Another Member of the Family

I read an article last week about two families feuding over the care of what they claimed was a beloved family pet.  As I read the article I found myself getting angrier and angrier at the disgusting and criminal behavior of these people. 

I am the proud owner of miniature dachshunds.  They are considered a toy breed in the dog world and if healthy should weigh somewhere between 7lb-12lbs depending on their heritage and bone structure. Some are naturally larger and some smaller, thus the 5lb range, but big or small they should fall in this window. Because of the long spine and the extra pressure this places on their internal organs, its important to keep Dachshunds at a healthy weight.  Granted age and hormone shifts after spay and neutering can effect the weight slightly but it is up to the owner of the dog to implement dietary restriction and changes to accommodate for the changes in the dogs health and weight as it ages. This is simple care for all breeds.

The dog in the story was a miniature dachshund and my heart broke for it.  The families were fighting over vet bills resulting from weight issues and problems the animal was experiencing because of it.  This poor animal weight over 24 lbs and was so heavy its little legs couldn't support it.  It had sores on its tummy and breast bone from dragging on the ground as it tried to move around.  There were internal problems with its digestive system and it had breathing complications.  In human terms it would be deemed morbid obesity, but in this case, the animal did not make itself this way, its human owners, those who claimed to love it did.

Animals don't go to the cupboard and make themselves a meal, they count on us to feed them.  They will eat whatever we provide and not waste it, they love their food, but it is up to us to feed them properly.  Is it funny to look at that really fat cat or dog and giggle at their struggle? Maybe for some, but if you really stop to think about what they are going through, maybe you wouldn't laugh. 

Its tragic that so many people claim that their pets are "BELOVED" members of their families, and yet for all intent and purpose, they are abusive and unkind.  They neglect the health and hygiene of their pet. They neglect their emotional and physical well being. The actions of these two families in regards to this poor dog, were absolutely criminal.  Now, neither of them want to pay the bills resulting from the health crisis THEY created. 

We have Child Protective Services, and need a more active route for our pets, Animal protective services.  There are activist groups and small factions who show interest but there really isn't a broad scope nation wide coordinated effort to protect these animals.  Did they starve the dog? Clearly not, but overfeeding and allowing it to reach a point of morbidity is as much neglect as not feeding it at all.

Some people simply shouldn't be pet owners, just as some people simply shouldn't be parents.  I think that before people are allowed to care for another living creature, human or animal, they should be required to pass certain psychological testing that demonstrates an ability for compassion, empathy, and selflessness. An ability to care beyond their own selfishness. And then, I think there should be site visits allowed periodically to check in on how things are going.  Doctor/Vet Appointments should be mandatory and Doctors/Vets should report anything that demonstrates a failure to administer and provide appropriate care.

It sounds extreme, I know, but maybe people would think twice before jumping in feet first to a commitment they are not ready for.  Maybe this poor animal who life span has been severely diminished would have stood a better chance if strict guidelines had been in place to protect it.  Maybe this poor creature, would have found a family where it was truly beloved.

It's not with a cruel heart that I withhold human scraps and fatty foods from my pets, it is with love, and care and a desire to have them happy and healthy and with me for as long as possible.