SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WSBT) – Can you imagine returning the German Shepherd you and your family chose because the large dog is too big? Or because it has too much responsibility and requires daily walks and activities? Are you returning a healthy dog? Zookeepers at the South Bend shelter said these were the real reasons the animals were rescued and returned.
Veterinarians and adoption managers say adjusting and growing pains are not uncommon for new pets. It can take months for children to establish a routine and feel at home.
“It's like when you move to a foreign country and move in with your family and you don't speak the language and you don't know the customs. That must be very scary,” said veterinarian Dr. Mariah Kaberly.
Unfortunately, some of the animals here have not had a chance to get used to their new homes and families. Their owners adopt them and after a while they are taken back to the shelter.
“It's heartbreaking and there's a lot of emotion all around. It's a disappointment for the animals. They feel like they've failed, they're left alone, they feel abandoned. But I understand the compassion and… My heart breaks for the owners who have to surrender their animals,” said Lindsey Cuellar, animal manager at the South Bend Animal Resource Center.
Hundreds of animals will be returned in South Bend after 2022 because many can no longer afford pets, a Freedom of Information request reveals.
Unfortunately, many people are struggling financially. And I think that has a lot to do with their ability to care for the animals,” Cuellar said.
A request for information found that many of the animals were brought in for reasons including unsuitable housing, evictions, relocations and problems with their landlords. Divorce, separation, and personal issues were also major issues.
Adoption staff at the South Bend Animal Resource Center were receiving returns of large dogs such as pit bulls, German shepherds and Cane Corsos because they were too large for their owners.
“As you know, we specifically meet with prospective adopters to make sure everything goes well before sending the dogs home, and it just so happens that this is the dog they want. So something like that is definitely a little bit of a headache,” Cuellar said.
Other issues with returns include high-energy varieties requiring too much attention or being too much responsibility. Pets that have not been housed or toilet trained are also reasons why animals may be returned.
Dr Covey, an animal behavior expert, said he was not surprised by the return. She believes that people are not honest about their expectations and lifestyle.
“If you have a busy family, have limited mobility, or are a couch potato, know yourself and choose a pet that matches your energy level and lifestyle,” Dr. Covey said.
Dr. Covey said people can't even learn about the animal's behavior or the details of the animal's breed.
“People look at a dog and say, oh, I like the way that dog looks. I want that. I want George Clooney, but that doesn't mean we're going to live together.” “If you meet someone in person, you might not like them, so looks shouldn't be the only issue,” Dr. Covey said.
With intakes increasing and shelters at or near capacity, efforts to find forever homes for these animals have taken on new urgency.
“All the private rescues that have happened within St. Joe County, the St. Joe County Humane Society, the city of South Bend, the animal shelter St. Joe County Resource Center, you know, we're all struggling,” Cuellar said. Ta.
The biggest advice is to take your time and get used to each other.
“So I think if you're willing to give that animal time and space to process all the big emotions and big emotions, you're probably going to have more success,” Dr. Covey said.
If you feel your new pet is not a good fit, contact your veterinarian or adoption agency immediately for guidance. These can help manage training and behavioral issues, and ultimately rehome the animal and get you a pet that better fits your lifestyle.
