people tick me off..

[Jessica]

I do think it sucks when people are irresponsible with their pets. They need to realize it's a lifelong committment when they adopt or buy a pet. I can't tell you how many people who move out of our apt complex dump their cats in the wooded area out back because they don't want to take the cat with them. This is horrible, and I don't condone it.

 

On the otherhand, I also understand there may be a valid reason for not being able to take care of a pet anymore. Unfortunately it is extremely hard to find other arrangements for a lot of people. Especially cat owners.

 

I had a friend who had to move away suddenly (her mother in CA has terminal cancer and lives in a no-pet residence). My friend is now living in CA for an undetermined amount of time. There are so many other things going on in her life, that as much as it broke her heart, she just couldn't keep her cat. She only had about a month to move and tried so hard to find a new home. No luck. I tried to help as well. We posted adoption ads everywhere and tried EVERY shelter in the area and constantly got turned down. It was almost as if the shelters were giving us no choice but to dump this cat in the street.

 

I offered to take the cat in until I could find it a placement. I did not want to keep the cat and had no intention of doing so, but I didn't want to have my friend just abandon it somewhere, especially since it was during the winter. It became to be a bit of a strain to find a place for this cat. I tried shelter after shelter after shelter. I even tried the place she originally adopted the cat from, whih said "If you need to surrender the cat, you must return it back to us or else we will take legal action." Ummm.... what a bunch of crap. They kept giving me the run-around.

 

Finally I said enough, I was sick of being nice. I went to one of the shelters and told them I had been calling for months and months and that I know NJ shelters can not legally turn away a surrender and pretty much had to force them to take the cat. Believe me, I pretty much cried the whole time because I hate the thought of abandoning a pet (even if it wasn't mine!).

 

It's easy to judge someone in that situation, but a lot of times, it's hard on them as well. I do love animals though, so don't get me wrong.

[TammyB]

IMO it's a far cry to find a home for your pet versus saying "it has to go by x date or I'll put it to sleep" I understand their could be reasons (mind you not many) why somone has to give up their pet. But I'd say 90% of our fosters are from homes that the dog had something wrong with it and they didn't want to pay the vet bill. OR that someone got into a relationship and that other person doesn't like dogs/cats. My point is, that I know this family may have a reason, but a responsible pet owner would either foster the dog until a home is found, have someone watch it for them until a home is found or find a non kill shelter to take the dog too.

 

I actually know a women who gave up her Boston do to a family emergancy and all her money was tied up to help her mom live. Well with that said she paid for boarding at local doggie daycare until that dog was placed in either a foster home or forever home.

[jak27]

I am totally disgusted. I cannot imagine putting a dog to sleep b/c I have to move. Make a responsible decision and know the repercussions that come along with that decision.

 

I am fuming.

[Nrvsbride]

Awww Kelly and Drea thank you for understanding...I heart you guys.

[Adamsgrrl]

That just makes me sick!! I wish people had to go through psychological testing before they were allowed to have a dog. Weed out the crazies.

[LCBride2007]

i agree with all that has been said here - and have no idea why i didn't see this thread earlier! but - know what i hate? i hate the fact that people like Paris Hilton are out there making it look like pets are an accessory (Glenda - it seems this is where your friend comes in). younger girls get these little dogs because it's cool - and then they eventually get bored with the idea, and who knows what happens to the dog. it's so damn sad.