Ms. Holmes and her husband Sean took Marcus in
Lucious Animal Rescue, an animal rescue center in Thirsk, North Yorkshire, said a woman wanted to put her two-year-old dog to sleep because he was barking. Lucy Holmes, who runs the centre, was first contacted by the woman, asking if she would take her dog Marcus, but had to turn him away as the center was full.
Ms. Holmes received a call two hours later from a local veterinarian and was told that the owner wanted to euthanize Marcus, citing his barking. The veterinarian declined the request to euthanize the dog.
In an interview with Ms. Holmes BBC Said, “It’s disgusting. I haven’t slept much because I’m still so angry. Dogs bark. That’s what they do.”
He said, “I told the owner that there was absolutely no need to euthanize Marcus. He just needed time and training.”
Ms Holmes and her husband Sean took Marcus in despite already sharing their home with nine other dogs and 34 kittens who are all looking for a home.
Ms Holmes shared about the incident in a lengthy post on Facebook. She wrote, “His owner contacted me to re-home him because… ‘When he’s out he barks at other dogs and people so he needs to be re-homed’ Marcus 2 years old is a patterdale x labrador. He was owner owner said… for 5 weeks. He is just settling in, learning his new environment and family, and at only 2 years old he will be overwhelmed and as well as acclimating to everything new. Barking is how dogs communicate, and express their fear, and excitement too. When I asked his owner what he would do to help overcome Marcus’s potentially nervous behavior, What was she training with him for, the answer was ‘She had nothing.’ I explained that I’m full at the moment but I’ll let her know when I have room to fit her.”
He continued, “2.5 hours later I get a call from a vet. Marcus was taken to the vet to be euthanized. To put him to sleep. To end his life because his owner couldn’t be bothered to give any time or training.” Him. Thankfully, the vets declined and called us. While they were there they spoke to their behavioral specialist, and offered the owner sessions to help Marcus – the owner declined. Killing him was the easy way to end his problem. So, of course, out of fear that the owner would then go to another vet and put her to sleep – I made room. I don’t have space, but I don’t have space. Marcus has been with us for less than half an hour. He sat down beside him, and very slowly took the feast. Met 6 dogs – enjoyed the sniffles and his tail hasn’t stopped wagging. He hasn’t barked yet.”
In his post, he also urged people to think carefully before getting a dog, “Too many people are getting pets without taking the time, and expecting them to be ‘perfect companions’ without actually spending anything. Take some responsibility and invest time in them, you chose them to be a part of your family. Stop destroying them because you can’t be bothered to help them. It’s not their fault. You are safe Marcus, and loved. You will never be treated like you.” So badly again, and I can promise.”
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