I guess you call it an Insight?
 

Many times, I came across people who gave up their dogs due to having babies (skin kids) or a new job etc. Most often than not, they think they are doing good for the dog because they do not have the time for their dog. Most of them are sad and heartbroken when they give up their dog but they think it would be better for the dog because they can't provide as much attention as before.

BUT I wonder if people are aware of what might happen, if they will still make the same decision. What if the people who adopted your dog down the road just bring it to a pound and be put to sleep? What if they lost the dog some where down the road? Or what if the people who adopt it didn't work out and then adopt the dog out again? Or what if they ended up abusing the dog? Would you be able to take it when you find out?

Maybe if people will take a step back and think, the dog can take a back sit for a little while while they settle in with a new baby or a new job but at least the dog is safe with you and fed, minus a little less attention. There is always dog walkers and doggie daycares available for those busy with a job. BUT at least your dog that you brought home in the first place is still taken care of and in short-term things may settle and the dog is still safe.

I don't want to stir up anything. I just want to pass the message along that do not think your dog will be better off with someone else. You don't know and things will be out of your control when your dog leaves you. If you have some thing going on at the moment, try to ride it out. I think a dog would prefer to stay in their home provided they get fed, vet care, a little attention here and there than being passed from home to home.

Well let me tell you, I am the owner of a sweet 3 year old girl. My Allie was given up by her owner to a rescue group last March, when she realized that she wasn't able to spend the quality time with her due to her job. I have had Allie almost a year now.

I love my Allie so much. When I adopt it is forever.

I know it had to be a very difficult discission for her owner.

This is my Allie, picture was taken yesterday.



http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL89/.../400586100.jpg

While I think a well thought out decision, and not a knee-jerk one, is always best, I believe that by the time someone actually makes the move to rehome a dog, it is probably the best thing for the dog.

What I do find concerning, is the number of young couples that "test-run parenthood" by getting a puppy, with little thought to how that dog will fit into the family dynamics once they start having babies.

Years ago when my kids were in grade school I let them talk me into getting a little Shih Tzu puppy. I had been divorced for a couple of years and had gone back to school to get my degree. Any way I let them guilt me into it and later I found it was just a terrible mistake. I already had enough stress in my life and the kids were not helping take care of the puppy as they had said. (Familiar story) Anyway after a few months I was ready to find a new home for the guy. Then I decided it was not a responsible thing to do. I ended up deciding to just admit I had done the wrong thing and make the dog my dog and quit resenting that the kids did not take care of him. Well, it was difficult but I kept him and he ended up being a great friend to me for many years. He was still with me long after the kids graduated from high school.

But that was me. I had been raised with pets and had them all my life. There are a lot of people out there that are not responsible pet owners and in many cases the pet is better off going to a rescue or a better home. Your right though, many times the new home is not a great match and the dog is passed around or abused. As more and more kids are growing up in homes that do not teach them how to be responsible, loving or kind we are producing more and more adults that do not know how to care for a pet or a human being. It's a sad situation for both species.

What I don't understand is how someone rehomes their furbaby because of a baby on the way. I had two furbabies when I had my first son and while I was pregnant with my second my hubby got me a surprise third furbaby. I was able to take care of all of them and my kids no problem. I did however have to rehome them due to a move because their life of living in my home went to life living in a crate in my mom's garage. I would spend lots of time with them but it just didn't feel right to me. Luckily they found great homes and I still see pictures of them and keep in touch with their families.

I know that there two sides to this familiar story & I have to say that both sides bring good points. #1 don't get a pet IF you are not sure of what the future holds. Think about getting married , having kids, moving & new job situations Before you get a pet as any pet Should Always be a life long commitment. #2 IF you must rehome a pet, Always look into rescue 1st as they do screening & most have a contract that says the dog Must come back to them in the event that you can or wish to no longer care for the dog, and don't just give it to the 1st person interested in that pet unless it is a close friend or family member that you know well & know how they cared for previous pets.
And NEVER take a PET to the shelter.

To this I have to ask; how is someone suppose to plan for that?

I've lost 2 jobs since Kaji has joined my family, got kicked out of our home a few months after he came, and I've bent over backwards trying to make it work. Is it an ideal situation? No. I've been sleeping on the couch for 2 years and Kaji no longer has walks. Are we happy? I think we are as long as we're together. I'm young (26) was talking marriage with my ex, that fell through. I'm now single and I'm sure I'll be dating soon. Is marriage in my future? Maybe. Kids? I hope not but you never know. A new job? I sure hope so!!!! How is any of that my pet's fault? We're stuck together till the bitter end, although I hope for something much better.

I don't think she was saying that you shouldn't get a dog if your future might change, but to think about the things that could happen in your future and make sure you will be able to stick with the commitment.

