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 :)

I don't think re-homing is wrong, per say. But I do think a lot of people are REALLY dumb when it comes to getting to a dog in the first place and give really really lame excuses as to why they must re-home. I do believe there are some legit reasons to re-home and I won't look down on a person who does it.

I cannot even fathom re-homing Jackson. I can't barely even stand to leave him to go on vacation or on a day trip. Besides the fact that nobody in my family would ever let me re-home Jackson in the first place... he is a major part of this entire family... I just can't even imagine.

I took in a dog who belonged to a friend of a family friend who was not being treated the best and spent all of 6 hours with him and gave him to a reputable rescue and cried like a baby when I left him there. I felt so guilty - and this was not even my dog, yet the person I took him from did not even bother to be home to say "goodbye".

My best friend's sister, who is now almost 23, just got a puppy. She is in grad school and moved back in her parents house for now. Sure, she picks up the dog and thinks she's cute, she sleeps in her bed, but really... it's turning into her parents dog. She still is able to go off and do her thing and leave for the night, etc, because she knows her parents are there to take care of the dog. I can't wait to rush home to Jackson every night and wouldn't want to leave him if I don't have to.

It saddens me because Jackson is my friend, my buddy, my pal, companion... my heart. No matter what changes in my life, I cannot wait to experience it WITH him and have him as a part of it. Even if he one day cannot have the amount of attention he now gets, I think he'd still be 10000% happier staying with me than going somewhere else. We'll get thru it. One year, for example, of a bit less attention still leaves many many years for much more time together.

I guess it just always shocks me because I have such a close bond with my animals and it's always amazing to me when people don't.

I think a lot of people are way to quick to rehome. I know I could never rehome Callie no matter what even if I had to live in my car and not eat so she could have food.

Your's is the attitude a pet owner or soon to be pet owner Should have, is what I am saying. So You have made a life long commitment to your pet & didn't rush out & find a new home for your baby when the going got tough.:)

I can see your point on my post. Exactly what CouversMom said is what I was trying to say & mean.

Rehoming a dog should be an absolute last option after considering all alternatives. I think it would help if people would put in more consideration that the pet is going to be with them all through its life and would that be possibleunder all circumstances before they got it

I have a problem with people who think animals are disposable.

I have a friend who moved out of the area. She had a large dog and shortly after her move she rehomed her because it was hard to find a place who would let you have big dogs. A couple years later she got a dashound and had her for several years. She moved back to this area and called me and said she needed to find a home for her because they couldn't find a house to rent, or she was going to take her to the pound. I knew the issue wasn't really finding a place to rent, but that she had a new boyfirend and didn't want to be bothered with the dog anymore. I found Lily a home with a co-worker and she is treated like a princess.

Another friend has daughters who have gone through multipule pets. They have them for a year or so and then there is always some excuse and they give them away. But down the road they find another cute puppy,or kitten and get it. After a time it becomes a bother and off to another home it goes. I guess I should be glad they find new homes instead of taking them to the pound.

I understand sometimes a pet isn't a good fit for a family, or because of financial hardships they need to rehome. Those I understand. It's the people who get tired of the pet and no longer want the responsibility that upset me.

:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

"It's the people who get tired of the pet and no longer want the responsibility that upset me."

I agree with this, however I re-homed a Yorkie. If you all notice my screen name one P is for Peanut and the other is for PigPen.

Peanut was 2 PigPen was 1. PigPen was out of control, he had way too much energy for Peanut. At the time we lived in an apt. If I didnt take this dog on 2 walks a day he would eat everything he could get his hands on. He also annoyed Peanut to the point Peanut would get stressed out.

Long story short I decided to re home him. It took about 2 months for me to find the perfect home. I also sold him for nothing compared to what I bought him for. That wasn't what I was out for. I wanted to find him the best home so this didn't happen again. I also gave her his crate, leash, toys, blankets, and beds. The owner even takes him to my vet. It worked out so perfect. It brings joy to my heart knowing he is safe and loved.

He is in a house with a big backyard, he has 3 skin brother, his Mom is a stay at home Mom, he gets 24 7 attention and love. She sends me updated pics on his life!

Do I feel bad about this? Yes, Do I think it was the right thing to do? Yes. I know in my heart that he is happier and Peanut is happier.

Knowing that Peanut likes to be the only dog in the house, I will not go get another dog. I would not want to re- do this again.

I think sometimes it is best to re-home them if you know they are going to have a better home.

