A dog is for life? please read if you are thinking of getting a pup

Tribulation

While I would usually agree with you regarding the landlord, I do know of one man who was homeless and had a dog that he treated superbly, always fed, looked well etc.

When the council housed him, they housed him in a place that wouldn't accept pets. He was devastated, but had he refused the flat, the council wouldn't have housed him anywhere else.

The neighbour across the street offered to take the dog in and he is now happily settled in his new home.

elsien

catkins wrote: »

My dog is so precious to me I could not imagine any circumstances that would make me give him up. I would just be heartbroken.

Although I agree with the sentiments, and my dog is my baby, I don't think anyone can ever know with 100% certainty what's around the corner. If I ever had a child, (god forbid!) the dog would have to go because she is dreadful with children and I could never be sure that she wouldn't jump over or knock down the baby gate, and when you're tired and stressed you cannot be vigilant all of the time.
I'd make sure she had a good home as far as I was able, but she would be very difficult to rehome because of her age and behaviour so a rescue centre might be the only option other than being put to sleep.
I completely agree with everything everyone has already said about thinking carefully about the commitment and knowing what you are taking on, and some of the reasons people give for not keeping pets are truly appalling, but life isn't always that black and white, and sometimes there are valid reasons for not being able to keep them.

catkins

elsien wrote: »

Although I agree with the sentiments, and my dog is my baby, I don't think anyone can ever know with 100% certainty what's around the corner. If I ever had a child, (god forbid!) the dog would have to go because she is dreadful with children and I could never be sure that she wouldn't jump over or knock down the baby gate, and when you're tired and stressed you cannot be vigilant all of the time.
I'd make sure she had a good home as far as I was able, but she would be very difficult to rehome because of her age and behaviour so a rescue centre might be the only option other than being put to sleep.
I completely agree with everything everyone has already said about thinking carefully about the commitment and knowing what you are taking on, and some of the reasons people give for not keeping pets are truly appalling, but life isn't always that black and white, and sometimes there are valid reasons for not being able to keep them.

I do agree totally. Although I cannot imagine giving my dog up because he also is my baby I do realise none of us know what the future holds. It would only be extreme circumstances that would make me give my dog away and then I would try and make sure it was someone I knew or, failing that, a really good rescue centre who would not put him to sleep.

Having spoken to lots of homeless people I know that unfortunately life does not always go your way. Most homeless people, contrary to popular opinion, did not choose to be homeless. Often their marriages broke up and/or their lost their job and then it is an easy downward spiral. God forbid I would ever end up homeless but I would try and keep my dog in those circumstances for company and protection but I know most hostels will not allow dogs so it is often a choice between a dog and a comfy bed and shower!

I certainly do not condemn everyone for getting rid of their dog but it just annoys me some of the feeble excuses people give. For some people the slightest reason and they get rid. I assume they would not do that with a child so why a dog? OK a dog is not a child but it should be part of your family.

Anyway rant over but, as I say, it upsets me to think of all those dogs and cats being dumped and waiting for homes that they will probably never get.

foreign_correspondent

Whilst I agree, that sadly, for some people circumstances may change so that giving the dog up becomes the best option, many people do seem to get a dog wthout really thinking about how it will fit in for the next 10-15 years of their lives...

If you think you may have kids in the next ten years, consider getting a dog carefully, likewise, if you live in rented accomodation, ensure the landlord has given written permission for a dog, and consider what may happen if you need to move....

Finally, however much we may empathise with those whose circumstances mean they have to give a dog up, this article states that The top reason given was that the owner simply ‘didn’t want’ the dog anymore

hethmar

Some people dont have a lifelong commitment to anything or anyone nowdays.

Im afraid large numbers of our society act impulsively "want" something, so have it with no thought of the outcome.

With12 year olds becoming fathers and people not even knowing which of a string of uncles their own dad is - what hope that area of society will have put any thought into the lifelong commitment a dog would be.

seven-day-weekend

Yes exactly hethmar,; if people don't consider marriages or having a baby to be important enough to be permanent or take seriously, why would they consider having a dog in any other way?

foreign_correspondent

... which is why education is important!

Some people make bad choices through naivety, impulsive choices or lack of knowledge... even the most sensible of people have been known to make mistakes from time to time ;-)

hethmar

I suppose we have to be grateful that the majority of people who "dont want" the dog any more do take them to a rescue. What always worries me is what happens to those who arent wanted but never get a chance to be rehomed.

Buttonmoons

Someone gave away their dog because it didn't match their sofa? Erm, I'm really confused by this, did the dog have to be walnut coloured or something?

Must admit, I did laugh at the David Bowie comment, in your link Dennis, can you just imagine?

Oh hello, I want to rehome my dog- Why? - It's freaking me out with it's different coloured eyes and reminds me of David Bowie!!

It's not a funny situation, but that comment is so daft it made me chuckle.

Errata

We shouldn't be amazed at the number of dogs that become superfluous. Most dogs live longer than the average length of a marriage and considerably longer than the average length of a living-together relationship. Two thirds of non resident parents are not in touch with their children.
We have a throwaway society - spouses, partners, kids, dogs.