(picture linked from Examiner.com article)
Duchess was apparently been chained out back of her family's house for hours, barking, and the neighbors report that they did not see food and water out for her. She also had no shelter, and a neighbor is quoted as having seen the puppy try to dig a hole and crawl under a porch for shelter. For reference, it's been 90 in Ft. Lauderdale. When people approached the owners and said things to the effect of "hey, can we take your dog to the vet? Hey, she needs water and food", the owner said "It's just a dog" and told them to get off his property. (We already know how I feel about "just a dog" statements)
Police had visited the home once already, and took Duchess who animal control, who determined that she was in good health and released her to the owners. I'm not a medical professional, but when I saw the picture I linked above, I thought it was of a dead puppy. Not one who had a "tub of high quality food" inside for her. I don't know how you can look at that little girl and say there are "no signs of abuse", though apparently when a vet did see her, she wasn't gaining weight because she had hookworm (according to the NBC 6 video). They were displaying vaccination records, maybe somebody should've said "hey, we shouldn't see a dog's ribs, spine, and hips" and done a fecal. Also according to the video, straight from the owner's mouth, though a house dog Duchess was chained out back because she had a "discipline problem with barking". She's 8 weeks old, for God's sake. She's a baby. Puppies bark; do you put a baby outside for crying?
(pictures from Dogster article)
No dog deserves to be chained outside. There's a high correlation between dogs who are chained/tied up outside and bites, in fact. Obviously, this hits me hard, because I know Elka doesn't want to be outside without us. I tried to get her to go outside and potty without me once during the winter; she'll stand in the middle of the yard and bark at the house. Dobermans want to be with their people. I'd risk making the assumption that most dogs do.
Duchess does look like a sweetie (though somebody needs to clean hear ears up; they were cropped, and clearly have gluey stuff from tape all over them in the NBC 6 video.) I hope she has a good and happy life, and those nasty hookworms are taken care of.
I cross my paws for Duchess and the other dog. People like this shouldn't have animals, except fleas an lice. I could crie when I see such pictures.
ReplyDeleteI agree, some people really shouldn't have animals. I think these particular people have kids, too? That frightens me. But, kids ARE people, so maybe that's the difference.
DeleteThe first time I saw that photo I thought I was looking at a dead dog too. There are people who just should not own dogs when they think they are giving them the best care and have no idea what they are doing.
ReplyDeleteI think owner education is really important. Since dogs are "just" dogs, and "just" products, there's only so much education and research that some people go into when they make their purchase.
DeleteGosh, some humans could be frightening. Paws crossed for the pups
ReplyDeleteBenny & Lily
yes, I really hope everything turns out well for the pups involved.
DeleteYou may have seen this:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/broward/fort-lauderdale/fl-skinny-dog-owners-arrested-20130905,0,4257319.story
I didn't read that one. Arrested for child abuse, among other things. I hope that poor baby is safe now, too.
DeleteI'll ride shotgun, Ruby....
ReplyDeleteI sure hope that sweet dog is in a better place, being pampered, now.
ReplyDeleteIt's so sad that the human race can be comprised of scary, horrible idiots! So sad that this crap is still going on in this day and age! Duchess deserves a much better life!
ReplyDeleteOh dear lord, I do hope Duchess is safe and taken care of now. It makes me wonder about people.
ReplyDelete