It’s Dog Dumping Season in Oklahoma–We Have to End this Cruel Trend

Oklahoma seems to be right on schedule for the annual cruel trend of dumping Christmas pets off in the country. If you live outside city limits, you know this story all too well.

During Christmas, many families will be so filled with joy that they'll add a four-legged member to the family. Most notably, a new family dog.

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The kids rejoice with excitement, there's a short spending spree on pet-related items, and in too many cases, by the time people realize how much work a puppy is, they'll drop them off on a dirt road out in the country not knowing what else to do.

It's a very cruel thing to do to a fellow living thing.

Just as the saying "There's no such thing as a free puppy" goes, by the time some realize it's a lot of work teaching and training a new pet, they're ready to give up. Or perhaps a change in the home happens.

A breakup. A family tragedy. Job loss. For any number of reasons, some people become so anxious about the future, they decide a pet won't be part of it. Without knowing what to do, or feeling anxious about public condemnation and judgment, instead of reaching out to find a new home for their pets, they'll drive out to the country and head home minus the dog.

I ran across this story of a guy who literally found two new Christmas puppies locked in their kennel on a random dirt country road in Central Oklahoma. If you look around the Facebook pages and groups, this same story is going to get told and retold hundreds of times over the next few months.

If you find yourself and your family in a situation where you need to rehome a pet, there's a better option. Hop on Facebook and explain the situation. 99% of the time, someone will offer up a loving forever home. You can also contact your local pet shelter, but that often ends in the death of the animal.

It's also worth mentioning that if your family is having trouble affording a new pet, abandoning them in Oklahoma is illegal. You can be charged with a misdemeanor that comes with a hefty fine. Reach out online, you'll find someone who wants your pet.