Pet abandonment has severe repercussions for both the community and the animals involved. When abandoned, dogs and cats are left to fend for themselves on the streets where they may experience hunger, thirst, injuries, and diseases. In addition to being distressed and perplexed because their owner has abandoned them alone in a strange location
The animals may pose a road safety risk if they run out in front of cars looking for their owner, which is a consequence of animal dumping that many people are frequently unaware of. They might be a “nuisance” to the neighborhood by looking for food, barking at other canines, or even biting someone out of fear.
The fate of abandoned pets is almost always tragic. While some animals are rescued by animal shelters, the authorities, or people who find them and take them in, many are not so fortunate and are forced to live on the streets in constant fear. When puppies and kittens are abandoned while still nursing, they almost always face certain death. Unwanted animals are probably thirsty, hungry, and exposed to harsh weather. They will eventually become ill and pass away without access to veterinary care, shelter, and food.
The overpopulation of stray animals caused by animals that are not neutered before being dumped will also be passed on to their offspring, who will grow up in the streets and struggle to survive.
Governmental and non-governmental organizations that care for surrendered and abandoned animals may experience financial hardship. Animal rescue groups and shelters frequently struggle to maintain their financial viability. They typically do not receive any government funds and are dependent on donations to provide the necessary care for unwanted animals, but this burden has increased as a result of people abandoning their animals during the Covid-19 Pandemic.
In addition to the financial aspect, many shelters eventually reach their limit in terms of the number of animals they can accept and may turn to euthanasia.
For some pet owners, giving up a pet can be extremely upsetting and have a lasting effect. It might cause an emotional crisis for the owner and their family. Children suffer the most when their pet is abruptly taken from them. Animal owners who give their pets up to animal shelters frequently experience guilt and shame, feeling as though they have failed and betrayed the pet who depended on and trusted them.
Today is one of many occasions when I draw on my own experiences when writing columns. Most residents in my park have pets. Halfway down the driveway as you enter my park, on the left, is a beautiful domestic long-haired cat’s home. They permit her to be inside, but they also allow her access to the outside. Of course, I do not approve of this. Cats kept outdoors live shorter lives as a result of illness and injury. Not to mention they can be a neighborhood nuisance. This kitty always hangs in her yard. I usually stop to say hello when I pass by while driving or walking the dogs, but I never did find out her name. I last saw a moving van at this house about a week ago, and the family moved. I didn’t think much other than how much I would miss my cat friend. Mother’s Day is today, and the weather is miserable, soggy, and rainy as I write this. I arrived at my park by car, and as I made my way down the street, I was startled to see this cat sitting in the rain and being soaked outside of her door. The family had left her behind! I had no idea. Since their relocation, I hadn’t seen her until now. I immediately stopped my car and walked to her. The kitty was so happy to see me. I peered inside the enclosed porch after opening the door. There was no sign that even a cat resided there. No food, no water. Nothing. Just some items left behind. The cat was crying and pleading with me to let her inside while I was still outside. OMG, it just broke my heart. I vowed to return and then got in my car to head home. I started looking for any extra food or water bowls that I might have. I was able to locate two bowls, so I brought food and water back to Kitty’s house. The kitty was not in sight. She emerged from hiding on the porch when I called to her (I had left the door to the enclosed porch open so she could escape the rain). I positioned the food and water while photographing the cat for Facebook. She was so ravenous that I was unable to even lift her head out of the bowl to take a photo of her lovely face. She is dry tonight and has a full stomach. My next strategy is to provide her with a cozy bed. Last but not least, I’m trying to find this adorable cat, my friend, a permanent home. She waits for her family to return home in the interim, like a devoted dog. I’m not aware of the private motives for this family’s move, but common reasons for leaving pets behind It can be challenging to locate alternative housing that will accept a pet, especially when combined with the stress of uprooting an entire family from their familiar home. Many landlords impose restrictions on the number, size, breed, and even species of pets, forcing families to make difficult decisions about their furry friends. Even if the new house allows pets, there are frequently significant deposits or additional costs. Since families going through foreclosure are already under a lot of financial strain, this could make things even worse. Speaking of financial difficulties, the expense of caring for pets is another frequent reason why owners abandon them. Adding supplies, a place to sleep, and food to an already tight monthly budget can be expensive. These costs may seem insurmountable and even more overwhelming if the animal requires veterinary attention. Due to this, owners frequently believe that leaving their pet behind is the best or only option. This is why I emphasize that getting a pet shouldn’t ever be a hasty decision. How abandonment affects specific pets Often, people are unaware of the wide range of emotions that animals, particularly domesticated dogs, cats, and other small animals, can feel. Pets can feel fear, pain, abandonment, and longing, among other emotions. When animals are left behind, they frequently experience confusion about being separated from the only family or “pack” they have ever known. In