What's a NICE way to tell someone..A PET IS NOT FOR YOU!

[Tinksmygirl]

Originally Posted by yorkieusa

The best way is to be completely honest:

You didn't care for your first dog and when confronted with a problem, your option was "dumping" the poor dog to be left to his own devices. You are too immature to care properly for any pet. You work hours that would make it difficult for the pet to have a decent chance at being properly trained and cared for. A pet isn't for you. Period.

Enough said

[Fizz]

Originally Posted by boopster

I would appeal to their selfish side. I think it's a selfish impulse that leads irresponsible people to get pets in the first place. Arguing for the well being of the pet won't do any good. But explaining all the negative consequences for the person could make a difference.

I tend to agree. It breaks my heart when people get pets without informing themselves. It is a lifetime commitment, much the same as our children!!! I work with a girl who I don't think is ready for a dog...and rather than pointing that out, I emphasize (even exaggerate) how a puppy is as much work as a toddler. She admits she doesn't want to have to put the time into socializing and training a dog - and has since decided against it.

[chattiesmom]

Give your sister a Pet Rock. They are easy to locate -- just go in your backyard. Round river stones make great pets - they are VERY EASY to take care of and if house training becomes an issue, they take well to a garden environment. Give your Sister's Pet Rock a name, make a Birth Certificate for it, etc. I would even suggest making some clothes for it. AND just think of the convenience - no spay/neuter required, they are very quiet, requires no food or water, no vet bills, etc.

That is a not so subtle way of telling her that she shouldn't have a living creature as a pet.

[yorkieusa]

Originally Posted by chattiesmom

Give your sister a Pet Rock. They are easy to locate -- just go in your backyard. Round river stones make great pets - they are VERY EASY to take care of and if house training becomes an issue, they take well to a garden environment. Give your Sister's Pet Rock a name, make a Birth Certificate for it, etc. I would even suggest making some clothes for it. AND just think of the convenience - no spay/neuter required, they are very quiet, requires no food or water, no vet bills, etc.

That is a not so subtle way of telling her that she shouldn't have a living creature as a pet.

Absolutely PERFECT for people who dump dogs!

[RachelandSadie]

Originally Posted by Nasdaq_Diva

But...but..what if she beats me up! She's 7yrs older than me

Thanks for the suggestion. I think I'm going to stress the potty training to her. She works 12hr shifts 3-4x a week (she works in a hospital). So, when she gets home at 7am, she's up for a couple hours then is sleep until it's time for work again.

Don't even get me started on her DH. He barely does anything around the house..so umm yeah expecting him to take a puppy out to potty..yeah I dont see that happening either!

if that's the case tell her that the pup will whine when it's not with her. want to play when she wants to sleep and has to be fed min. of three times per day as a puppy. also it has to go out about every 2-3 hours no matter what when it's little and can't be crated all day long. it's a lot of messes, a lot of work, and a lot of money. 12 hour days and 12 hours of puppy trying to wake up mommy for attention somehow...not for her sorry!!

[BellaDonna]

It won't matter. She will just find another one elsewhere. I have known many people like that and she is driven for the moment.

Maybe she will get lucky and have the perfect dog, but be prepared to take in the new one once she is tired of it or start recruiting adoptive parents.

Just breathe....you can't change the world, you can only control you.

I know it sucks, but it's true.