ARWNY
is a small group of volunteers dedicated to Akitas. We have transitioned
from hands-on rescue work, which we had done since the 1970s in a
variety of ways, to our new Akita-SOS program. Akita-SOS is a
national program dedicated to helping senior Akitas remain in
their home. We are the first national Akita senior surrender
prevention program. We are here to
offer financial assistance so the senior Akita can remain in their loving
home and still can assist with adoption advice, health education, temperament information, and training
guidelines for your Akita. If you own an Akita already, then the more help
we can offer, the less chance your Akita will end up in rescue. ARWNY does
not want YOUR Akita to end up a statistic!
We
have read the statistics about abandoned dogs and agree 110% that in nearly all
cases the dogs are not to blame! What are those statistics?
About half of all dogs
surrendered to shelters (42.8%) are not neutered. There's a certain amount of
aggression linked to hormones in intact dogs. It's not the dogs' fault; they
were programmed by nature to focus their entire existence on becoming alpha
because the alpha dogs breed. All rescued Akitas should be spayed or neutered
because they make much better companions. Neutering has a calming effect that
allows the dog to focus on its role within a human pack.
The majority of dogs handed over
to shelters were between the ages of 5 months to 3 years. By 5 months old
the dog should be trained to walk on a lead, sit, stay, and come when called.
It should be housebroken. Certainly by the age of 3, the dog should be spayed
or neutered. The statistics don't say for sure but we bet those dogs were
not trained and not sterilized.
Statistics claim
33% of all dogs turned into shelters had not been to a veterinarian. Again,
all dogs should be vet checked and brought up to date on health checks.
Dogs acquired
from friends were relinquished in higher numbers (31.4%) than any other source. Breeding your dog because you have "great homes" waiting for all the puppies is
NOT a reason to breed. We hate to say "we told you so," but the puppies
you gave away to your neighbors who admired your lovely Akita are probably
counted in these statistics.
We can and do
help Akitas but no one can save them all, there are too many.
If you happen to
have some loose change lying round, remember we are a legal 501(c)3 organization and need donations. Of course, that donation doesn't have to
be just money: healthy treats, all-natural holistic food, crates, blankets, telephone
calling cards, gas cards, new leashes and collars, gift certificates to pet
supply stores, etc. - ALL ARE WELCOME AND GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED!!
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