You've read articles about the millions of unwanted pets that have to be put to death each year. A pet relinquished to a shelter may find a new home, but the majority of pets turned in to shelters are killed.
Most people looking for dogs at shelters want young, small, cuddly animals.
If a dog is older than three, is large, is shy or skittish around humans or other dogs, or growls at other dogs when it is eating, chances are that it will not find a new home, but will be killed to make room for more adoptable animals. Reasons people give for turning their pets over to a shelter include moving, landlord won't allow pet, too many animals, cost of pet maintenance, owner's personal problems, inadequate facilities, no time for pet, pet illness, allergies, house soiling, incompatible with other pets, biting. Owner ignorance populates shelters with abandoned dogs and cats Now, more than ever, people must recognize that having a dog in their lives is both a privilege and a responsibility. You must schedule the time to take your puppy to puppy classes. Family members should decide together what kind of animal they want, the amount of time they anticipate spending with it, and the amount of responsibility each person is willing to assume.