another owner banned

anna · Old Hand

another owner banned

Lesley · Guru

That is a heartbreaking story. What happened to the dog? Any idea?

Siouxsie · Enlightened One

Another case of a so-called Dog loving nation. This banning from keeping dogs or animals astounds me, what stops anyone with this ban from going and getting another pet?

I also have quite strong about views on depression too, I have lived with depression for 10+ years and in that time I have always had my pets (4 dogs, 1 chinchilla, 1 hamster, and tropical fish) none have every been neglected or mistreated, as anyone that knows me, all my pets have been extremely well looked after. And as well as bringing up my beloved animals I have 4 year old twin girls.

I feel with regards to people saying they have depression as an excuse for doing something so diabolical is very lame.

And yes I agree, if more charities, breeders, organisation etc did checks like GAL do then the unsuitables would not be able to re-home these needy animals, but I would find it very sad if because of certain disabilities you wouldnt even be considered.

Siouxsie

-- Edited by Siouxsie at 09:49, 2005-10-20

-- Edited by Siouxsie at 09:50, 2005-10-20

Carol · Master

I agree with Siousxie,

Having depression should not stop people from being allowed to have pets, nor would it necessarily prevent them from being able to care for a pet as well as someone without depression could.

In fact, as far as my knowledge goes, exercise is in fact a good way of helping your body to combat bouts of depression so having a pet may actually help people to overcome their problems.

I find it deplorable that someone would use this as an excuse for illtreating an animal and I feel sorry for those suffering from depression as it can only serve to worsen the stigma of those suffering from mental health issues.

I do however also agree that the kennels that supplied the man with the dog should have been there to offer more support. Hopefully they will learn a lesson from this.

anna · Old Hand

lesley as far as i know the rspca have him.i could write to the paper and find out.as for the depression thing i think he was lying as u said walking lifts ur mood so the depression he said he suffered from is no excuse thats wot he was making out he was so down he neglected his dog and he thought the dog was getting fed 2 large bowl per day etc.

ill find out bout the wee soul when i can.

Calatria · Master

Hi Anna, I saw the article too. The dog's been rehomed, so a happy ending for a change.

Dave · Enlightened One

can anyone tell me what paper the saw the story in pls!!...

Calatria · Master

Dave, it was the Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser.

emma · Guru

These people always have an excuse, and that is exactly what it is an excuse. I don't know about depresssion but the person concerned certainly rings alarm bells with me re- mental health issues - a severe case of denial and projection if ever I saw one! I bet everything in his life is someone elses fault too!

I am like Siouxie, I too have had depression but my 2 dogs, 12 koi carp and two kids not to mention, confused, stroke recovering - mum were never neglected! I got better through dog walking, personal therapy and gardening. I got such help from therapy that I then trained for five years and am currently completing the counselling hours, in order to get my diploma.For me depression was positive, I realised that it was sent to tell me that I needed a change and wow did I change, for the better!

As Carol rightly points out, once again,another story is printed that gives mental health still more stigma. As you can probably tell animal cruelty and mental health are close to my heart too. Em x

Carol · Master

Emma,

I just wanted to applaud you. I love to hear of people who turn potential negatives into positives! You go for it!

p.s. Have you spotted the teacher yet?

emma · Guru

Carol,

Thank you for those kind words - it has been a battle back alright but I now consider myself to be a wounded healer. If I can give back a little of what I have taken then it makes me feel worthwhile, positive and valued.

Re P.S, I am sorry but you have lost me. I am tired and it has been a long day - enlightenment welcome!

E XX

Carol · Master

Sorry Em,

I just realised that my post had a bit of a 'teachery' tone to it, that's all. Tone wasn't intended, but the sentiments were.

emma · Guru

Carol, It doesn't sound teachery to me just good old common sense !

Between you and me, I am enjoying being more outspoken these days. I have been like a little mouse for years and now I am a totally different person. The look on other peoples faces is ...priceless.

I would recommend therapy to anyone lacking in self-esteem, it has changed me for the better, shy and retiring to......

opinionated!