A lot has happened since Couver came into my life. I bought a house, changed jobs, graduated college... might have children, but that doesn't change my commitment to my pets. They are forever :)

I know. I wasn't trying to be confrontational. I was just asking to ask. Some might have taken what lillymae the wrong way, so I asked in a non confrontational way. (at least I hope I did!!!:))

I agree with what you're saying, but if no one ever rehomed their pets... I wouldn't have either of my dogs. Couver was a rehome because the lady had to take in her grandkids because their mother could no longer take care of them. I don't think that was something she expected to happen in her future, but she made the best decision for Couver and rehomed him because her grandkids were constantly picking him up and she was worried he would get hurt. He is the love of my life and has a great life living with me.

Khloe came from an accidental litter where the family was overwhelmed by all of the puppies. They kept all of the puppies but chose to rehome Khloe. I am still in contact with K's family and they still get to see/hear updates about her.

For me, rehoming my pets is not an option. I will stick it through thick and thin... They are a lifelong commitment.

I agree.. but never say never. I have been through a rough patch the past few years and at one time thought we would be moving to a rental. I was so freaked out because of my dogs. Maybe it was a good thing because I found a way to have buy another nice home so I don't have to worry about my dogs. I was lucky.. in the hard times we are having some are not.


A long time ago I did give a dog to a friend. I was happy that the dog was happy and she was happy. I tried my very best to provide for the dog, but it was not working. I gave it 5 years. When I visited my friend "her" dog was happy, so much more then he was with me. I kept up on him and helped with needs until he died of old age. I don't regret it, but I guess it was a bit different.

I do think that some folks are too quick to re-home. Perhaps those were the ones who did not do their research prior to purchasing. Babies come; people get married - are you making a lifetime committment or not?

Sudden emergencies - that I can understand.

IF I ever had to re-home my dogs for any reason - I would look for a breed specific rescue because it seems like they would have a much better chance there.

the future is hard to predict, but I have to agree on one thing, several of my friends have kids in college or just starting out with jobs and in apartments or condos. Often their first thought is to get a dog, I always question that logic and the funny thing is just like those that have babies to young my friends wind up taking care of their dogs. One of my friends drives over a half hour every morning to pick up her daughter's golden puppy, then they meet in the evening for the drop off, it's been less than 6 months and I think my friend is going to be taking the dog full time now. I think that is the type of situation one of the posters was talking about.

I rehomed a dog once, I bought my first pet, a yorkie when I was in my late 20's it went perfect. About a year later I was smitten with the Bichon breed, my present yorkie did not get on well with other dogs but against my husband's advice I just had to get a Bichon. It wound up being a big mistake, my yorkie hated him, would not warm up to him, bit the puppy, bit me and spent a lot of time under the bed. The bichon was friendly and cute but a handful, no matter what could not be housebroken. Like a dummy I just assumed all dogs could be let outside with no fence like my yorkie could(LOL i now know how unusual that was) he would be down the street in a second chasing cars, after being outside he would come in and jump on my bed or couch and poop. I went to training classes and even sent him to a boarding training school for three weeks, he came home on weekends and we would attend classes together, the facility said he was no further along on the house breaking then when I dropped him off 900 dollars ago. So at about a year old I finally gave in and found a family with fence and a 11 year old that was in love with Bichons. I knew he was so friendly that he would go with anyone so I was not worried, my last vision of him was driving away in the back seat wagging his tail kissing the young girl. I stayed in touch with the owners for a while they seemed to really love him, but also said he did not have a clue about going outside. My other dog became himself again and life finally returned to normal, I like to think I made the best decision for all involved.

My Son is a sophmore in college & my Daughter a Senior. Both live in off-campus apartment housing. I can't tell you how many of their friends almost immediately upon moving into an apartment or rental house, decided to get a dog. It blows my mind. Shortly before Christmas my son (who grew up with a yorkie & loves lil dogs) was tagged in lots of photos at a party...and in everyone he was holding a lil dog. Turned out the party was at an apartment of a girl that had a morkie and he was so worried it was going to get stepped on or drink spilled beer that he carried it around all night :(

I could never rehome Chloe. I know that there are some who due to circumstances find themselves having to look at other options for their dog or dogs. Im not saying that it's wrong to choose to rehome a dog as many of the people here on YT have their forever furbabies because a prior owner made that choice and they are obviously so well loved. Just for me I couldn't imagine a life without Chloe. I really considered your post and I simply cannot think of a situation that would make me rehome her. She has been and continues to be such an incredible source of joy and enriches my life more than I ever thought it possible for a dog to. She has helped me get through some very very tough times in the last couple of years. So for me I am in this relationship for life :)