A dog is for life… Not just for lockdown.

Hi everyone! I am thrilled that so many of you enjoyed reading about our Center Parcs experience last week – even Center Parcs got in touch to say they were delighted that we enjoyed our time there with Niko!

As for this week… I don’t usually use this blog to climb aboard my soapbox (or at least I don’t think I do!), but I truly feel it is utterly imperative to use this platform to draw attention to a very sad, real issue that is currently taking place in the UK – the return of “lockdown dogs”.

In March 2021, it was estimated that, during the year since Covid had hit the UK, around 3.2 million households acquired a new pet, with a large proportion of these beings dogs. However, with 40% of new dog owners admitting that they had never previously planned on getting a dog, concerns are mounting about the implications of this as time goes on. As the Dogs Trust warns that up to 40,000 dogs could be at risk of abandonment in the fallout of the coronavirus crisis, it is so vitally important that we discuss this issue.

Undoubtedly, taking on a dog during this last year has been a perfect opportunity for many families, and the benefits of doing so are incredible – helping to tackle mental health issues, loneliness and accompanying exercise during these difficult lockdowns. Furthermore, undeniably, a vast amount of dogs have been adopted from rescue centres up and down the country, including from the adoption kennels which we volunteer for! Last year, they saw 137 greyhounds become adopted, compared to 70 during 2019! An amazing achievement!

However, with a small number already being recently returned to our centre (including one of our dear fosters), worries have surfaced about whether this may become a trend as life returns to some “normality”… It seems that many new dog owners may not have necessarily considered the long term implications of adding a dog to their family. For example, if they will need to return to work in the future or if they usually have a busy social/travel life when Covid isn’t affecting it. Suddenly, the idea of a ten-year (minimum) commitment to another soul in their house might seem overwhelming. As corny as it sounds, a dog is for life and not just for Christmas/lockdown/a time that is only deemed convenient…

So, that’s it. I hope I haven’t spouted off too much! I just want to leave you with some food-for-thought and this statistic: research from the famous Battersea Dogs & Cats Home predicts that we are likely to see an increase of up to 27% in dogs being abandoned post-lockdowns. I think it is fair to say that this is a major concern. Today, all I hope is that this short post just makes people think a little about how massive (and wonderful) taking on a new furry friend is… If you know someone who is having doubts about their new dog or struggling in some way, perhaps suggest different avenues that they could explore and prompt a conversation. Remember: your dog is a small part of your world, whereas you ARE your dog’s world.

Until next time!

Love and snoot kisses,

Berry x