When should a pet be re-homed?

[BonBon]

I was just reading a heartwrenching post on Craigslist about a woman looking to find a new home for her 6 year old shih tzu, and I started wondering - what would possible make me think of re-homing one of my pups?

I see people giving all types of reasons for getting rid of their animals. Some seem selfish and petty, some very sad and legitimate. People say they're having a baby, got a new/second job, moving, death/illness in the family, getting married, getting divorced, don't have enough time to spend with their pet/pet needs more attention than they can give, etc.

In this posting I was just reading, the woman said she had recently been paralyzed in a car accident and could no longer even hold her pup, let alone walk it, groom it, feed it, etc. I cried when I read her story - she so obviously loved her baby and only wanted what was best for it.

What might make you consider re-homing your yorkie (or any pet)? If you don't have enough time for them, is re-homing the best thing to do? I feel torn on that question......do you leave them neglected and ignored, or do you send them off to an unfamiliar place hoping they'll have a better life?

[peachesmom1sc]

I have never give a pet away or rehomed one hubby saids if it comes here to live it stays for ever but that is just me and i have had all kinds of them i have even had lil squirrel monkeys

[babbsiam44]

Originally Posted by BonBon

I was just reading a heartwrenching post on Craigslist about a woman looking to find a new home for her 6 year old shih tzu, and I started wondering - what would possible make me think of re-homing one of my pups?

I see people giving all types of reasons for getting rid of their animals. Some seem selfish and petty, some very sad and legitimate. People say they're having a baby, got a new/second job, moving, death/illness in the family, getting married, getting divorced, don't have enough time to spend with their pet/pet needs more attention than they can give, etc.

In this posting I was just reading, the woman said she had recently been paralyzed in a car accident and could no longer even hold her pup, let alone walk it, groom it, feed it, etc. I cried when I read her story - she so obviously loved her baby and only wanted what was best for it.

What might make you consider re-homing your yorkie (or any pet)? If you don't have enough time for them, is re-homing the best thing to do? I feel torn on that question......do you leave them neglected and ignored, or do you send them off to an unfamiliar place hoping they'll have a better life?

That is very sad. The end of your quote is very powerful. Now I am sitting putting myself in her position...something I never thought of before. May God bless her with a sound solution.

[SophieKatesMom]

Personally I would have a problem rehoming any of my pets but with that said I would not have Sophie Kate if my ex employee had not rehomed her (or willing gave her up when I kind of forced the issue).

I think sometimes people give up really easy on a pet, especially puppies because they forget that all the work that goes into having a pet. In those cases sometimes it better to rehome them not sure how I feel on this case.

I have known people who have had to rehome a pet from a relative that has passed, in both cases they were very selective to make sure the pet went to a home where it would be treated well. In one case it was a dog and they enlisted the help of a breed specific rescue to help them place her.

I have made it point to stop reading ads on Craigslist, they either make me really sad, or really angry.

[yorkieusa]

I can't imagine not being able to make time for a little one I brought into my home for a lifetime. I really believe it comes down to wanting to make time and preferring to do other things and putting the pet second.

[Rhetts_mama]

Personally, with the exception of a serious health problem that would physically prevent me from caring for the dog, I don't see any good reason for rehoming. Marriage/baby/move just doesn't cut it in my opinion. I wouldn't send one of my skin kids away for any of those reasons.

[lovespandp]

Thats a sad story, but I think it was best for the pet.


I had to re-home a yorkie I had. His name was Pigpen. He was out of control! At the time we had a small apt, Peanut did just fine. Peanut is the kind of dog that doesnt mind taking a walk, loves to hang out and sunggle. Pigpen on the other hand HAD to be walked (30 mins a day) or he would be bad, chew on everything, chew on baseboard, irritate Peanut... Dh and I felt that Pigpen needed more in life than what we had to offer him. I talked with DH and we felt it would be best to rehome him. I really didnt want to but I felt he wasnt happy. I found a family, Wife,Husband, 8 year old skin kid, and she had a 5 year old, and a 3 year old. She had a maltese but the maltese grew old and passed away. I went over to her house to see it and make sure it was safe, and I wanted to make sure the people were nice. After meeting them, I realized this is where Pigpen should be. They had a really nice gated backyard with grass, pool sandbox... it was really nice. I made the choice to rehome in to that family. She was also a stay at home Mom! They were so happy with him...They loved him as soon as they saw him. Which made me feel more comfortable.

