Dog abandoned by owner because he barked too much — rescue gives him a second chance
By Mike-Ross
It is truly sad to see how some people just abandon their dogs for no good reason, such as minor health issues or simply because they are considered "too old." Even worse, some heartless owners go to the extent of trying to have their loyal pets euthanized.
One such heart-rending case involved a dog named Marcus, who faced the prospect of being put down by his owner merely because he barked too much. However, this sweet and innocent dog is now seeking a second chance at life.
Marcus, a 2-year-old patterdale terrier-lab mix, found refuge in Lucie's Animal Rescue, a compassionate UK-based nonprofit, after being surrendered by his previous owner. Shockingly, Marcus was given up after just five weeks due to his tendency to bark at other dogs and people. But now, he yearns for a loving home that will appreciate him for who he is.
https://www.facebook.com/luciesanimalrescue/posts/591771529801760?ref=embed_post
It was clear the owner had put no effort into understanding or correcting her dog’s behavior, and had even resorted to trying to have him euthanized at the vet, because she “could not be bothered to put any time or training into him.”
“Barking is how dogs communicate, and express their fears, and also excitement,” Lucie’s Animal Rescue wrote in a Facebook post. “When I asked his owner what training she had been doing with Marcus to help him overcome his possible nervous behaviour, the answer was ‘he’s had none.’”
A behaviorist even offered help, but the owner declined, still opting to have him put down just for barking.
“It’s disgusting. I have not been able to sleep much because I am still so angry. Dogs bark. It’s what they do,” rescue founder Lucie Holmes told BBC News.
Thankfully, he was not euthanized and instead taken in by the rescue. His new carers say that Marcus is a sweet and gentle dog. “He hasn’t barked yet,” the rescue wrote.
“You are safe Marcus, and loved. You will never be treated so badly again, and that I can promise.”
https://www.facebook.com/luciesanimalrescue/posts/591774566468123?ref=embed_post
The rescue wrote that Marcus has been socializing and making friends with other dogs, and despite his former owner’s issues, he only barks in a playful and non-aggressive way.
“I presume he’s been barking at other dogs because he wants to say hello and communicate with them…. Like all dogs do,” they wrote. “He is very nervous, and anxious but so nice for him to have some friends and more importantly…. Be a dog!”
Marcus has been receiving training, and the rescue says that he listens well and obeys commands. It is not clear if or when he will be up for adoption, but he is settling in well at the rescue.
https://www.facebook.com/luciesanimalrescue/posts/592843276361252?ref=embed_post
Lucie says that Marcus’ story is a reminder to dog owners that pets are a lifetime commitment requiring patience.
“You have to do your research and give dogs time to settle,” she told the BBC. “You wouldn’t take a toddler to nursery and expect him or her to be blissfully happy immediately.”
https://www.facebook.com/luciesanimalrescue/posts/592894459689467?ref=embed_post
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