What to do?!

[Dignity]

We all hate to see our particular breed(s) in a shelter environment. The shelter I used to volunteer for has a Pyrenees there named Tulip. Pyr's are not for everybody and I don't know if they have much information on the Pyr. The breed books they had didn't even have a Pyr in it ! My boyfriend says I'm over reacting and not to get involved... but I feel bad for this little girl because I know the screening process is not very great from the APL. A Pyr should have a fenced in yard because they like to wander. If they have kids and the kids want to play ball with a pyr, that's not what a pyr does. Pyr's aren't the best listeners when giving commands, they have a 'what's in it for me' attitude... ok enough of why they're not for everybody - here's what I'm wondering what I should do:

A) Stay out of it like my boyfriend says because I'm over reacting
B) Send the shelter a write up on Pyrs asking if they can post it on Tulip's cage
C) Contact the Pyr rescue I got Loki through
D) Both B and C

The concern comes from the fact I used to work there and I just can see somebody wandering in and taking Tulip home but not knowing what they just got themselves into.

http://www.petharbor.com/detail.asp?ID=A018177&LOCATION=CLVL&searchtype=ALL &friends=1&samaritans=1&nosuccess=0&rows=10&imght= 120&imgres=thumb&view=sysadm.v_animal_short&bgcolo r=CC99FF&text=ffffff&link=663399&alink=cc0000&font face=arial&fontsize=10&col_bg=663399&SBG=663399&zi p=44113&miles=50&shelterlist='CLVL'&where=type_DOG

[dobermom]

Both B and C!

Definately contact the rescue Loki came from!!! Perhaps you can even volunteer to transport if the need be.

I think an info sheet is also a good idea.

There are many ways to help dogs in need, and if everyone cared as much as you, these poor dogs would be much better off.

[HeavenlyJumper]

B & C. I think that as a Pyr lover you are obligated to help if you can, because you really understand the breed. It's only fair for whoever takes Tulip to know all they can. I think it's GREAT that you can help out. I hope that your rescue person can take her though. I think that would be best.

[pung-yo]

I agree, both B & C . The dog deserves to be in a home that is aware of the needs and habits ot the Pyr.

[Dax]

I like "B" the best. I would also suggest to the shelter that they do that for many of the breeds. Having a Breed Expectation Book is a wonderful thing especially if written by actual owners. You could even include your email addy (or that of the breed specific rescue) for more info or help.

[shanniesue2]

I would say to contact the rescue immediately. I wonder if putting up a fact sheet or talking to the shelter might make them a little more skeptical about whether or not she will get adopted out. Is it a no kill shelter? If it's a kill shelter, do you think that she might be more at risk of being put down if they view her as a dog that would be diffifult to adopt?

[Dignity]

Originally Posted by shanniesue2

I would say to contact the rescue immediately. I wonder if putting up a fact sheet or talking to the shelter might make them a little more skeptical about whether or not she will get adopted out. Is it a no kill shelter? If it's a kill shelter, do you think that she might be more at risk of being put down if they view her as a dog that would be diffifult to adopt?

They will put down animals that bite and have a deminished quality of life. IF the dog shows no aggression it's not a problem. Pyr's are fine, they don't really have people aggression, they might have dog aggression. Just a lot of people that go to the shelter want like a Golden Retriever/lab type dog.

[SalemWitchChild]

B and C. . Never hurts to try to educate!

[shanniesue2]

Originally Posted by Dignity

They will put down animals that bite and have a deminished quality of life. IF the dog shows no aggression it's not a problem. Pyr's are fine, they don't really have people aggression, they might have dog aggression. Just a lot of people that go to the shelter want like a Golden Retriever/lab type dog.

Oh good. I just didn't want to risk having a perfectly good dog be put down just because people don't understand it.

[Dignity]

Ok, this is my write up so far - does it sound too negative??

Is a Pyrenees right for you?

Pyrenees have a reputation of being ‘willful and stubborn’. They are great dogs for an experienced dog owner and not thought of to be the best breed for the first time owner because of their stubborn nature. Though the Pyrenees is a guard dog, it is gentle towards humans, however will need continuous socialization because of its size. There is much to consider when adopting a large breed.

Pyrenees were left alone in the mountains to tend to their flock. They have a strong will of their own because of this. They do not strive to please their owners such as many breeds do. Many Pyrenees find a simple game of fetch beneath them (they still love to play with other toys though such as kongs, nylabones and stuffed toys).

For a Pyrenees, a fenced in yard is preferred. This is a breed that likes to wander and many are escape artists because they feel it is their task to guard the world. If a Pyrenees comes up with a mission, it will try to complete the mission and disregard any command given. Because of this, they also are not good off leash either. When outside, they will need to be secured or they will run off (if no fence is available, you can use a leash).

Pyrenees are very intelligent. This intelligence is often thought of as stubbornness. They learn commands very easily, but often have the mentality of ‘what’s in it for me’. Because of this, training has to be made fun and it usually helps not to follow a routine when teaching commands. Because of their intelligence though, they are easy to house train because they do want to be close to their family.

Pyrenees general get along with other animals and love children. They are pretty docile and sometimes don’t appreciate the playfulness of some dogs. They generally do well with other animals such as cats and birds as well. Most Pyrenees will not do well with another same-gender Pyrenees though, some might not even do well with an opposite gender Pyrenees. Pyrenees accept children as part of their ‘flock’ and will protect them. Even though Pyrenees love to have children to play with, playtime should be supervised by an adult to make sure nobody is playing too rough.

Pyrenees shed all year round. They ‘blow coat’ two times a year – during this time shedding is overly excessive and they will need to be brushed at least once a day. During the rest of the year, a good brushing once a week should be sufficient.

Barking can be a problem with Pyrenees as many are night barkers. This is because they are trying to protect. When kept in a home, this shouldn’t be too much of a problem, just remember to be considerate towards neighbors.

Large breeds will also cost more in food and vet care. Because of a slow metabolism, Pyrenees do not eat as much as other large breeds, they generally eat about the same amount as a golden retriever. Because of their size, vet bills and medications will cost more than that of a smaller breed.

Pyrenees make wonderful companions. As with all dogs, they need a caring and understanding environment. As with any adoption, the whole family should be on-board and ready and willing to help out.