About 3 months later, I went to go visit. I took Pnut with me and we went over there. He was so happy to see us, more Pnut than me LoL. He was like a different dog, he was trained to go pee outside, and not on pads, I could see he had a special bond with the oldest boy, I was sooooo happy on the choice I made. He was able to run around in the grass, and have someone throw his ball for him! He had 6 people to love him and care for him... All the attention in the world!!


I felt bad for what I did, I felt like it was my responsibility to make it work, and take care of him. I sometimes feel like I am a bad person for what I did, but I took several weeks to find the RIGHT family, to me it wasnt about selling him, it was about finding the right fit for his personality. I was the one that bought him, I was the one that picked him.. but I felt that he needed more in life ( if that makes sense) I look at it now and think that was the best choice for him. I know that he is happy now, so thats all that matters to me.

[BonBon]

Originally Posted by peachesmom1sc

I have never give a pet away or rehomed one hubby saids if it comes here to live it stays for ever but that is just me and i have had all kinds of them i have even had lil squirrel monkeys

Originally Posted by yorkieusa

I can't imagine not being able to make time for a little one I brought into my home for a lifetime. I really believe it comes down to wanting to make time and preferring to do other things and putting the pet second.

That's how I feel, too. For me, my yorkies are part of my family - they're my babies. I can't imagine suddenly deciding I just don't have time for them. I'm the one who decided to bring them into my home and I'm the one who took responsibility for them - not them.

This woman's story really hit me, though. It made start to think of what would happen if I couldn't (not wouldn't but COULDN"T) take care of my munchkins.

[BonBon]

Originally Posted by SophieKatesMom

Personally I would have a problem rehoming any of my pets but with that said I would not have Sophie Kate if my ex employee had not rehomed her (or willing gave her up when I kind of forced the issue).

I think sometimes people give up really easy on a pet, especially puppies because they forget that all the work that goes into having a pet. In those cases sometimes it better to rehome them not sure how I feel on this case.

That's so true!

[Lisa and Pic]

Oh, how awful about the lady on Craig's List. To me that is a valid reason.

I have really thought about this and I hope there would never be a reason I would have to rehome my girls, except for my own death. I have also made arrangements with a friend, in that case.

But, I know there are circumstances that just cannot be predicted. I have always thought that the weirdest things can happen.

Your question really makes me think, if nothing else. I am with you on the tears, hearing the lady's story about her accident and lack of ability in being a good pet owner.

[BonBon]

Originally Posted by lovespandp

Thats a sad story, but I think it was best for the pet.


I had to re-home a yorkie I had. His name was Pigpen. He was out of control! At the time we had a small apt, Peanut did just fine. Peanut is the kind of dog that doesnt mind taking a walk, loves to hang out and sunggle. Pigpen on the other hand HAD to be walked (30 mins a day) or he would be bad, chew on everything, chew on baseboard, irritate Peanut... Dh and I felt that Pigpen needed more in life than what we had to offer him. I talked with DH and we felt it would be best to rehome him. I really didnt want to but I felt he wasnt happy. I found a family, Wife,Husband, 8 year old skin kid, and she had a 5 year old, and a 3 year old. She had a maltese but the maltese grew old and passed away. I went over to her house to see it and make sure it was safe, and I wanted to make sure the people were nice. After meeting them, I realized this is where Pigpen should be. They had a really nice gated backyard with grass, pool sandbox... it was really nice. I made the choice to rehome in to that family. She was also a stay at home Mom! They were so happy with him...They loved him as soon as they saw him. Which made me feel more comfortable.

About 3 months later, I went to go visit. I took Pnut with me and we went over there. He was so happy to see us, more Pnut than me LoL. He was like a different dog, he was trained to go pee outside, and not on pads, I could see he had a special bond with the oldest boy, I was sooooo happy on the choice I made. He was able to run around in the grass, and have someone throw his ball for him! He had 6 people to love him and care for him... All the attention in the world!!


I felt bad for what I did, I felt like it was my responsibility to make it work, and take care of him. I sometimes feel like I am a bad person for what I did, but I took several weeks to find the RIGHT family, to me it wasnt about selling him, it was about finding the right fit for his personality. I was the one that bought him, I was the one that picked him.. but I felt that he needed more in life ( if that makes sense) I look at it now and think that was the best choice for him. I know that he is happy now, so thats all that matters to me.

