Quote Originally Posted by ChrisH
I only wish there was a rescue organisation equivalent to our Dogs Trust in your country, they evaluate and if a dog like Murphy cannot be re-homed they will spend the rest of their lives happily in their care. (I sponsor one such dog)
Actually, there is Best Friends Animal Society in Utah - they have many sanctuary animals that may live out their lives in their care if they can't find the right homes for them. Unfortunately, we have a lot more special needs animals than places for them.

I have to tell you that life in a cage doesn't sound very appealing to me. This dog will go from being a family pet in a house to living in a dog kennel. Almost any animal behaviorist will tell you that that is a lonely existence for a dog and causes many behavioral issues. There is the issue of "quality of life" that needs to be considered. I guarantee you that dogs that live outside or in kennels are easily forgotten (out of sight ... out of mind). They are going to have to make a serious commitment to continuing to either work with or rehome the dog and use the work kennel as a short term solution. Otherwise, they should do the right thing and take him to the vet, hold him, tell him they love him, and then quietly let him go.

JMHO