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Health & Fitness

Double-Standards On Which Dog Can Live Is Just Plain Wrong

FAAS is at it again.

Two dogs. Both surrendered by their owner. Both fearful. One is a “fear biter” and one is not.

I present to you the facts, two behavioral assessments from FAAS:

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First, we have Spitz, a small mixed breed dog,  this is a plea posted on the shelter’s official facebook page:

"FAAS is asking for help with one of our more challenging shelter guests, Spitz. He was surrendered to the shelter by an owner who found him too challenging to live with and had too may[sic] animals. From day one he has been a very shy and fearful dog. He's come out of his shell and made some progress, however he has shown himself to be what is known as a "fear biter". If pushed beyond his comfort zone, he will snap and potentially bite. His owner had issues with him snapping at visitors to her home and Spitz is unable to be restrained by a vet for his vaccinations. FAAS has been unsuccessful in getting him into a rescue group because they are overwhelmed with requests from other shelters who have adoptable dogs with no behavioral or fear issues. He is a dog who will need one on one work with a behaviorist and will likely always need to be muzzled or sedated for vet exams. He needs more behavior wok [sic] than can be provided in a shelter environment. He gets along well with other dogs and is friendly and affectionate to those he knows and trusts. Anyone who adopts Spitz will need to sign a waiver stating they understand he has fear issues that will need to be addressed with a professional dog trainer. Please help Spitz get out of the shelter and find a hope [sic]. If you know of a recuse [sic] group or anyone that would want to adopt him please contact Diana Kimbrough at FAAS. Thank you."

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Second, we have Prada, an abused bully breed puppy. By the way, it should be noted that no such plea for help was sent out for Prada on FAAS’s facebook page, instead this was written to me in an email:

"[Prada] was brought to the shelter by [Alameda Police Department]. Her owner called them and said to come get this dog and that he didn't want her anymore. The officer who responded told us "anywhere is better than with that guy". Prada was very scared since day one and would growl at staff and volunteers. She is wary and mistrustful of people she does not know and does not show well in the kennels because of this. Once she knows you and trusts you, she is very playful and a typical high energy puppy. She really likes to play with toys and is great at entertaining herself.  She is iffy with other dogs and does show a propensity for dog aggression. This may improve if she is able to go to a knowledgeable dog foster to help her learn appropriate behaviors, or she may simply be a dog best suited to being an only pet. We had Prada evaluated by outside dog behaviorist Trish King CPDT CDBC who did not recommend we put her up for adoption."

Again, two dogs, both surrenders, both fearful. One is allowed a chance at adoption and therefore a chance to live. One is not.  

The abused puppy is "rescue only" pull or if no rescue steps up, she will be euthanized.

This is what I believe. I believe that both dogs should have the same opportunities and the same chance at having their lives spared. I believe that neither dog should be euthanized. I believe that if Spitz were a bully breed with these same "fear and behavioral issues" he would have been euthanized by now and the reason noted would have been "severe behavioral issues." I believe that both dogs should be afforded a chance to work with a behaviorist who understands fearful dogs and can patiently put in the time and care to rehabilitate them. I believe our shelter does not have the capacity or resources, nor has it ever had the capacity or resources to save either of these dogs and must either be transparent about that fact with its donors and the City of Alameda, or, and this is what I’ve been pushing for since day one, they must put a moratorium on killing any more animals due to behavioral issues until they do have the capacity to afford all dogs an equal chance at rehabilitation and adoptability, not just some.

As of now, Prada still waits for a rescue to save her. Time is running out for her so I have gone ahead and created a profile myself for our community to share. But again, FAAS sees her as a liability, so only rescues or "experienced fosters" can save her.

Here is her link: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.483508338431709.1073741826.283661291749749&type=1

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