


From working with Seeing Eye puppies in college, to seven years as veterinary technician, to thirty years as a professional dog trainer and an owner of purebreds and mixed breed rescues, I'd say I can look at this issue from many sides.

The ASPCA website has some pretty amazing nationwide statistics about ASPCA shelter dogs. Here are a few: approximately 3.9 million dogs enter shelters annually; each year close to 1.2 million dogs are euthanized; approximately 1.4 million shelter dogs are adopted each year. Of those dogs that enter shelters each year, approximately 35 percent are adopted, 31 percent are euthanized, and 26 percent of dogs who came in as strays are returned to their owner. And, it is estimated 25 percent of shelter dogs are purebred. (stats taken from:


I have to tell you, researching for this column breaks my dog lover's heart.

Why are there so many dog rescue organizations?

Why are there so many strays?

Why do so many dogs lose their lives much too young?



The answer to each of these questions is the same. Humans are to blame. Period. I drop my head in shame at the way "man's best friend" is often treated. And, as disheartening as this is, we could put almost every rescue or humane society out of business within one generation IF:

Every dog owner researched before purchasing or adopting;

Every dog owner chose the right dog for him or her;

Every pet dog was spayed/neutered at six months old;

Every person who purchased or adopted a dog committed to keep the dog;

Every dog was microchipped;

Every dog was obedience and boundary trained;

Every dog was respected and NOT A SINGLE dog was abused;

Every dog owner took ownership seriously and loved dogs for being dogs.

Contact Chandra Lynn Smith at or The Evening Sun, 37 Broadway, Hanover, PA 17331.

Also in this series

Part 2: Taking adoption seriously

Part 3: Strict guidelines hurt animals' chances of adoption

Read or Share this story: