I know that I will get flamed here, but all pet owners need to read this...

In recent months in both my building and on various sites that I chat, tons of people are giving away their pets. Reasons vary from person to person, but what bothers me the most is, if your child became too much work would you just give him/her away? I doubt it.

I have two dogs that are a TON of work and I work two jobs. I don't have children yet, but I did take care of my dying father for 3 years EVERY day and I still took care of my pets. Even though my time is limited EVERY day I just couldn't give them away.

When you adopt a pet or even buy a pet, you are making a commitment. Please honor that commitment and think carefully before you make that commitment. There are too many pets out there that are looking for love.

Re: I know that I will get flamed here, but all pet owners need to read this...

I Agree 1000%---that just drives me nuts!

Re: I know that I will get flamed here, but all pet owners need to read this...

No flames from me--I couldn't agree with you more.

Re: I know that I will get flamed here, but all pet owners need to read this...

I also agree 100%!!!!!
There's no reason to let a poor dog suffer just because you don't have the time. It just eats me up inside.

Re: I know that I will get flamed here, but all pet owners need to read this...

I am completely agree. But I would rather that they give the dog up then keep it.

Re: I know that I will get flamed here, but all pet owners need to read this...

i agree...we adopted our dog...so far as much as i love her she is a TERROR sometimes and has ruined alot of stuff...a lot of peaple i know say something like 'oh, she would be gone' un HELLO, she is our kid! i feel the same way as you....we cant give up our KID!

Re: I know that I will get flamed here, but all pet owners need to read this...

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Posted by WeddingsRock

In recent months in both my building and on various sites that I chat, tons of people are giving away their pets. Reasons vary from person to person, but what bothers me the most is, if your child became too much work would you just give him/her away? I doubt it.

I have two dogs that are a TON of work and I work two jobs. I don't have children yet, but I did take care of my dying father for 3 years EVERY day and I still took care of my pets. Even though my time is limited EVERY day I just couldn't give them away.

When you adopt a pet or even buy a pet, you are making a commitment. Please honor that commitment and think carefully before you make that commitment. There are too many pets out there that are looking for love.

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Couldn't agree with you more!! One of Dh's sister's is on her 3rd dog in the 7 years I have known her, she just gave the other 2 away. When she adopted this one last month I was like . I told him if she is just going to give away this one too we are taking her this time. Pisses me off to no end. Animals love their owners unconditionaly and when people are that heartless to just give them away they DON'T deserve the love that they have received from that pet.

The ONLY time I can see giving away a pet is:

1) Your CHILD is born and highly allergic
2) The dog goes after your child unprovoked

To me, otherwise you made the commitment, you should honor it!

Re: I know that I will get flamed here, but all pet owners need to read this...

i joke all the time about giving my little ***** cat away but i could never live without him....he's been a part of my life for almost 14 years.....that's half of my life! and even though he's caused me more pain than any other animal in the world and he terrorizes me....I love him for some odd reason

Re: I know that I will get flamed here, but all pet owners need to read this...

I agree....when we moved 1,000 mile away, we made sure wherever we moved to would accept our dog (it cost us $500) but we did it. I'd die without my Boo.

Re: I know that I will get flamed here, but all pet owners need to read this...

As much as it's terrible to give away a pet, it's better than just dumping him/her in the street. Two of my three cats were probably placed in the street- I found one in the area where I work. She had no collar but didn't have that look of a cat who'd been on the street from day one, and we were able to catch her. My other cat was found living out of a garbage bin, and he too had the look of a cat who'd had a home at one time (nice coat, healthy looking, tame, no collar). Maybe they both ran away, but I doubt it. That gets me really mad.

Re: I know that I will get flamed here, but all pet owners need to read this...

well, I just started a thread last night regarding looking for a home for my dog, so I guess this may have promted you to begin this string.
You cannot compare a child to an animal, If/when you have children you may feel differently. I never thouht I could love anything as much as I loved my dog and I sat in the labor room crying after I gave birth because I was so sad that I knew my dog would take the backseat since the baby would be first priority. Now that I have children my feelings of course have changed, animals are wonderful and I had a dog who was my EVERYTHING, but once kids come around there is no where near as much time to care for them and give them the EXACTLY what a dog thrives on. Of course most peope would not give up their children, but you absolutely cannot compare your child to your dog, it is such a different relationship.

Re: I know that I will get flamed here, but all pet owners need to read this...

I completely agree!! As much of a PIA that FHs dog is (mine is an angel ) I could never ever give her away!!! My parents gave away a dog that I had when I was young because it was too much for them and I was devasted... I could never do it.

Re: I know that I will get flamed here, but all pet owners need to read this...

