The Square Dog - Dog Forums

trackdown · 09-18-2006, 08:00 PM

THE SQUARE DOG

They finally caught her. And then they killed her. Her demise was kept a secret because those who orchestrated her death were dodging unwanted publicity from the media.
My last image of “Square Dog” was the time I saw her scraping food from a road near the Square downtown with her teeth several months ago. She was the little red dog of unknown parentage and origin who scavenged food in our town. Those who loved the little mother for her pluck and irresistible ability to beg sandwiches and treats left bowls of food and water for her while she raised the puppies she kept hidden away under various downtown buildings.
The Square Dog traveled in the cold as well as the heat as she made her rounds for neighborhood handouts. Her safety was constantly threatened as she dodged traffic and aggressive measures to capture her.
As a trainer, I know that she would have been a challenge to socialize. But I also know that because she had developed the talent of careful begging from those she found enjoying a meal, she would have eventually been a loyal and grateful companion for some patient and understanding individual.
The Square dog is but one example of the fate that befalls millions of dogs (and cats) that are dumped or given away in supermarket parking lots or advertised in newspapers because people fail to accept the responsibility that goes with taking an animal as part of the family.
Too many times these puppies and kittens have no real value to their owners because they were “free.” There was no investment. The responsibility of animal ownership includes more than food and shelter. It includes adequate training, confinement to the animal’s own property and an investment to spay or neuter these “freebies.” Unfortunately, the propagation of more puppies and kittens, victims of irresponsible owners continues as these abandoned and neglected animals continue to be “throwaways.”
I always think of the “Square Dog” when I drive along the last place I saw her searching for food to feed her final unfortunate litter. She symbolizes the fate of far too many dogs and cats.

Rottweilerlvr · 09-21-2006, 12:49 AM

I found it ironic that I saw your post, as I picked up a female pitbull off the streets 3 weeks ago today. I made a video about Joy, and her story, like so many other dogs, I pray that it makes people think, especially about dumping their dogs and for those to be brave enough to pick them up and bring them home, dog willing, of course and kind of act like foster parents and do independent adoptions. It's just really sad, because like Joy, alot of these dogs have done nothing wrong and are really sweet and loving.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okui8vtWdNo

Sorry to hear about Square Dog, may he rest in peace! God Speed Square Dog!

SmoothCollieluver · 09-21-2006, 01:48 AM

I'm so sorry. That's a horrid truth of a instant satisfaction society. I don't know that even a $$$ investment makes people think of them as any more the property. I have seen plenty of puppy store puppies end up on craigs list or others for the mear fact that they did not know the breed or were not ready, willing, or able to handle the commitment. I have never paid for an animal in cash. I have worked for my show dogs from my breeder who is also my mentor and very good friend. But I value them as closely as I can to my own children. Not everyone should have pets, but not everyone realizes that untill it's too late. And all too often they dump then regret then purchase another to continue the cycle.

09-18-2006, 08:00 PM	#1
trackdown Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 6	The Square Dog THE SQUARE DOG They finally caught her. And then they killed her. Her demise was kept a secret because those who orchestrated her death were dodging unwanted publicity from the media. My last image of “Square Dog” was the time I saw her scraping food from a road near the Square downtown with her teeth several months ago. She was the little red dog of unknown parentage and origin who scavenged food in our town. Those who loved the little mother for her pluck and irresistible ability to beg sandwiches and treats left bowls of food and water for her while she raised the puppies she kept hidden away under various downtown buildings. The Square Dog traveled in the cold as well as the heat as she made her rounds for neighborhood handouts. Her safety was constantly threatened as she dodged traffic and aggressive measures to capture her. As a trainer, I know that she would have been a challenge to socialize. But I also know that because she had developed the talent of careful begging from those she found enjoying a meal, she would have eventually been a loyal and grateful companion for some patient and understanding individual. The Square dog is but one example of the fate that befalls millions of dogs (and cats) that are dumped or given away in supermarket parking lots or advertised in newspapers because people fail to accept the responsibility that goes with taking an animal as part of the family. Too many times these puppies and kittens have no real value to their owners because they were “free.” There was no investment. The responsibility of animal ownership includes more than food and shelter. It includes adequate training, confinement to the animal’s own property and an investment to spay or neuter these “freebies.” Unfortunately, the propagation of more puppies and kittens, victims of irresponsible owners continues as these abandoned and neglected animals continue to be “throwaways.” I always think of the “Square Dog” when I drive along the last place I saw her searching for food to feed her final unfortunate litter. She symbolizes the fate of far too many dogs and cats.

09-21-2006, 12:49 AM	#2
Rottweilerlvr Leader of the Pack Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 789	I found it ironic that I saw your post, as I picked up a female pitbull off the streets 3 weeks ago today. I made a video about Joy, and her story, like so many other dogs, I pray that it makes people think, especially about dumping their dogs and for those to be brave enough to pick them up and bring them home, dog willing, of course and kind of act like foster parents and do independent adoptions. It's just really sad, because like Joy, alot of these dogs have done nothing wrong and are really sweet and loving. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okui8vtWdNo Sorry to hear about Square Dog, may he rest in peace! God Speed Square Dog! __________________ Linnea Shirley ================== Countess Isabella de la Rosa, TT, CGC Riddick, Rescued Rottweiler The Fearless Cat, Mr. Kiki ================== Baxter "Always in my Heart" 01/03/00 - 09/07/07 Beloved Rottweiler

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09-21-2006, 01:48 AM	#3
SmoothCollieluver For the Love Of the Breed Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: a house Posts: 874	I'm so sorry. That's a horrid truth of a instant satisfaction society. I don't know that even a $$$ investment makes people think of them as any more the property. I have seen plenty of puppy store puppies end up on craigs list or others for the mear fact that they did not know the breed or were not ready, willing, or able to handle the commitment. I have never paid for an animal in cash. I have worked for my show dogs from my breeder who is also my mentor and very good friend. But I value them as closely as I can to my own children. Not everyone should have pets, but not everyone realizes that untill it's too late. And all too often they dump then regret then purchase another to continue the cycle.