Houston, we have a problem. In fact, in Los Angeles, Dallas, London, and San Diego, we have a problem. As a Magazine based out of Texas, with British roots, we are keenly aware that the US and the UK euthanize more healthy dogs per capita than any other developed nations.
The problem stems from poor education, poor legislation, and in general, a broken culture of dog ownership.
Big issues like this aren’t solved overnight, so while we still have multiple parts of the world that need to seriously overhaul their strategies for solving this mess, private rescue and rehabilitation centers provide a much-needed relief valve from the city and town-run shelters.
For many towns and cities in both nations, live release rates are falling below a level that earns them the right to be called “no-kill shelters” (typically 90%+ live release rate in the United States)
Tammy works simple confidence-building exercises into walks
Even the size of the problem is poorly understood, with estimates of between 20,000 and 100,000 healthy dogs euthanized each year in the UK, and an astronomical 500K to 1MM dogs in the US.
Town, City, and County-level shelters all count euthanasia rates differently. For example, some cities do not get a performance “hit” for euthanizing a dog for behavior, but some do. Why the depressing intro?
Well, unfortunately, it’s necessary.
Dog owners in 2023 simply don’t seem to know what they are getting themselves into, and where dog ownership should be a 10-20-year commitment, people don’t all feel that way, with 60% of UK owners saying they would consider rehoming their dog for a changing life situation, such as a new baby.
One solution
While we wait for widespread legislative changes and education on responsible dog breeding and ownership, organizations like Precious Diamonds Rescue in Texas are filling the void.
In the farmland an hour north of Dallas, we found a true no-kill shelter, set up in 1999 with the hope of helping alleviate the overwhelming homeless dog problem in Dallas, TX.
The facility happens to be in Texas (a top two state for Euthanasia in the US along with California) but it could be on the outskirts of any major western city that currently has shelters bursting at the seams.
The name Precious Diamonds has a fantastic meaning behind it, Owner and founder Tammy Selvage believes that all physically healthy dogs can achieve adoptability with the right space, training, and responsibility on the part of the eventual adopter.
A long leash walk to gently direct progress
Tammy has seen it all over the past 25 years, from perfectly adoptable dogs that were about to be euthanized for space, to dogs that were surrendered for peeing in the house, to powerful breeds with bite histories that were deemed a lost cause by other trainers and behaviorists.
“We have never euthanized a dog for behavior, it simply isn’t necessary when there are no underlying medical causes for the behavior,” Tammy said during a recent visit from K9.
In a world where homeless dogs face uncertain futures; Precious Diamonds stands as a beacon of hope. Located on a sprawling 60+ acre piece of land in Anna, Texas, this sanctuary is dedicated to rehabilitating dogs that have no other options.
With space to home a large number of dogs, it’s hard to count how many thousands of dogs this beautiful ranch has saved.
Also, you would think the rescue would sound and feel chaotic, but the sheer size of the property and the way Tammy has the dogs housed strategically means that these dogs live in immense peace as they await their forever homes.
The farm your parents told you about
For many dogs, especially seniors and those with challenging histories of abuse, finding a forever family can be challenging. However, at Precious Diamonds, these dogs can be given a different kind of forever home.
Dogs that don’t get adopted for whatever reason, spend their remaining days in paradise, surrounded by open spaces, companionship, and the love of dedicated caregivers.
Tammy and the sanctuary she built is the real-life embodiment of the farm that parents notoriously tell children their dead pets have gone to! She offers that peaceful and fulfilling existence of scampering through the woods, except in reality this time.
It is still sad to reflect on the reality that dogs can stay in rescue until they die, but it highlights the true extent of work needed to rehome some dogs and should serve as a warning to wannabe dog owners concerning the time and energy it takes to maintain a well-behaved dog.
Those big Texas skies!
Tammy and her crew are extremely knowledgeable and experienced, but even when a dog is ready to be adopted, the issue of finding the right adopter still looms.
Tammy gave an example of a senior mixed breed with a bite history. “While Hank would be the perfect dog for many people, his age and history mean that he could spend the rest of his days here.” And that’s not so bad, he lives on 65 acres and gets lots of daily snuggles!
True rehabilitation
For the eventually adoptable, the core mission of Precious Diamonds is to provide a tranquil environment for dogs to receive steady behavior modification or other assistance.
Unlike traditional shelters, where stress can exacerbate behavioral issues, this sanctuary offers a serene setting where dogs can be effectively trained at their own pace.
Tammy’s approach ensures that each dog receives the individual attention and support necessary to become adoptable to the average family. Tammy believes all dogs in need of a home are potential diamonds that need a polish.
“We take in dogs that have been overlooked, abandoned, and deemed unadoptable. Our goal is to provide them with the love, care, and training they need to thrive. Every dog deserves a chance at life, and we are here to give them that opportunity.
It ain’t free
Imagine homing a senior dog for two years with no compensation until he is eventually adopted by someone looking for a lower-commitment, calm dog who needs a single pet household.
Then multiply that responsibly by hundreds of dogs per year. This is the harsh reality of what it takes, and private organizations should not be picking up the trash created by the public, but here we are. Thank goodness for the Tammys of the world.
At the sanctuary, dogs can learn how to be dogs again
Please take a look at their adoptable pets or consider donating to Pets for Adoption.
Wherever you are located, there are always opportunities to help your local rescue with a quick Google search!
Further education on the Homeless Dog Crisis
To fully understand the significance of Precious Diamonds’ work, it is essential to examine the broader issue of homeless dogs in the UK and the USA. The statistics paint a concerning picture of an oversupply of dogs and a shortage of responsible dog owners.
In both countries, we can argue about the details but the basics of the issue are clear; the homeless dog population is a result of poorly enforced and sub-standard breeding laws, combined with a lack of responsible dog ownership.
For those interested in educating themselves further, the Dog advocacy community “Dallas Love Bugs” has a succinct but comprehensive overview of the cultural changes needed to wipe out non-medical euthanasia.
Almost took this guy home
Take-Away
Precious Diamonds and many other rehabilitation centers across the world serve as a sanctuary of hope and compassion for dogs that have no other options.
Through dedication, skilled behavioralists, and calm space, dogs that would otherwise be euthanized receive the care and training necessary to become adoptable. And while some may never find a forever family, they are given the gift of living out their days in paradise on the ranch.
As we confront the homeless dog crisis, it is crucial to support organizations like Precious Diamonds and work towards a future where every dog has a chance at a loving home.
