Friday, July 25, 2008

Can anybody help?


There's probably something really wrong with me (no need to agree with that), but I often find myself feeling worse about bad things that happen to animals than about the bad things that happen to people. Such was the case Thursday night, when I was handling the story on the front of Friday's O-R about overcrowding at Washington Area Humane Society and learned about the plight of Wilbert. Wilbert, in case you didn't see the story, is a big old Lab mix who has the unfortunate distinction of having the longest tenure at the shelter - 14 months. The folks there say that Wilbert, who is about 7 years old, has been difficult to place because of his age (most people want puppies or young dogs) and because he's very rambunctious (most people want calm dogs). Also, after 14 months of rejection, he no longer shows interest when a prospective owner visits. I imagine that when someone does take Wilbert outside for a "test drive," he's probably out of control, having spent hours cooped up in a kennel. That's normal, but it also probably drives people away from him. I'm willing to bet, however, that Wilbert would be a different dog if he could find an owner who would give him a home with a big yard where he could run and some firm-but-gentle training. If I didn't already have three rambunctious dogs of my own, I'd be over there today to get him. Since I can't do it, can anybody out there give Wilbert a helping hand? You'll be rewarded with unconditional love, and who out there has enough of that?

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4 Comments:

Blogger Ellipses said...

Argh! That kills me... If I had the money, time, acreage, and facilities... I'd take every animal at the shelter... *sigh...

-ellipses

July 25, 2008 at 1:24 PM  
Blogger Brant said...

Me, too. There's only so much one person can do. I already have three dominant-personality male dogs. I'm always one weak moment away from being deposed as "pack leader." What really irks me are the people who don't have their animals "fixed" and contribute greatly to the overpopulation problem.

July 25, 2008 at 2:03 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

My wife and I are looking for a mid sized to smaller dog for our 2 year old. I personally, after beaing savagely attacked by a Great Dane when I was 7 am not too fond of dogs period. But I cannot stand to see them harmed, mistreated etc.

That said, I think the days where most people would prefer a larger dog are gone. Due to overcrowding, smaller parcels of land available, lawsuits, and fear for the welfare of their own children.

I know we will get a dog soon. And I think a lab would be grat to play with, go to the lake or rivers with my boat, camping and a presence in the house for protection if I am not at home. But the truth in logistics, it will be a smaller presence when its all said and done.

Brant, if people were more responsible with their own contraceptive issues or the lack thereof they would also be so with animals who need that help too.
I hope Wilbur finds a great home!!

July 26, 2008 at 9:51 AM  
Blogger Brant said...

Great news! My friend Debbie advised me that, according to the humane society Web site, Wilbert has been adopted. Let's hope he does well in his new home.

July 31, 2008 at 9:57 AM  

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