By Janet McAfee
Buttercup promises to greet you with a big kiss! I have visited beautiful tricolor Buttercup several times at our Riverside County Shelter in Thousand Palms, the Coachella Valley Animal Campus. This 1-yr-old Shepherd mix girl is loving, calm, and does well with the other large pup in her kennel. Big dogs are much more likely to end up in shelters and remain there for a longer time than small dogs and puppies. In past years shelters were often populated by pit bulls and Chihuahuas. These days Huskies and Shepherd mixes line the kennel walls of many public shelters.
THE ECONOMY IS FORCING MORE PEOPLE TO RELINQUISH ANIMALS – Rising prices and inflation means some families cannot afford veterinary bills and other expenses needed for their pets, particularly large size animals.
RISING RENTS AND HOME PRICES MEAN FEWER HOMES FOR ANIMALS – Some landlords are selling their rental properties to benefit from the current high home values. Sadly, some local HOA communities have a 30-pound weight restriction on dogs. Large dogs are usually not permitted in apartment rentals.
SPAYING AND NEUTERING WAS NOT CONSIDERED AN ESSENTIAL SERVICE DURING THE PANDEMIC – Due to the lack of this service, more animals were born and there are not enough homes for all of them. Big dogs have larger litters with more puppies.
COACHELLA VALLEY RESIDENTS PREFER SMALL DOGS – Retirees tend to prefer small dogs they can pick up and easily transport. Snowbirds may select a small pup that can travel in the passenger section on their airplane. We have lots of apartment dwellers whose landlords only allow small pets if any.
Having a large dog is not much different than owning a small dog except that they usually require a back yard. Big dogs are very smart and house train very quickly. I grew up with a German Shepherd named Boy who saved my life when I was a toddler, so it’s no surprise they are my favorite breed. They get their exercise running outside or in dog parks and are usually very calm snuggling with you indoors. Shepherds are loyal, hardworking, and often used for search and rescue and in police work.
Here’s another advantage of adopting a large dog like Buttercup. Burglars will skip your home when they hear the loud barking inside. They provide great protection for your family and your possessions. Large size dogs can work well for seniors as they are less likely to trip over them which may happen with small dogs underfoot.
Big dogs do not do well when confined in shelter kennels, and when they become ‘kennel stressed’ this reduces their chance of getting adopted. Buttercup arrived as a stray dog on November 6, 2024. Optimistic Buttercup still happily greets visitors with no signs of kennel stress.
Large dogs in foster homes benefit from the extra social media presence and networking by the private rescue. Being in a foster home helps dogs become happier and more social. Many adopters prefer to adopt dogs that are in foster homes, because the foster parent is an expert as to that dog’s personality.
Can you open your heart and your home to a large dog like Buttercup who deserves a second chance? Most large dogs are relatively calm inside the house and are content to lay happily at your feet. These brilliant magnificent creatures usually have an even temperament and are quick to learn commands.
Walk don’t run to the Riverside County shelter in Thousand Palms. Their modern spacious building is located at 72-050 Pet Land Place just off the Bob Hope exit from the 10 freeway. The shelter is open 10am to 4pm Monday through Saturday, with extended hours on Wednesday until 7pm. View their animals at www.rcdas.org. Ask to meet Buttercup, dog ID A1820934 in a private visiting room to see her wonderful personality. Fostering is also an option with more information and their application on the website.
Cheryl Honts volunteers to take beautiful photos of the shelter’s animals to promote them for adoption. She and her volunteer team took Buttercup’s beautiful photo.
Big dogs have big personalities and big hearts to love you. Buttercup promises to give gigantic hugs and colossal kisses!
