Don't get a dog

This is a new campaign started in Atlanta. They have so many cases of abuse and neglect that they are now trying to make people stop and think before getting a dog. It's certainly a novel approach. Apparently all the pictures are of real dogs that were at their local humane society. Here are their main points.

Don't get a dog if........

You can not afford to take him to a vet when he gets sick or injured.

You can not afford dog food, a dog house, heartworm and flea prevention.

You can not afford annual rabies and parvo vaccinations.

You can not afford to spay or neuter him.

You do not have a stable living situation which allows dogs.

You do not have a stable job or income.

You don't plan to keep him inside and leash walk him or you don't have a secure fenced area.

You don't plan to socialize him to people and other pets and obedience train him.

You plan to leave him outside without much attention. Dogs who are left neglected outside become unhappy and cause barking problems or worse.

You are getting the dog just for your kids. You will be the one responsible for his care, so don't get a dog just because your son wants one.

You aren't committed to caring for him for his entire 10-15 year lifespan.

I think these are all great suggestions. I hope their campaign is very successful in decreasing abuse/neglect. Here's their site if you want to look at the rest of their info. www.dontgetadog.com