Retired couple in their mid 60's goes out of town to visit daughter and grandkids. While away, they adopt a large breed puppy on an impulse. They came back and showed me the pup and I questioned them about the fact they are retired and want to travel, and tell them I think getting a pup was a bad idea.

One week later they phone me because the pup is sick at the vet after eating a toxic plant in the yard. Turns out the pup is in the yard all the time unattended, because he "gets into things in the house and smells". Pup survives ordeal and continues to live as a yard dog for the next 2.5yrs. I tried to convince the people to let the dog into the house because that's all he really wants, but they refuse.

The couple travels frequently and has someone feed the dog each day, but the dog is so bored it chews its way through the fence and becomes a regular visitor at the local elementary and high school where he plays with the children. The only high point in this dogs life is when the 5 grandchildren come to visit and play with him. But even then, he cries at the door when they all go inside again.

The couple suddenly decides the dog needs a more "active" home so they place a FREE to good home ad in their local paper. I find the ad and call offering them help placing the dog and screening any potential new homes. Too late they tell me, they were surprised at the huge volume of phone calls, and the dog already has a new home. Of course they had a ton of calls, I tell them, a free dog with no home check makes it too easy for anyone to get a dog. The couple then boasts to me how the dog went to a farm in Chilliwack, with lovely mountain views and a nice country house. Oh, and he has a nice outdoor "kennel" plus invisible fencing to keep him safe. I further explained that NO reputable rescue would EVER adopt to a home like this, and that is why they had so many phone calls.

So this poor pup, who adores playing with children and other dogs, is now a lonely yard dog again. He deserves so much better.

I wonder how long it will be before Barkley somehow escapes from this yard, and ends up at Chilliwack Animal Control? I will be watching though, and if/when he does and nobody claims him, that responsible couple in their 60's will get a bloody earful from me!!