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Posted by emilain

well, I just started a thread last night regarding looking for a home for my dog, so I guess this may have promted you to begin this string.
You cannot compare a child to an animal, If/when you have children you may feel differently. I never thouht I could love anything as much as I loved my dog and I sat in the labor room crying after I gave birth because I was so sad that I knew my dog would take the backseat since the baby would be first priority. Now that I have children my feelings of course have changed, animals are wonderful and I had a dog who was my EVERYTHING, but once kids come around there is no where near as much time to care for them and give them the EXACTLY what a dog thrives on. Of course most peope would not give up their children, but you absolutely cannot compare your child to your dog, it is such a different relationship.

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Sorry, but I have to agree with this

Re: I know that I will get flamed here, but all pet owners need to read this...

Just because you are giving a dog away does not mean that it is hurting the dog...sometimes it works out for the better. I got all my dogs except for one from rescue shelters and I would do it again in a heartbeat. I like to think that I am giving my dogs a much better life than what they would have gotten with their previous owners.

I had to leave my Mini Pin with my mom bc my LL will only let me have one dog according to our lease, and it was very hard for me. but I do not think it is fair to compare that to giving up a child. It is just a different kind of relationship

ETA: As a matter of fact, I have been looking to rescue a hairless chinese crested, because I think rescue dogs are special.....jmho.

Re: I know that I will get flamed here, but all pet owners need to read this...

I am not going to flame you. I love my dog and agree with you BUT I do think if someone finds that they really cannot care for their pet then it is more responsible to seek a better home than to just keep the pet and not give it the kind of quality life that it deserves.

Either way it is heartbreaking.

When my FH and I talk about having children and how out dog will react, FH says 'Guinness (our dog) was here first'. I can't tell my mother that one

Re: I know that I will get flamed here, but all pet owners need to read this...

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In recent months in both my building and on various sites that I chat, tons of people are giving away their pets.

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Aww that is soo sad. I get your point and agree that people need to be more responsible for their animals. What I hate are people who get a pet and then give them away for silly reasons. A child coming into the picture is a perfect reason why i gave away my pomeranian. BUt I made sure the new owners would allow me to visit from time to time..

So its all about the reason behind giving away a pet that determines if the owner is selfish or not. some people do it for silly reasons and others do it because they have no choice.

Re: I know that I will get flamed here, but all pet owners need to read this...

Hmmmmm interesting. I do believe that before you buy/adopt a pet you should know what your future plans are. I got my dog about 2 years ago and since they live to be about 14-15, i knew somewhere in that span of time i was going to be having children. So i knew the responsibility that i would be taking on. So i think for someone to say that oh i had kids now it is unfair, i can't do both...well i thik that is something you should have thought about or the very least the possibility before obtaining that dog.

BUT..to the people that just cannot do both and lets face it, we can't plan for everything..giving you dog away to a good home isn't a bad thing...Actually you are really loving that dog enough to give it away..And people do that all the time.. Young mothers that find themselves pregnant do give their child up for adoption because they know there is no way they can raise a child... IN FACT that is what all the prolifers preach...And i agree if you find yourself in a situation that you feel is neglectful or would be neglectful...it is wonderful that you can find a better home to someone who can!!!!!

Re: I know that I will get flamed here, but all pet owners need to read this...

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Hmmmmm interesting. I do believe that before you buy/adopt a pet you should know what your future plans are. I got my dog about 2 years ago and since they live to be about 14-15, i knew somewhere in that span of time i was going to be having children. So i knew the responsibility that i would be taking on. So i think for someone to say that oh i had kids now it is unfair, i can't do both...

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I agree and disagree with this statement. The reason being. ..We were going to keep our pomeranian but when we got pregnant, I ended up being hospitalized over 14 times and when I was home i was on bed rest. DH was constantly at the hospital. We didnt expect that I would have such a high risk pregnancy. It wasnt fair to our baby or our lil pup but 'faces' our pom was suffering and I couldnt bear that. The unfair part is people who just let them go on the street. At least the old owner is trying to be responsible and find a new responsible owner.

Re: I know that I will get flamed here, but all pet owners need to read this...

As I started this post, what I really wanted people to understand that adopting/buying an animal should be an investment of time. Many dogs do live until late teens. I just can't imagine investing 1, 2, -10 years and then giving the dog away because I don't have time. The irony is that as a teacher, I see this all the time with children as well. Parents who just don't have the time and the children get pushed to the side. I always ponder the question 'Why did you have them then?' and not all children brought into this world were not planned, so that excuse doesn't fly with me.

Overall, I think people in general need to take the time and think about the choices they make in their lives before jumping into them. JMO

Re: I know that I will get flamed here, but all pet owners need to read this...

Here are some scenarios tell me what you think?
A person has an entry level job that pays nothing but is able to spend alot of quality time with thier pet. They get a promotion and realize that they wont be able to spend that time with their beloved pet. So they look for a new caring owner. Is that wrong?

There are countles reasons why people do and I stand by my post. I rather someone who has a pet be reponsible in finding a new home for their beloved animal..its better than people who dont spay or neauter their dogs...thats one of the biggest reasons why animal shelters are over crowed.

Overall its sad to give up a pet and yes I agree about being responsible before getting pets, its less hurt on all parties involved.