:thumbup:kudos for doing the hard but best thing for both dogs. I feel and did the same as you. Sometimes you have good intentions and want to add to your pet family, but if it doesn't work out why make the pets and yourself miserable. I learned my lesson the hard way yet people still tell me yorkies are better in pairs and make me feel guilty for not having more than one. Not every dog is meant to have a sibling especially if they are purchased at different times and ages. In fact I often see someone purchase a puppy when they have an older dog saying they know the older dog will not be with them much longer. In my mind I can't help but think that is cruel to do to their older pet, but then I hear stories where a puppy perked an older pet up, so cripes who knows what's best till you are in the situation. Now when it comes to my present dog, Lola, I would walk through fire and live in a car before I gave her away:animal-pa

Thank you, It was very hard for me. I really wanted it to work, but I knew it wasn’t. It is easy for someone to say “give it time they will adjust” but I knew Peanut wouldn’t. To this day I miss PigPen so much, that dog was so crazy!! I am happier knowing he is happy. I was the first one to say I can’t give him what he needs. Peanut is a very special Yorkie, I hear from a lot of people saying Yorkies are better in pairs, just like you. I think dog’s like Peanut is one in a million- he really loves being the only dog. It is hard to know what kind of dog you are going to have, is he going to like to have brothers and sister’s or does he want to be the only child… You are right until you are in that situation you never know and you will never know how hard it is to make that call.

I could never get rid of Peanut. He is my heart. He is also so spoiled he is rotten!! LoL

It is different if you have tried everything and is up and honest about the dog's behaviour and health when you adopt him out and find him an appropriate home that you know the chances of him staying for long-term will be high. It's the people who goes out to get a dog, turn around adopt them out, then get another that bothers me. Or people who lies about their pet's health and behaviour just because they want to get rid of it asap for the highest selling price.

Our life changes it is true but it is the commitment we make when we bring our pet home. No one will say anything if you have tried everything and as a last resort had to adopt out but a lot of people don't. Some don't even care to keep in contact with the person they adopted the dog out to or what happens to it after. I just don't get that really.

College towns are famous for being places with a huge animal abandonment problem. The kids think it's great to sneak a kitten into the house or a puppy. Great fun to have a furry under cover critter but when summer time comes and everyone heads home the animal is left outside the empty house with no one to care for it.

I also know many parents whose kids have brought home the un-house trained pup or the unwanted kitten and dumped it on their parents. Then the parents are the ones who who have to deal with what their kids have done. There are so many reasons that animals are suffering in this country!

I agree that people should not re-home unless absolutely necessary, and that they should think before adopting a pet to begin with. However, I am personally guilty of a pet infraction! A few years ago I was really really lonely. Had been single for several years, and thought that having a small dog as a companion would be great. So, I got a chihuahua, during the most stressful time of year for me (tax season), while I was in school at the same time, and my kids made it plain after I got him that they did not want to help out. After one week I was crying myself to sleep over the stress. I ended up giving the dog back to the breeder (never asked for a refund - was not her fault it didn't work out). To this day I feel really bad about it, but also feel that after one week the pup hadn't really bonded with me. I made a poor decision to get him - it's as simple as that. I pray that he found a wonderful home with people who were more prepared to look after him.

We got Oz in June 2011, but now I have my fiance, who loves him just as much as I do and helps me look after him. My daughter really loves him and also helps out, taking him for walks, etc. I know we will have Oz until the day he passes. We give him so much love and attention - he could never ask for a better home. My fiance and I sometimes joke about a potential custody battle should we ever split up!

Remember that people do the best they can with the skills they have. That goes for parents of pets AND kids. Not all people/parents are created equally, and it's my belief that it's not our place to judge anyone, it is God's.

I think what is more of an issue is thinking long term before you decide to purchase a dog. You need to ask yourself alot of questions before making the commitment to own a dog. Will you be able to care for the dog if your work load increases? If you get married? If you have babies? Will you be able to care for the dog if something happens to you financially? Do you have someone who can watch the dog if you are in a crunch? I know that future is unpredictable, but when you commit to buying a dog these are some things that you should look closely at. Yorkies are very cute and I think sometimes people get caught up in how cute they are and don't realize the work that goes into owning one. There are so many times you see people trying to rehome their dog because it doesn't fit their lifestyle. Like I said, no one can predict their future, but it isn't so much as predicting but more of planning and thinking of the "what-ifs".

Your certainly right that people should try to consider what may happen to their lives in the future. Of course unexpected things happen that can change a lot of things. I think the main offenders in this issue are the people who are just irresponsible to begin with. They don't think out any issue ahead of time and don't realize how important commitment is on any level. It seems I am amazed daily by how heartless some people are and how seemingly thoughtless they are as well.