Why would someone pay $1,000 for a puppy then abandon him weeks later?
That’s what happened to a so-called “designer” pup; a “Boggle” — Beagle/Boston Terrier mix — who was brought to the County’s Animal Services shelter in Carlsbad after the dog suffered a broken leg and was abandoned by an owner who couldn’t afford the veterinary costs.
Unfortunately, Animal Services has seen an increase in animals relinquished by owners because of various medical issues they can no longer afford. Many of the dogs are expensive puppies from pet shops touted as “designer breeds,” mixed-breed dogs like Parker whose high initial prices are no guarantee against future medical expenses.
“It’s a tragedy when people looking to add a new four-legged family member spend an exorbitant amount at a pet shop when County shelters are overcrowded with wonderful purebred and mixed-breed dogs that need homes,” said Dawn Danielson, Director of County Animal Services. “It’s an even greater tragedy during these tough economic times to see animals given up because owners can’t afford medical care for their pets. We’re so thankful we have the “Spirit Fund” to pay for extraordinary veterinary procedures for animals sheltered with the County.”
Parker (named after Parker Brothers, which makes the game Boggle) was brought to the shelter by a woman who said an acquaintance had left the injured pup on her porch. Animal Services contacted the original owner and learned the young man had paid $1,000 for the puppy at a Los Angeles pet store about two weeks earlier. The owner said the small dog had fallen off a couch, breaking a leg, and he couldn’t afford veterinary care, which included orthopedic surgery. He abandoned the dog where he thought it might find help.
Fortunately, once she arrived at the County shelter, Parker had surgery for her leg thanks to Animal Services’ “Spirit Fund.” Since it was established in 2008, the all-donation fund has helped hundreds of animals get specialty veterinary care to make them healthy and ready for adoption.
Parker is recovering with a foster parent and will be available for adoption in a few weeks. Adoption applications are on Animal Services’ website, www.sddac.com, under “Special Application.” They will be accepted through Nov. 15. For information on the Spirit Fund or Parker, visit the website or call 619-767-2675.