Your post is really making me think, too. I just said something about responsibility and then I read your post. You make some excellent points, ones I hadn't really thought of before. What if the pet is unhappy and would do better in a different environment? Do they deserve that chance?

That must have been a very difficult decision for you, but it sounds like it was a good one for Pigpen and his new family.

[BonBon]

Originally Posted by Rhetts_mama

Personally, with the exception of a serious health problem that would physically prevent me from caring for the dog, I don't see any good reason for rehoming. Marriage/baby/move just doesn't cut it in my opinion. I wouldn't send one of my skin kids away for any of those reasons.

Originally Posted by Lisa and Pic

Oh, how awful about the lady on Craig's List. To me that is a valid reason.

I have really thought about this and I hope there would never be a reason I would have to rehome my girls, except for my own death. I have also made arrangements with a friend, in that case.

But, I know there are circumstances that just cannot be predicted. I have always thought that the weirdest things can happen.

Your question really makes me think, if nothing else. I am with you on the tears, hearing the lady's story about her accident and lack of ability in being a good pet owner.

I agree with you ladies. For me and my pups, given our situation, death/illness/severe injury are the only things that could make me part with them.

Lovespandp just made a good point though - what if you truly felt the change was in the pet's best interests like she did? I'm blessed to never have been in her situation.....I can't imagine how difficult that was for her to do.

[chachi]

I would rehome if I couldnt care for the animal in the manner that it needed to be cared for either emotionally or financially

[jltwigg10]

I do not know what kind of response I will get from others on here but I have rehomed a couple of my dogs. I actually cried when the people picked them up. I told them through my tears that I was okay I was just going to miss them. One was allergic to something in my yard. The vet told me that I could keep him on benadryl for the rest of his life and limit his time in the yard or be more humane and thoughtful of him and find him a home where he could live to the fullest. I trusted the vet. It took time but I did find that home. I also had a big dog that bite 2 of my sons friends. We had to pay the ER bill and all for one and the SPCA took him for a few days. We did not know it at the time but his friends were teasing him and spraying him with water when we were not home. That was why he went for them when they were within reach. I even had a trainer come over and see about working with him. She was actually the one who knew of a really great home for him. He has his own recliner style chair in his new home.

Having worked with rescues it would take something that I could not change like the situations above to make me rehome one of my babies. Mine are mine for life. I actually have 2 cats that I rescued because the owners no longer wanted them.

My heart does go out to this woman because she is already suffering and now apparently does not have a caregiver willing to help her enough so that she can keep her baby. Animals have awesome healing powers for our soul and spirit. It is sad that she will not be able to keep this little one that she obviously loves dearly.

[lovespandp]

Originally Posted by BonBon

Your post is really making me think, too. I just said something about responsibility and then I read your post. You make some excellent points, ones I hadn't really thought of before. What if the pet is unhappy and would do better in a different environment? Do they deserve that chance?

That must have been a very difficult decision for you, but it sounds like it was a good one for Pigpen and his new family.

It was very hard, for me. I loved him. I still get updates and pictures from his new family, They had to rename him Piglet bc the youngest wasn't able to say "pigpen" it came out as Piglet, so that was his new name. For the most part People pick Pets, Pets dont choose who they want to go with. If they are an active dog, and a nonactive family picks them, I think its kinda sad for the dog. Im not saying re home your pet, but I think sometimes it is best. In that case, But I think it should be done the right way. You should screen people, see their house, ask questions.. If you are going to do it make sure you do it the right way. I could have made more money than what I made on him, but it wasn't about that to me. It was making sure he would be taking care of, and making sure I don't have to worry about him. I don't, I know where he is at, I know he is loved and spoiled.

The best part of this family is knowing they wouldn't try to resell him. I told them that I had his papers, and they didn't even want the papers. Omg when they said that I was so happy! I was so worried of not finding him a good home. or have them trick me of being good people and then reselling him or something like that..

I think he did deserve a chance, I think he did deserve to be in a family, where I know he would excel in. Yes he was my choice and responsibility, but I also made sure he was going to a great home. Do I feel bad for re-homing him? Yes, but I feel better where he is at. So that's my take on rehoming.

I dont agree with rehoming but, if the dog you have can have a better life then I think you have to do what is best for the dog.