Playing Devil's Advocate

[yorkiegirl83]

I try not to get on my "soapbox", and I also try to keep in mind the best interest of the dog. And, if someone truly wants to rehome, I would rather be helpful and give them advice than beat them down over it.

But, on the other hand it is hard to see people bringing living creatures into their lives and dismissing them over size, color, potty training, ect.

What happened to responsibility prior to purchasing an animal? Doing the research to find out of this breed is for them and really thinking good and hard about what the next 15+ years of their life will be like with this animal?

Yes, yorkies are adorable and so fun to dress up, shop with, ooh and aah over.. but they are living beings that need exercise, training, love, and most of all acceptance of their unique personalities.

I know we all know this, but it is hard to not become annoyed with people that are rehoming for their own selfishness. I do know that I can get snippy over it, because there are so many un loved, un wanted dogs that die in shelters and people are rehoming over silly reasons, i.e. he's too big too fit in my purse *rolls eyes*.

But, at the end of the day I'd rather see a dog in a home that CHERISHES them, so I try to help where I can...

[Anna Banana]

I think an important factor to consider when analyzing people's responses to these types of threads is that we all know how much we can come to love our "imperfect" yorkies. When responding to these threads, I think a lot of us want to let the poster know how easy it is to overcome the minor problems of size, coat, color, etc.

I don't think anyone is telling people to keep the yorkies they absolutely don't want or can't keep, they're just trying to let them know how easy it is to fall in love with them despite their flaws.

[For My Coby]

My opinion is that in forums like these, it's always hard to know the whole story. Everyone is responding to partial information the poster offered jaded with our own experience. It's difficult to look at the situation completely objectively and human nature to take the "rehoming" personally. I try really hard to remember that I'm never getting the whole story, because I had one of those stories. I had a Puppy Mill Yorkie that I rescued and was committed 100% to. A few years ago, I simply had to rehome her through Yorkie Rescue. Sometimes there are family issues that aren't addressed in a post along with the typical "housebreaking" or "barking" complaints. The kind of stress that can be associated with a rescue or a puppy mill yorkie - or any behavior that wasn't anticipated - EVEN WHEN YOU ARE PREPARED can be devastating to a family. My marriage suffered a LOT trying to work through Roxie's problems. My husband just was not equipped to deal with her emotional troubles. Her Yorkie Rescue foster mom said that she was one of the worst she'd ever seen. The stress in the household was unbearable. I waited three long years to get Coby, because of the guilt that I felt for having to give her up for the good of my family.

When I posted about Roxie, I did get some "you need to love her unconditionally like she does you" replies. I did love her that much, which is why I had to give her up. She couldn't live in such a stressful household.

Anyway, so I agree. In many cases, it might be the best to find a complete family that can devote themselves together. Sorry to ramble, but having Coby now has reopened the Roxie wounds. I still love her to this day and know that she is now happier in a home with no children, no animals, and stay at home recluse parents who have very little company.

Now, the ones that are disappointed in the SIZE or COLOR - that's another story!!

[ladyj]

Originally Posted by For My Coby

My opinion is that in forums like these, it's always hard to know the whole story. Everyone is responding to partial information the poster offered jaded with our own experience. It's difficult to look at the situation completely objectively and human nature to take the "rehoming" personally. I try really hard to remember that I'm never getting the whole story, because I had one of those stories. I had a Puppy Mill Yorkie that I rescued and was committed 100% to. A few years ago, I simply had to rehome her through Yorkie Rescue. Sometimes there are family issues that aren't addressed in a post along with the typical "housebreaking" or "barking" complaints. The kind of stress that can be associated with a rescue or a puppy mill yorkie - or any behavior that wasn't anticipated - EVEN WHEN YOU ARE PREPARED can be devastating to a family. My marriage suffered a LOT trying to work through Roxie's problems. My husband just was not equipped to deal with her emotional troubles. Her Yorkie Rescue foster mom said that she was one of the worst she'd ever seen. The stress in the household was unbearable. I waited three long years to get Coby, because of the guilt that I felt for having to give her up for the good of my family.

When I posted about Roxie, I did get some "you need to love her unconditionally like she does you" replies. I did love her that much, which is why I had to give her up. She couldn't live in such a stressful household.

Anyway, so I agree. In many cases, it might be the best to find a complete family that can devote themselves together. Sorry to ramble, but having Coby now has reopened the Roxie wounds. I still love her to this day and know that she is now happier in a home with no children, no animals, and stay at home recluse parents who have very little company.

Now, the ones that are disappointed in the SIZE or COLOR - that's another story!!

I have had to rehome dogs and it was very difficult. There was nothing I could do to change the circumstances. I get a pet for its lifetime and am not concerned with size, shape, color, or health and love them with all my heart. I still think of them and wish it could have been different. There was a divorce many years ago, and a situation with two male dogs not being happy together, and one dog that just wasn't happy being alone while I was at work. I had a responsibility to give them the best life I could and letting them go was the way I had to do it in those circumstances. My heart goes out to anyone who has to rehome a much loved pet. It isn't easy.

