Harley will make an awesome companion to share your time with!
Dear family, friends, readers and followers, I need your help. We are a very important component in making Harley unforgettable, in helping to get him noticed! Help me help Harley by sharing this article with everyone you know and ask them to share too. Let’s get Harley’s name and face out in to the dog loving community so that one special person/family that is out there searching for him sees him and rushes to bring him home!
If you would like to meet this handsome fella, please contact AmsterDog at (917) 689-8414. He is the cutest little peanut you have ever seen!
To fill out an application please head over to:
http://amsterdog.org/adoptionfoster-application/
Be sure to head over to Adoption Central right here on Paws Give Me Purpose, share Harley and all the other Featured Dog Friday pups still in search of their forever homes.