Understanding the Emotional Impact of Rehoming Dogs
"I don't want to keep the dog anymore, maybe I should give it away." Have you ever had this thought? Many dogs spend their entire lives devoted to just one owner. When they are abandoned or rehomed partway through their life, they often fall into deep anxiety and depression.
This is especially true for breeds like Chow Chows or elderly dogs. When forced to separate from their owners, these dogs may even refuse to eat for several consecutive days, struggling emotionally with the sudden change.
The Deep Emotional Bond Between Dogs and Their Owners
I once took care of a Chow Chow that had to be temporarily hospitalized and fostered elsewhere. Remarkably, the dog refused to eat or drink for a full three days and three nights—simply because it could not see its owner.
This behavior is not unique to Chow Chows; many older dogs exhibit an even stronger dependence on their owners. They will only eat when fed by their owner and refuse to eat when offered food by anyone else.
Such profound emotional attachment also highlights the immense psychological trauma that abandonment can cause for dogs.
The Heartbreaking Reality of Abandoned Dogs
What hurts the most is that some pet owners, after raising their dogs for several years, become "bored" with them, or choose to give their dogs away due to the high medical expenses, sometimes even abandoning them directly on the streets.
Observations show that most of these abandoned or rehomed dogs develop distorted personalities, suffer from long-term depression, and sometimes even refuse to eat.
Even when they arrive at new homes, they often require a very long time to adjust. "The dog may be happy in its new home, or the new owner might treat it exceptionally well, but most dogs remain unhappy, unless they find an especially caring adopter."
Important Considerations Before Owning a Pet
Before deciding to raise a pet, it is essential to think carefully. For example, if you are a student, you need to honestly ask yourself whether you have the ability to care for your pet throughout its entire life. If you are planning to get married and have children, you should also consider whether your family might pressure you to give the dog away.
It is crucial not to take on the responsibility of owning a dog—or a cat—lightly if you are unable to fulfill your commitments. If you find yourself unable to do so, it is better not to start at all. Once you begin, you must be prepared to provide lifelong companionship and care for your pet.
The Responsibility of Pet Ownership
Abandoning pets is truly a cruel act. My own dog came into my life unexpectedly, having been left behind by someone else. Even after caring for him for three years, he is still shy and fearful.
My dog was abandoned due to illness, and as a result, he suffers from severe separation anxiety throughout his life. If you're not fully prepared, please don't decide to have a dog or cat. Too many owners treat their pets as temporary toys, taking them in on a whim and then discarding them without thought.
There are many irresponsible people, both old and young, who lack understanding and empathy. Please don't act on impulse by getting a pet and then easily abandon it. This behavior is not only cruel but also extremely irresponsible.
