Believe it or not, many people still leave their dogs to live outside in this day and age - and I've been called upon to try and help. Though it might seem that a dog would be happy living outdoors, the reverse is actually true. Not only can dogs suffer from frostbite, heatstroke and dehydration but they can also suffer psychological damage and develop behavioral problems that stem from lack of companionship and social interaction. Dogs are, by nature, social animals who crave and thrive on human and animal companionship. Dogs destined to a life outdoors lack the social bonds that indoor family dogs have. While some argue that the reason they have a dog is to protect their home, the irony is - a dog who does not live in the home will not be likely to protect it since it isn't theirs.
Many of the calls that come into animal rescue and welfare organizations are calls about outdoor dogs. We feel such the need to rescue them from a life of isolation, extreme temperatures, loneliness and lack of companionship. While our dogs sleep curled up in a warm home on their fluffy dog beds and sometimes in ours we lie awake agonizing over how we can better the lives of those less fortunate. Unfortunately, the laws for animals only require that dogs who are kept outdoors are given the bare minimum. That includes appropriate shelter from weather, clean water and food. Love is, unfortunately, not part of those requirements.
Rescue organizations and well-run shelters will not adopt to any owner that doesn't intend to keep their dog as an indoor, family pet. Why? Because they want the best for the animals and they understand what the experts know.
The experts say it best, in author and canine behavior expert Pat Miller's 'The Great, Awful Outdoors' she explains why it isn't just nice to bring dogs indoor, it's crucial to their physical, mental and behavioral well-being.
Read more at the links below for excellent resources on how to help outdoor dogs, how to help bring outdoor dogs in and why leaving dogs outdoors is plain and simple no life for a dog.
We give them the love we can spare, the time we can spare. In return dogs have given us their absolute all. It is without a doubt the best deal man has ever made. -Roger Caras
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