The aftermath of lockdown puppies – sadly, many are now for sale or have been returned to shelters as owners realise the full responsibility of dog ownership

During the first lockdown because of the pandemic in the spring of 2020, many people sought the companionship of a new puppy, thinking it the ideal time to welcome a dog whilst at home for weeks that became months.

However, sadly, in the midst of another long lockdown in early 2021, we are seeing the fallout from the sometimes hasty decision to acquire a puppy without considering the full responsibilities of what owning a dog really means, financially and in the time required.

                                                An example of a Staffie for sale on Gumtree

The media reports many sad cases of dogs and puppies (and cats, too) either being returned to shelters, abandoned, or advertised for sale on social media or selling sites such as Gumtree by irresponsible owners who have tired of the novelty of their adopted companion, who offered the opportunity to get out of the house for walks. 

Prices for puppies increased rapidly last year, and people were prepared to pay huge sums for an ‘instant’ companion. Many shelters also stopped or reduced adoption during lockdown, making puppies more desirable. The other downside of this was an increase in ‘dog-napping’ as unscrupulous thieves sought to make quick money through the theft of desirable dogs.

It’s heartbreaking to see still-young dogs being re-advertised for sale, just months after they have settled into their ‘forever’ home that turned out to be anything but ... 

Adoption from shelters is to be commended, and shows the requirement for full understanding of what welcoming a dog into the household really means: it isn’t a decision to be taken lightly. Dogs can live for 15 or more years, require ongoing vet appointments, daily walking, training, feeding and toys. 

We hope that all of the rejected dogs and puppies find the kind and understanding homes that they deserve, where they are not a commodity but a loved and loyal member of the family.

                                            Scooby was abandoned in December © Daily Mail

First dogs (and first cat?) to return to The White House

Have you heard of DOTUS? It stands for ‘(first) dogs of the United States,’ and there will soon be two new canine residents in The White House. Of course, there are two important new human occupants, the dogs’ owners, President-in-waiting Joe Biden and First Lady Dr Jill Biden, who are due to move in from late January, and they will be accompanied by their pair of rescue German Shepherds, Champ and Major.

 

Champ and Major are the first four-legged occupants for four years, as Donald and Melania Trump did not have any pets. Such is the anticipation of these welcome new arrivals, that they already have their own Instagram account, first_dogs_usa, with 66.8k followers! Here’s a recent post featuring both of these very photogenic dogs:

 

 Copyright Instagram and first_dogs_usa

So what do we know about these new canine residents? Well, firstly, Champ is 12, and Major is two. Champ was adopted as a puppy from a shelter after Biden was elected vice-president in 2008. Younger Major was adopted from the Delaware Humane Association. Both are clearly very loved family members. Biden tweeted in October 2019, “It’s time we put a pet back in The White House,” no doubt knowing the power of winning round animal-lovers!

Copyright Instagram and first_dogs_usa

 Dr Jill Biden, pictured with Major and Champ on the dogs’ Instagram page.

  Interestingly, the first dogs may not be the only animal residents once the Bidens move in. Jill recently stated that she “loves having animals around the house,” and would “love to get a cat.” So we will watch with interest to see if there will be a new first cat (COFUS?), too!

Socks, pictured below, was the Clinton’s cat. Will there be a successor to follow in his feline footsteps? In the UK, we have Larry, the number 10 Downing Street cat, and Dilyn the Prime Minister’s rescue dog, who are no doubt hoping to see their US counterparts in position soon.

 

 Socks, the ‘first cat’ during the Clinton presidency in 1994

© ASSOCIATED PRESS / MARCY NIGHSWANDER

Larry and Dilyn, the current residents at no 10.