addition to the emotional toll, abandoned pets may suffer grave health consequences. Although both cats and dogs are capable of engaging in simple hunting techniques, many of these have diminished as a result of domestication. After years spent inside where the only hunting required was for a food dish, Fido or Fluffy have at the very least grown extremely inexperienced in bringing home their own food. Due to abandonment, many animals will starve or experience negative health effects from malnutrition. Last but not least, many owners won’t understand that abandoning their pets puts them in danger of dying. Even though it may seem obvious when animals are abandoned on the streets, this is still the case when their owners try to find new homes by using shelters. Due to severe overcrowding, many shelters must put down surrendered animals or animals brought in after being found wandering after only a few days. Pet abandonment can have a significant effect on local communities in addition to the effects on animals, making it a problem for the entire neighborhood. As previously stated, a growing issue is the overcrowding of animal shelters, rescues, and other humane organizations. These facilities require a significant amount of funding as well as volunteer labor. Even a slight increase in the number of abandoned pets in low-income or underdeveloped areas can significantly strain already scarce resources. A significant impact on the local wildlife population can also result from abandoning pets, particularly cats. Environmentalists are increasingly worried that as the number of feral cats rises, the number of native small animals and songbirds in communities is sharply declining. Pet abandonment has a significant and artificial impact on these complex and balanced ecosystems. Additionally, stray cats and dogs can infect other animals with diseases, placing a heavy burden on all pet owners. Where to find assistance Often, local shelters will have coupons for cheap food or veterinary care available, or they may be able to give contacts for private organizations that can assist. Pets can be kept off the streets by using additional resources like temporary boarding, private adoption, and fundraising. There are numerous people and resources available to help keep your cat, dog, or other pet in the arms of their devoted families or another loving home if you or your family are in need of assistance. Dog bless. Resource: Simon Campbell/lifeasahuman. com Judy Endo writes about pets. Contact her at judyendo@outlook. com.
Dogs don’t have a running narrative
Because we develop strong emotional connections with our pets, we naturally try to anticipate their reactions. Unfortunately, this means that we frequently force very human concepts and feelings upon our canine friends.
Those human concepts reflect the way we remember things. We experience events with one foot in the past and the other because our lives are a continuous narrative. Because of this, we may become fixated on missing things, people, or pets that aren’t currently with us.
Dogs don’t experience the present moment in the same way. Your dog lives in the moment, and it’s the only moment that matters to them. Because of how a dog’s brain works, their memory doesn’t put together a story.
By ‘story,’ we mean concurrent moments where one event follows the next. Therefore, most of what they feel depends on their working or short-term memory. At best, dogs have a working memory of about 2 minutes.
Where your dogs stay while you’re gone makes a difference
How secure your dog feels without you will determine how distressed your dog will be when you are gone. This will also depend on whether they are staying with a friend, boarding at a kennel, or being looked after at home.
At a kennel, there are many unfamiliar sounds and sights. A dog may seem to miss their owner while also feeling uneasy in unfamiliar surroundings.
Unless they frequently attend playdates and sleepovers, it is the same when they stay with a friend. Then, while they are living in the moment and having fun, they might not even notice that you are gone.
If someone looks after them at your home, that is likely where they will be the most comfortable. This is their own environment and a safe space. A well-adjusted dog will probably breeze through each day as if it were just another day in their life unless the caretaker makes abrupt changes to their routine.
Better still if your dog has known the caregiver since they were puppies!
It’s imperative that your dog bring a piece of their home with them if they have to stay somewhere else, such as their bed and possibly a piece of clothing with your scent. These gorgeous dog blankets are highly recommended because they will absorb the scent of your home and serve as your dog’s cozy, familiar blanket.
You can buy one here if you love them as much as I do!
Check out our article Will My Dog Remember Me? to learn more about whether or not your dog will recall you.
You might also be interested in reading: How soon after getting a puppy can you take a vacation.
FAQ
What do dogs feel when they get abandoned?
Pets can feel fear, pain, abandonment, and longing, among other emotions. When animals are left behind, they frequently experience confusion about being separated from the only family or “pack” they have ever known.
Are dogs sad when abandoned?
How abandonment affects specific pets Often, people are unaware of the wide range of emotions that animals, particularly domesticated dogs, cats, and other small animals, can feel. Pets can feel fear, pain, abandonment, and longing, among other emotions.
Do dogs think they are abandoned?
Your dog will probably look at you like you’re leaving forever whether you’re just popping off to the bathroom or going out for the day. When this happens, their eyes widen, they start to whimper, and they seem to be thinking that they will always be alone.
Are dogs scared of abandonment?
Because they are social animals, dogs hate being left alone. In actuality, dogs’ most prevalent phobia is separation anxiety. Although there are always exceptions to the rule, a dog generally prefers to be with her pack, which could include you, your family, other dogs, cats, or even birds.