Originally Posted by airplane (Post 4663391)

I don't understand how some people could do that. You'd think that they'd have an emotional attachment or some type of bond with their pet and would never just get rid of them. But I know quite often people will do that for no good reason. It's truly sad. And I hate the attitude of "it's just a dog". And I think that attitude leads to other horrible decisions as well. For example, getting their dog debarked just simply out of convenience and cause it seems like an easy solution. I think only someone with the attitude of "it's just a dog" would be so heartless. That's my view anyways.

And I don't trust people who don't love animals, especially companion animals. Do I feel the same way about a bull as a dog or a cat? No. But I don't like to see animals in distress. A few years ago I saw bullfighting in Spain and it was truly horrible to see how the bulls were in such distress as they were taunted, stabbed repeatedly, and eventually killed in a brutal fashion. Many people thought it was great. I sat next to a guy who was from Seattle and he was telling me how he thought it was so satisfying to see bullfights. The whole not caring about animals and the lack of compassion and the attitude of "it's just a dog", those people must be wired differently. Maybe psychologically there's something off about them. Who knows. And I have no issue judging them. They should be judged and I decide whether or not I want to associate with them.

Originally Posted by lovestiny (Post 4663872)

I am probably too extreme, we will not even go on vacation unless we can bring our dogs. Yes, we have four children as well but we really feel our dogs are part of our family. Many people think we are nuts, but it is just the way we feel. Could you possibly adopt their yorkie? I know many love a three pack :)

Originally Posted by lovestiny (Post 4663872)

I am probably too extreme, we will not even go on vacation unless we can bring our dogs. Yes, we have four children as well but we really feel our dogs are part of our family. Many people think we are nuts, but it is just the way we feel. Could you possibly adopt their yorkie? I know many love a three pack :)

Originally Posted by gemy (Post 4663532)

Just a dog mentality might be truly felt or it is a justification for their shall I say failures of ownership. I think we a fairly large we have moved from a 1950 or earlier attitudes to many of us considering a dog a family member. But folks that repetitively re home animals I would never place a pup with.

Just a dog just a cat. Sheesh! I am getting more firmly into the belief that one should never buy a dog just cause their kids want one! As parents accept the fact that likely you will end up being primarily the responsible dog owner, not your kids.

And yet if the current family does not want the dog, rehoming is best for the dog in most cases. THere are always exceptions, a very senior dog who has only known one home, a very very sick dog with a terminal illness. THen it is the owners duty at least as I see it to PTS.

I do believe as an owner you do your very very best to incorporate a dog into your home and lifestyle. But there are limits, each one of us has to be as honest with ourself and our breeder what those limits are!

Originally Posted by JoshieBoy (Post 4664439)

You shared some interesting opinions. I am just sharing my thoughts on the topics that you brought up.

I have read around the world many people don't see dogs as family member like a lot of Americans. I see rehoming as a last resort and not taken lightly. I don't believe in shaming others for that decision because I don't want the dog to get abused for being in the wrong home.

I firmly believe parents should pick the breed and pet. Kids will love any dog a parent brings home. The dog most of the time will become the parents' responsibility. It is just the way it is with children.

The just a dog phrase does not offend me. Yes, I agree some use it to downplay the importance of a dog's life. However, I remind myself it's a dog when making financial decisions. I will do my best for the animal, but the humans in my life will not suffer for the pet. I place humans above animals life. I know some animals lovers don't, but I find that extreme thinking. JMO, everybody just do what's right for you.