One shelter for senior dogs struggles to keep up with owner surrenders (2024)

ST. LOUIS — Over the past few years, some St. Louis area shelters have reported high intakes of dogs and being over capacity, and one shelter for senior dogs says it is struggling to keep up with the number of owner surrenders.

What You Need To Know

  • Thanks in part to its seniors assisting seniors program, Second Chance Ranch has an 80% adoption rate. Senior dogs are introduced to senior citizens who are not looking for a puppy with energy, but a mature dog who is already potty trained
  • The National Institutes of Healthreports thatinteracting with animals such as dogs has shown to decrease people’s stress levels and lower blood pressure
  • Cody Chekal, also a dog trainer at No Leash Needed, said his dog helped him while living in a small town in Iowa
  • When training a dog, Chekal and Bobbitt say to give lots of treats, praise, and to communicate positively

“It’s really the saddest thing ever,” said Tracy Rumpf, founder of Second Chance Ranch in High Ridge.

“Sometimes owners surrender their senior dogs when they’ve had them their whole life to an animal control because they just don’t want to deal with them not being able to walk very well or needing more medications.”

Second Chance Ranch has 25 senior dogs plus 15 with foster families. Vet bills cost about $15,000 per month, according to Rumpf.

“Senior dogs are expensive,” she said.

Dogs that are sick and/or need medical treatment will be taken care of until they are well enough to be adopted. If an owner who adopts a dog from the ranch cannot afford some of their pet’s medical bills, the organization will help financially, according to Rumpf.

For the dogs who are on hospice or have many health issues, they remain being cared for at the ranch.

“We give them that best life because when they need us the most, that’s when we are going to be there for them,” Rumpf said.

“They get love and care, and we have volunteers there 24/7,” she said.

Adoptions are free, however, applicants go through a screening process for approval.

Monetary donations can be made to Second Chance Ranch, as well as donations of preventative medications and grocery store gift cards.

“Everything really centers around getting our dogs as healthy as possible either to be adopted or to live their best life,” Rumpf said.

Thanks in part to its seniors assisting seniors program, Second Chance Ranch has an 80% adoption rate. Senior dogs are introduced to senior citizens who are not looking for a puppy with energy, but a mature dog who is already potty trained, according to Rumpf.

“We connect them to a dog who is a little bit more calm,” Rumpf said. “It’s been amazing.”

One person told Rumpf that she had little energy and would lie in bed all morning before adopting her dog from Second Chance Ranch.

“He gave her a new purpose,” Rumpf said. “That, to me, is amazing because we all need purpose in life and it was very rewarding.”

The National Institutes of Health reports that interacting with animals such as dogs has shown to decrease people’s stress levels and lower blood pressure.

Studies have also revealed that animals can boost a person’s mood, reduce loneliness and have increased feelings of social support.

“They do so much for me whether it be going on long walks or hanging out with me when it’s nighttime and lonely, keeping me comfortable and keeping me company,” said Emma Bobbitt, owner of two dogs and trainer at No Leash Needed in Lake St. Louis.

Cody Chekal, also a dog trainer at No Leash Needed, said his dog helped him while living in a small town in Iowa.

“Having my dog just got me through being alone,” he said. “Just getting to spend my time with him, it got me out, it got me social with my friends.”

Chekal added that dogs “get you through so many things in life—mental illness to getting you out and exercising and spending your time with ones you love.”

Bobbitt has been a trainer for four years and her dog, Luke, gives her a helping paw at work.

“He really helps me every day with training other dogs and loving on other people,” she said. “He is the biggest role model. He teaches dogs to be more neutral and to kind of calm down and shows them how to lie down for long periods of time.”

She added that dogs have taught her about unconditional love and that actions speak louder than words.

When training a dog, Chekal and Bobbitt say to give lots of treats, praise, and to communicate positively.

“We don’t want them to hate training,” Chekal said. “You can train them at any age, earlier is great.”

For more information about Second Chance Ranch, click here. For more information about No Leash Needed, click here.

One shelter for senior dogs struggles to keep up with owner surrenders (2024)

FAQs

What to do with a senior dog you can't keep? ›

If you really cannot keep your older dog, try a listing on PetFinder.com, an ad in your local newspaper, and flyers in your vet clinic, grooomer, pet supplies store, or anyplace animal lovers might gather. If you use these placement tools, however, please screen your potential adopters carefully.

