Sometimes those of us who rescue dogs, cats, and other animals are faced with serious disappointments–about humanity.  People on the front lines of rescue organizations often see the worst cases of abandonment, neglect, and abuse.  To those who rescue animals, it also means confronting the basic realities of people who quite often mistreat, misunderstand, or otherwise fail the animal that they work to rescue and re-home.

One rescuer had enough, and posted a “Found Dog” retort worth saving and sharing on craigslist:  “You aren’t looking for them, but I found them” has survived and been shared tens of thousands of times since its original post date.  Why?

Simply, because it strikes a resonant emotional chord with those who do care.  Strong language and biting humor aside, the post makes some great points about what kinds of care dogs need, and reminds the readers that’s it’s up to humans to live up to our end of the forever home bargain.

Prepare to be a good human to your good dog

Let’s think about how.  Supply a generous helping of time devoted to training, for starters.  (Dogs’ attention spans don’t require two hour sessions, so don’t panic.  Training sessions should generally be no longer than 15 minutes).  Above all else, before giving up or worse – abandoning – your canine pal, invest that needed time in working through the basics.

If obedience class or private sessions with a canine trainer, seem unavailable, look around!  Many local animal shelters now offer low cost obedience classes to the public (not just for people who adopt through them).  Additionally, sometimes trainers offer open sessions or resources on their webpages to get people (and pooches) started on the right track.

If you can’t commit to a regularly scheduled class or private lessons, check out the resources at a bookstore or library.  Positive reinforcement or rapport based training methods have shelves and shelves of titles… because dog training is very much about people learning.

Myrtle Says, “Don’t give up! Goo Goo it!”

Of course there are also many useful training tools and  tips available (for free and online at your fingertips!) from national rescue organizations that bring together easy methods and techniques.

Once you’ve spent some time working on the basics, check your progress. Review the “Urban Dog Etiquette” suggestions or the standards set by the AKC Canine Good Citizen Test.  For those who take the test with an evaluator, your dog’s basic temperament and training level is evaluated and a “responsible dog owner pledge” is required that declares you will meet your dog’s needs around health, exercise, training, and quality of life.  Whether or not you plan to take the test, prepare to be a good human to your good dog because that what makes a forever home!