Hokay, so we've had Magic (Bear) for six months now. And we think he's happy. He certainly looks goofy enough to be either very happy or a very good doggy liar.
So this post is just to get everyone reading to think about rescue Maremmas.
I know from experience that many (if not all) of you help wherever possible to save them when you can.
But what do we know about the number of rescues in New Zealand per year? We may be looking at six a year, or is it twice that number?
We also know that the rescues are throughout New Zealand, and mostly centered around urban areas. Excessive barking and a lack of quality attention to their needs is almost always involved.
Can anyone here contribute to our knowledge of the problem? If talking to the breeders and sellers is needed, can we pinpoint specific areas of NZ which need some focus? Can we mitigate the risk of abandoned or surrendered dogs being put down through a stronger support network?
For those of you who haven't seen an abused or neglected Maremma - the image is of Magic just after we saved him from being put down.
He's the one in front. He's older than Kyle (in the background), yet weighed a quarter less. His fur was so far gone that we basically just saw his skin. His dew claws were like curved knives.
And all this was after he was very well looked after and cared for at a pound for six weeks.
It makes you think, doesn't it?
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
See Spot saved
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2 comments:
Hey there!! I think around 6x Maremmas have been rescued in NZ in the last 6 months and thats the ones we know of!!...hate to think of the ones we dont!!
Most Maremma owners (I hope!) have looked up all they can about the breed before they buy...as I was advised to do by the breeder I got 'Abe' from...as they are so different from other breeds...and I personally have fallen head over heels with those differences...the total independance...the absolute loyalty...and their look/size (that doesnt help!!)
I would also hope that the Breeders make sure that they are homing their pups to people who understand the needs/wants of these dogs...whether rural or urban...as you have shown sucessfully that if you understand...it can work!!
It doesnt help that these dogs look like adorable polar 'bear' pups because there will always be someone out there wanting to make a quick buck out of something so cute!!
Will be interested in anyone who has the solution or suggestions....as i havent come up with it YET!!
Hi, Lisa here (mrfixit51 on the trademe thread). Yes, it makes you think alright! I have a rescue boy; a well-meaning (or thoughtless, depending on how you look at it) mother went out and bought her daughter a puppy because she wanted to. 6 months later the daughter abandons the dog on a farm after they bonded of course and the poor wee soul was just devastated to say the least when she left. Luka is now happily ensconsed with us and progresses every day. He was obviously beaten and we now have him dealing positively with men in boots etc. and he no longer runs away from most people. Yet another reason why people should breed and desex their pups! I would support a NZ Maremma Club where we work to get all breeders on board and then educate as to WHY you have to home carefully etc.
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