[red98vett]

I see alot more threads where people are wishing the poster & the dog all the best that have no negativity at all - and only a few that go on for pages and pages - I guess it's all about the REASONS someone is rehoming - I liked what Anna Banana said - I admit I've said a few times that when people obsess about the weight of their yorkie they should be happy if that dog is healthy and not worry - but I'm pretty much giving up on even posting to those kinds of threads anymore - it seems people get too easily offended

Edited to add - I think if someone isnt going to love a dog due to the wrong weight or color - then by all means - find someone who will

but in general I think most people are supportive of rehoming when it's in the dogs best interest -

[chachi]

I think ts the reasons for the rehoming that determine if there are negative responses or not

[Sugar's Mom]

I feel exactly the same way. I also feel that way about peoplee coming on and whining they are leaving the board. heck, just do it. Don't wait around to see who begs you to stay or not sell your dog. It reminds mee of church. There is a troublemaker in the church and people are praying that God will move them out. When he does, others, not so in tune, go and beg them to stay when God is trying to work all the time. Just an example. If people are wanting to leave, let them go. If they want to sell or rehome their dog, then let them. The little dog will be much better off in a new home where there are no doubts.

[For My Coby]

Aha, you have touched on a nerve..... I do have a irritation with people BAITING others to encourage or plead with them. But then, I try to hope that it only LOOKS like they're doing that. aarrghh - the perils of forums!!

[artie merlino]

What a Great Thread and all the Posts as well! IMO there are some key words
here........Research - before you purchase the Puppy, that means research the Breed as far as their traits and what to expect? Research the Breeder, Research the Bloodline and Pedigree! Look at the Parents etc. Choose the right puppy, not just the smallest or cutest.....you have to live with them?
Committment........once you purchase the Puppy? Train it! Socialize it!
Some People just are not "Dog People", alot of people want a Dog, but just don't have the repoire or even get along with them? Just because you have the money and the right to buy/own any Dog, whether it's a Yorkie or any other Breed does not mean they can? It takes alot of Patience, Knowledge and Time, we all know you have to be consistant as well as dicsiplined.
My younger Sister had a Bichon Fris'e, both my sister and the Dog were miserable for years, she held on to him b/c she paid $800.00 for it......she finally gave him away to a woman in her Church, who was dying of Cancer.
She now has a reason to Live and the her Dog since then has become a
"Therapy Dog", that goes to Hospitals to visit Patients in other Cancer Wards!
If someone wants to "Re-Home" their Pet, they should.....in the long run it's probably better for both? Why should anyone or anything feel un-wanted?
My Sister fell in Love with my male Artie, the last time I saw her, she tried to wait a year and a half for a Puppy, but her Husband got sooooo tired of hearing her whine, he bought her a male Yorkie for Mother's Day, at a local Pet Store out of desperation for $1,800.00 and $2,500.00 out the door with all of his "Accessories". What a "Lesson" in Karma was that?
And now she too is un-Happy with him because he did not turn out as small as she was told by the Store Clerk, as well as he is not the Color she wanted!
And he has no Personality and he gets Carsick (lack of Training).
Now let me get off my "Soap Box", our Dogs are a reflection and an extension
of us, all 3 of my Yorkies, represent ME! And I Love them with all my Heart, so
it breaks my Heart to hear anything Negative from anyone? Even my own Sister. Mine bring me nothing but Joy, even when they wake me up @ 5:30 am. to go pee!

[diggy4]

I agree. Re-homing is one thing, selling to pay bills is another. To me it's just like whats best for humans. If a mother truely loves her child BUT has mental issues and cannot soundly raise this child I think we all agree the child is better off and deserves to be fostered or adopted. I commend a mother who genuinely does whats best for the child. What would you say if a mother says well, Im going to sell little Johnny even though I love him so much to pay off my debt. Ummmmm NO thats just not right! Now if Little Johnny isnt getting the love and attention he deserves then by all means, Lil Johnny deserves better so does a Yorkie. I agree there are always certain circumstanes where a dog has to go, and I try not to pass judgement and actually try lending a hand to the person going through this issue. I dont know I think everyong makes a valid point in here, and mean well. The way some of these threads come off wrong to people and canbe bothersome. I think the regulars know who the other regulars are, and even some of the new people you can get to know real fast. Its the people that pop up out of know where starts these threads and as you can see as you read through the thread the OP never even posts again! And here we are all in this major debate about their situation that we dont even know how they turned out.

Example If I started a thread and said I have to rehome Diggy. I can bet my life about 50 people from this board would be reaching out and trying ANYTHING to help me. I mean ANYTHING. There are some great people here and i feel i have found some life long friends. I think people would know I have a serious issue and a major problem for me to consider rehoming him. My thoughts are consider the source and ask lots of questions. The majority of people on here have good intentions!

[For My Coby]

Oh well said on the "research"!! When my children were young and we were getting a puppy, I researched endlessly. Although I wanted a Yorkie, I decided on a Shi Tzu, because they are sooo laid back, require little in the form of exercise, and are lap dogs too. With young children a hectic life, and lots of traveling, I made the right decision. Not until the kids were older did I know it was time for a Yorkie and the work that went with one.

Yorkies are freaking adorable, but they are not right for everyone, even if that just means at this time in their lives.

I second the "RESEARCH" advice!!

[judyeve]

Great thread Kim. Thanks for bringing it up!

Whether or not you feel supportive of the rehomer is individual and, I think, depends on the reason. There have been some posters who were possibly looking more for ideas than really rehoming. Some should rehome and trying to talk them out of it doesn't always seem relevant. I'm not sure how I feel about people trying to sell their "I need to rehome" pets here.

I think some of the problem is just how nasty some posters can get.
Being nasty, in any case, is inappropriate. I've just learned that I can unsubscribe from threads that have turned nasty. It makes my YT experience a lot nicer!