Em

Teresa · Enlightened One

i, too, have received help for clinical depression and, in years gone by, my dogs were the only beings capable of helping me thru it. his excuse is pathetic and he should have been treated the same way he treated his dog. punishment should fit the crime !!

anna · Old Hand

dave if u want ill bring a copy with me to next walk if u dont get one sooner if u want.

good that the dogs found a home.

yes im another depression sufferer and now im opinionated if u dont like it then tuff i aint putting the u didnt hurt me mask on anymore.and thanx to my taylor im very happy she lifts my spirits when im feeling low she will come over and gives me loads of love n affection.

emma · Guru

Good for you Anna,

I'm so glad that you don't wear the mask anymore either, Em

Missy · Master

Congratulations to all those who have come out of the closet ! Its really hard sometimes to admit that you have had or still have some form of depression because of the stigma attached to it.

I too am a recovering depressive 15+ years. All I can say is that you never really get over depression but there are more good days now than bad.

I love my dogs and yes the dogs give you unconditional love, they can sense when you are feeling down and come and give you loads of hugs and kisses which makes you feel a whole lot better. Oh and the dogs don't talk back at you.

Depression isn't an excuse at all for mistreating an animal !

In fact I'd probably be more nutty without my pooches.

I am nolonger the little mouse and have grown into an opinionated and assertive person - otherwise known as GOBBY !

emma · Guru

Katrina,

Welcome to the recovering depressives club!

Isn't it amazing how many of us there are, and how our greys have helped us all!

Em X

Teresa · Enlightened One

Em, as you say its amazing how many of us there are. A few years ago, the only thing that made me get up in the morning was the needs of my dogs. I'd never be without a dog again !

Glad to hear we are all on the road to recovery

takecon · Master

Hi Everyone,

Dogs especially are great for helping improve and maintain good health. There are reams of statistics showing benefits - excercise, lower blood pressure etc etc greyhounds do seem to have a special affinity to their owners emotional /mental condition.

Have you read about the great work some greyhound rescue organisations are doing in USA. There are some State Penitentury Foster Greyhound Programmes. Greyhounds are fostered in prisons with hardened cons. They live in the prison and the hounds and have 2 cons looking after each one. They get loads of love, training and the best of care. It has done wonders reforming the cons many who are in for murder etc. It gives them hope, someone to care for and a sense of achievement - perhaps for first time in their lives.

When the hounds are found homes , new hounds start the in the prison. ( Think about all of that enclosed grass to run about on with 20 foot high fences.)

Check out the Web Sites Type in Greyhound Rescue USA loads of sites

Charles

greyluvver · GAL Membership Co-Ordinator

Yes, Charles I have seen this USA scheme on the TV with dogs but not greys. I could see the great benefits both for the dogs and the prisoners. Great idea!

Teresa · Enlightened One

this is partly why i think it's a good idea for children to grow up with pets. it gives them a sense of responsibility they wouldn't otherwise have.

of course, greyhounds are just perfect !!

Siouxsie · Enlightened One

Tree,

How true, I was always brought up with dogs in our house as well as other animals. And I have followed into my adulthood with the same, and when my twins were born we had our rescue lurcher 'Shakeera', we knew nothing about her background and how she would be with babies, but we obviously kept her and she was always wonderful with our girls.

Our girls will be 4 at the end of this month and they are really great with Saska and Zada as well as all other animals they come into contact with. Very caring and kind to all and that is because they have always been around animals.

emma · Guru

Tree and Siouxsie,

I couldn't agree more, I come from a family of animal lovers and grew up with 'Ben' an Old English Sheepdog.My Dad was always really into bird watching and he used to do what he could for injured birds. We often had birds in the house as well that needed feeding. I am ashamed to tell you that I have a tame blackbird, who much to my boys embarrassment I shout to come for food! (she lives outside) but comes when called.Her chicks -and I am sure she has far more broods than an ordinary bird are all raised on Red Mills Tracker (and she has been known to land in a greyhound bowl, sadly Charlie killed one of her chicks last year).

Adam is now 16 and Luke is 13 and they are typical nightmare teens in many ways but I can tell you one thing - neither of them would ever hurt an animal and they would go out of their way to help one. I helped save a hedgehog last year that the boys brought home covered in ticks.

I think that animals can help to promote empathy towards other people, as well as towards animals.Its just a shame these feelings don't extend, in my oldest sons case, towards his mother! lol. Em x