Shelter Misconceptions

I've noticed while out talking with the public that there are many misconceptions about dogs facing euthanasia.  Most people think that there is actually something wrong with these dogs.  They believe that they are old, aggressive or sick.  Perhaps it's easier for people to accept euthanasia if they believe this, I really don't know.  I want to say that there is nothing wrong with the vast majority of these dogs.  Perfectly healthy dogs are euthanized every day in this country.  When shelters reach capacity and the incoming dogs keep coming, they have to make space for the new dogs.  At many of these shelters the dogs only get the 3-5 day stray hold mandated by law.  Once their stray hold falls off and they are not claimed, the shelter may need their kennel.  Guess what happens then?  A perfectly friendly, healthy adoptable dog is put to death.  I learned of a healthy litter of 8 week old puppies and their mother that was euthanized this week while we scrambled trying to find a foster.  This is what we face daily, there are so many that need our help.  Owner surrendered dogs face even less of a chance at adoption because there is no mandatory required hold time for them.  The shelter doesn't need to wait for an owner to come forward.  When an owner surrenders their dog, the owner is known and often times this can be a death sentence for the dog.  If the shelter is already at capacity, these poor dogs will never see the inside of a kennel at all.  They will be taken straight to the kill room.  I'm not trying to upset people, but this is the reality everyday for homeless animals.  There is nothing wrong with them and we need to do more to help them.