What a terrific project and what a great opportunity to educate the kids on the responsibilities of having a pet
Probably the most important fact they, and their families, should understand is that this is a commitment for the life-time of the dog (which is never long enough for the people who love them). In the last issue of the Yankee Golden Retriver Rescue newsletter there were some statistics that made me so mad. Between September and November 2002, 58 Goldens were adopted from YGRR, most of them turned to YGRR by their owners. In some cases there were legitimate reasons why people could not keep the dogs: illness, divorce, death, etc. But many of them were totaly irresponsible: "owner travels a lot," didn't he/she know that was his/her lifestyle? Another one: "she has six kids and it was too much to manage," well, didn't she know how much work it is to take care of so many children? The stories go on, and on, and on.
And these Goldens who end up at YGRR are the lucky ones because no matter how old or how sick they are, they are taken care of until a forever home is found for them.
Tell the kids of the millions of dogs who are put to sleep every year because they end up in a kill shelter, surrendered by owners who didn't live up to their responsibilities.
On behalf of all the pups who will have a better life because of your efforts, thank you!