Mr. Tan Man spent two years in a South Carolina “no kill” shelter - most of it living outdoors. Located on a dirt road with farm animals wandering around, it wasn’t like a typical shelter. The folks running it were very passionate about animal rescue and had taken good care of him, but they required vet references and a home visit before we could become his “guardians.” Requirements like this - or that adopters have fenced yards, be home during the day, etc. - are why dogs languish. #DogsOfCoSo
@InvaderGzim Leaving a dog in a fenced yard in the Carolinas means that they face many perils from the lowly mosquito to the copperhead snake to the chompy alligator. I take each of my two dogs on at least a mile walk every single day, rain or shine.
@cassandra17lina @InvaderGzim The boxer rescue group we used requires a fenced yard but they are careful not to adopt to anyone intending to leave them outside unattended.
Leaving dogs outside in a fenced yard is much worse than keeping them crated when unattended but giving plenty of exercise.
I do think some breeds are too big or energetic to consider for an apartment.