Article: DISCARDED DOGS TOO OFTEN, LAST YEAR'S DARLINGS BECOME THIS YEAR'S THROWAWAYS.(Lifestyle)

It's no trick that dog rescuers know each year which are the most popular breeds. It's simple deduction: 12 months later, the trendiest wind up in shelters.

``Owners discard them with a variety of excuses you wouldn't believe,'' says Scott VanValkenburg of PAWS (Progressive Animal Welfare Society).

``But the real reason - no matter what excuse is given - is that many dumping their yearling animals are disappointed their new pets didn't stay cute little puppies.''

VanValkenburg, an expert at predicting which dogs will swell shelters' populations each year, is director of the companion animal services at PAWS.

He says most of these ...

Related newspaper, magazine, and journal articles:

 
 
Newsweek Harper's Magazine The Washington Post Chicago Tribune Crain's Chicago Business PRNewswire Pediatric News The Nation Advertising Age The Economist (US) A FREE trial gives you access to over 80 million articles! Access over 6,500 publications with a FREE trial!