It makes me so mad when I hear about dogs abandoned on the roadside.I know there are reasons why people can not keep their dogs, but why can't they just take them to their local dog shelter, so the dogs at least get a chance to find a loving home.

I've heard that people do this because they are either to a shamed to admit they cant look after the dog or are to scared of getting reported etc by the people at the shelter.

I think its a shame it has to be this way as those dogs could get a loving family, but they are just not getting the chance!

I think most people abandon them in this way, because to be honest they couldn't care less.

I suppose in the long run, the good news is that at least they don't have a dog anymore. That is, if they don't rush out and get another cute puppy.

It's really sad to encounter a stray dog. We have found dogs that were abandoned up in the national forest. The previous owners didn't even care if these dogs were even cared for or found. My heart just breaks. You know the dogs must be thinking..where are they going? Why are they leaving me?

I know its horrible! I dont see how people can do it, it makes my eyes fill of water just thinking about it!

If only more people would take in resuced dogs and if people would LEAVE them in the first place!

I think anyone who abandons there dog and basically leaves it with intention that it might day should be imprisioned!

I cant stand people who abondon there dogs I think it is Highly Cruel!

I look at it as if you abondon a dog you abondon a baby!

Well you wouldnt ( well shouldnt) abondon a baby so why on earth a dog?

Its awfully horrible to think that people can leave there dogs & like you said Staffi Lover full well know they could die!

I also agree a prison sentence is the way to go as well as a BAN of ever owning any other animal!

I agree it’s terrible to abandon a pet. Has anyone here taken in a dog that was abandoned? I’m sure there are some great stories here…

I have 6 of them. And, because I prefer big dogs, all of mine are big. I posted all their bios in the Welcome Forum. After the 3rd one, I had to buy a farm in the country so I wouldn't be violating city ordinances.

I have been told that I have too many dogs. That there is no way one person can give 6 dogs the love and care they need. I say "Pooh!". Dogs are pack animals and this is natural for them. I will admit though that I'm about at my limit. Six big dogs cost a lot to feed. And trips to the vet get expensive when multiplied by 6 -- especially when one of them is old, arthritic, and has cancer.

They have hi-protein (26%) dry food available all the time, wet food at 6 p.m., pig's ear or rawhide after dinner, and sometimes homemade food or peanut butter/apple "cookies". All dogs are fixed, shot, chipped, wormed, and FrontLine'd. They have a large, treed, fenced-in back yard and a doggie door. They are trained by love, treats, and a spray bottle full of water for when they are bad and won't listen to me. They take turns sitting next to me on the couch to watch TV or sleeping in my bed (at the max and with careful arranging, 3 can sleep with me at a time in a queen sized bed. The rest have beds on the floor, another bedroom with a bed, or the couches in the front room. Cubby prefers sleeping on the floor in the hallway so he can guard everyone.). I have one of those hand-held showers just so that I can give them baths. I have shedding combs for the long haired and brushes for the short haired. Nails are the biggest problem for me.

There was only one that I did not keep. A pit bull that fought - and injured - my other dogs and it wasn't "finding her spot in the pack" type of fighting. Suki needed stitches and she drew blood on Maggie and Coco. She was perfect with humans - so sweet, submissive and obedient. But I couldn't have her stay here. Luckily, through the local Animal Shelter, I found her humans.

I don't understand why people gets animals and then just stops taking care of them its so sad but there are so many animals that gets done this way.

This post brought to mind Bart Simpson’s dog, Santa’s Little Helper. It’s one of my most favorite Simpsons’ episodes since it goes to show that even an anti-hero like Homer can truly care for his pet.