Stories1 min(s) read
Published 17:00 23 Sep 2020 GMT
As the saying goes; a dog is for life, not just for Christmas.
In an ideal world, it would go without saying that you should never take it upon yourself to care for a dog - or any other animal companion for that matter - if you're not in the position to do so.
Essentially, if your lifestyle doesn't lend itself well to caring for a pet or you're not financially able to - you should refrain from getting one.
Related - This is the moment a man freed a dog locked inside a car during a heatwave:
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However, in these times of economic uncertainty, some people may be left with little choice but to give up a pet that they previously were in a position to look after.
In fact, recently, a German Shepherd/Australian Shepherd-cross was found tied to a tree in Indiana with a letter attached to her collar from her now-jobless owner.
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In the note, the owner explained that he had no choice but to give up the canine after the pandemic left him unemployed.
The poignant note reads:
"Hi, my name is Roadie. My dad lost his job and soon his home from COVID. Please pray for him and give him hope that I will find a good home.
"I was a rescued puppy from a litter of 10. I am half German Shepard, half Australian Shepard.
"I know basic commands like sit, lay down, shake, and rollover. I like to play and am full of energy. I love to chew on toys and tear them apart if it has a squeaker! I have been warmed and spayed. I also have my rabies shot.
"I was a spoiled girl, my dad gave me my own couch to lay on and my own memory foam bed. He also fed me steak, chicken, and rice. But my primary food was Iams lamb and rice.
"Please if you find me give me a good home and love. And maybe a friend! I love children and play well with other dogs. My dad lost his job and soon his home from COVID. Please pray for him and give him hope that I will find a good home!"
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It should be said, however, that even if you are faced with little choice but to give up your pet, you shouldn't - as Roadie's owner did - abandon it on the street.
In fact, Michael Delp, director of the Indiana animal shelter, told local network WTHR:
"It’s never a good idea to release an animal anywhere on its own.
"Roadie could have been struck by a vehicle, could have been attacked by wolves or coyotes. So call your local shelter."
Sadly, situations like Roadie's are becoming increasingly common.
Speaking to ABC, Dogs’ Refuge Home general manager Kristi Treadgold said: "We are noticing that our surrenders are increasing, probably because of that financial uncertainty.
"People are maybe not able to afford their dogs anymore so the amount of calls we are taking for dogs to be rehomed is increasing.
"If you can help us … to help more dogs, please do so by coming in to adopt and spending that time that you have got at home to put into the dog."