What is the most common age for dogs to be surrendered? ›

Characteristics of Pets Being Relinquished

In addition to the reasons for relinquishment, the study collected data on the pets being relinquished. According to the study: The majority of the surrendered dogs (47.7%) and cats (40.3%) were between 5 months and 3 years of age.

What to do with a dog you can't keep? ›

Get help from shelters and rescue groups.

As a last resort, you may be able to surrender your pet to a local shelter or rescue organization. Each agency will have a different process for surrendering a pet to their care; learn more by visiting their website or by calling ahead.

How do dogs feel when surrendered? ›

The journey of a surrendered dog in a shelter is fraught with uncertainty and fear. Once separated from their owners, these animals often experience a profound sense of loss. They wait, day-after-day, for a familiar face that never returns.

How do I let go of my senior dog? ›

You could:
  1. ask the vet if you can keep a lock of hair – don't be embarrassed, vets actually get this one quite a lot.
  2. ask for a paw print from the pet crematorium or your vet.
  3. perform a ceremony, like a funeral, with all those who loved your dog.
  4. create a pet memorial.
  5. make a scrapbook of memories.

How long should a senior dog be left alone? ›

Puppies: one hour per every month of age (so a three month old puppy can wait three hours to pee) Adult dogs age one year and up: up to eight hours, but ideally no more than six. Senior dogs age eight and up: depending on size and health, anywhere from two to six hours.

Do dogs get sad when surrendered? ›

While dogs don't experience these emotions exactly the same way we humans do, they may feel anxiety and confusion over the new situation. In some cases, they might show symptoms resembling human depression. However, with proper cuddles, care, training, and attention in their new home, most dogs will be able to adjust.

How do you know when to put your dog down from old age? ›

He has lost interest in all or most of his favorite activities, such as going for walks, playing with toys or other pets, eating treats or soliciting attention and petting from family members. He cannot stand on his own or falls down when trying to walk. He has chronic labored breathing or coughing.

What is the most surrendered dog breed? ›

#1 American Pit Bull Terrier

Likewise, when an owner passes away or a pit bull accidently gets pregnant, the result is often surrender – through not fault of the dog! Nevertheless, pit bulls are intelligent, and they are highly trainable. They can make lovely pets… given the chance.

How traumatic is it for a dog to change owners? ›

In summary, changing owners can be a traumatic experience for dogs due to the disruption of their established routines and attachments. However, with patience, understanding, and a supportive environment, most dogs can successfully adjust to new caregivers and form new bonds.

When you can't handle your dog anymore? ›

The first thing you should do if you find you cannot take care of your pet is reach out and find them another loving home. Try your best to place them in a household where you know the people and you can be certain they will be treated kindly. Message your friends. Post on your family group.

What is too long to leave a dog? ›

A dog's need for companionship

The Dogs Trust, like the PDSA, recommends in their 'Beating Boredom' factsheet that a dog is not left for more than 4 hours a day.

What age are most dogs surrendered? ›

Dogs go through it, too. Sadly, adolescence is the period when most dogs are surrendered to shelters. In fact, the median age of dogs given up for adoption is 2. At age 2, dogs are no longer puppies, but they still have a great deal of energy.

Do dogs sense when they are going to be euthanized? ›

Why Won't Dogs Know They Are Dying During Euthanasia? Dogs won't know they are dying because the sedative will cause them fall into a deep sleep within minutes.

Do dogs remember being surrendered? ›

The short answer is yes, dogs can remember events and experiences, particularly those tied to strong emotions. When you adopt a new dog, you don't always know much about his background.

What to do with a dog you can't take care of no more? ›

Surrendering your pet to a shelter

If you are not able to find a home on your own, surrendering your pet to a humane society, animal rescue, or municipal animal shelter is a viable option. Most shelters require you to return pets to them rather than rehome on your own or surrender to a different shelter.

How to give an old dog away? ›

A service like Old Dog Haven's 'For Adoption By Owner' on the Old Dog Haven website, is a great option becauseit draws the 'eyes' of folks who are looking for an old dog. Also, ODH placement services will do the write up for your dog, based on the information that you provide.

Can no longer care for an elderly dog? ›

Talk to a vet.

Veterinarians have many resources at their disposal and can often help rehome pets. No-kill shelters can be a useful option, and there are many non-profit rescue organizations around the U.S. that will assist older adults in finding new homes for their animals.

Do older dogs adjust to new owners? ›

While most senior dogs are amazingly adaptable, your new dog will appreciate some quiet time to get to know you and other household members (humans and other pets). Introduce the new dog to other pets in the household individually, especially if you have two or more other dogs.

References

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