I visited the SGPA shelter yesterday. Agility practice was cancelled, so finally there was a Wednesday afternoon for visiting the shelter. It had to be Wed, because I read in the member magazine that an English lady volunteers in the office on Wed afternoons, and that meant guarantied English speaking advise on how I could help :)
I took the boys with me, something I could never had thought of doing in Singapore. Rekku stayed outside the buildings in the yard, tied to a fence. Valtteri came inside to learn about the shelter and took a little tour with me. There are dogs, cats and small mammals like guinea pigs at the shelter. Valtteri quite liked the guinea pigs ;)
The shelter is very different to what I had experienced in Asia. Luxurious even! There were big runs for the dogs to roam in, and all dogs got to go out for several hours everyday. However, nearly all of them were alone. And lonely. This big Doberman was 'beeping' continuously, such a sad sight. Shelter is always a shelter, and space does not make up for a family and a home.
I was told the situation is especially bad now before the summer. People call up the SGPA and say "I would like to give you my dog". When asked for reasons, they came up with all kind of explanations (allergy after having a dog for 8 years? Really?). Naturallly there are cases of owner passing away etc. too. What ever the reason, those that do take their dog to SGPA, have to fill up a form to pass on information about the dog to help with adoption. There is very little abandonment on the streets in Switzerland.
Unfortunately the SGPA website might not be up-to-date with the dogs looking for a home. I'm not sure this board was either, as I could see many more in the kennels. Perhaps some of them were till being evaluated. As the dogs come in, their temperament is tested with the help of a trainer that works with the SGPA. (Note to self: find out more about the assessment and any possible 'training plan' created for the dogs.) Before one can adopt, they have to either prove they have or have had a dog before, or take a short course on dogs and how to take care of them. This by law in Geneva canton. (The Swiss law on humane treatment of pet dogs is super cool! Prong collars forbidden!! More info e.g. at www.veterinaireonline.com/expat/dogs)
(Ps. As usual, click on the images to see them in full)
I took the boys with me, something I could never had thought of doing in Singapore. Rekku stayed outside the buildings in the yard, tied to a fence. Valtteri came inside to learn about the shelter and took a little tour with me. There are dogs, cats and small mammals like guinea pigs at the shelter. Valtteri quite liked the guinea pigs ;)
The shelter is very different to what I had experienced in Asia. Luxurious even! There were big runs for the dogs to roam in, and all dogs got to go out for several hours everyday. However, nearly all of them were alone. And lonely. This big Doberman was 'beeping' continuously, such a sad sight. Shelter is always a shelter, and space does not make up for a family and a home.
I was told the situation is especially bad now before the summer. People call up the SGPA and say "I would like to give you my dog". When asked for reasons, they came up with all kind of explanations (allergy after having a dog for 8 years? Really?). Naturallly there are cases of owner passing away etc. too. What ever the reason, those that do take their dog to SGPA, have to fill up a form to pass on information about the dog to help with adoption. There is very little abandonment on the streets in Switzerland.
Shelter work is regulated in Switzerland, and thus it is only certain people that can help inside the shelter with cleaning, feeding etc. The best way for people like me to help is to walk the dogs. Anyone can do that, and carrying a toddler on my back would not be a problem either I was told. In order to take a dog for a walk, one must arrive at the shelter between 2 and 4 pm and present an identity card (which is kept until the dog is returned). The carers working at the shelter will pick a suitable dog for walking. The dog must be back at the shelter by 4:30, as supper is served at 5.
Unfortunately the SGPA website might not be up-to-date with the dogs looking for a home. I'm not sure this board was either, as I could see many more in the kennels. Perhaps some of them were till being evaluated. As the dogs come in, their temperament is tested with the help of a trainer that works with the SGPA. (Note to self: find out more about the assessment and any possible 'training plan' created for the dogs.) Before one can adopt, they have to either prove they have or have had a dog before, or take a short course on dogs and how to take care of them. This by law in Geneva canton. (The Swiss law on humane treatment of pet dogs is super cool! Prong collars forbidden!! More info e.g. at www.veterinaireonline.com/expat/dogs)
Valtteri was getting restless in his pram so I could not stay and ask more questions about the running of the shelter or SGPA, fund raising, staff etc. Maybe another Wednesday. For now, I was welcomed to walk the dogs on Mondays or Tuedays, as those were days with least walker volunteers. Can't wait to start! :)
(Ps. As usual, click on the images to see them in full)
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