How Could You?

This story is kind of why I don't have a dog yet. When I was born my parents had to get rid of their dog. She growled at me the minute I was brought through the door and continuously for about a week. They were afraid their newborn baby was in danger.

Since I'm in my baby-making years (I have 1 and I want another soonish,) I've resisted getting a dog because it would hurt too much to have to give the dog up if it wouldn't accept a new baby.

That said, we have 3 cats. 2 completely ignore my daughter and the other plays with her continuously! I'd never move anywhere that wouldn't allow my pets. They are such an important part of the family.
 
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Originally posted by becky_e
Since I'm in my baby-making years (I have 1 and I want another soonish.) I've resisted getting a dog because it would hurt too much to have to give the dog up if it wouldn't accept a new baby.
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that's very considerate and thoughtful of you becky, it warms me that people DO think before they go out and do....

while it is unfortunate that some people need to give there pets away, I know there are some circumstances that are called for, but there are other options out there than just dumping them at the vet... such as rescue groups, foster homes, finding another family member...... some people just take the easy way though.... and basically dump them at the easiest spot....

and I agree with OG too in that I do speak to my animals and like her as well, mine know more secrets than any people know.... I find comfort in it. Though they might not be understanding.... I feel they are in other ways. **can't wait to go running home for puppy/kitty hugs**
 
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I have 3 friends who all had to get rid of their dogs because of jealousy issues with the new baby. They even did all the "right" things before they brought the baby home (take a piece of baby's clothing or a blanket home to let the dog smell it, play with a baby doll for a few weeks before the baby comes along).

They placed ads in the local paper, and hung flyers up at grocery stores etc... Two of them gave their dogs to good families (one of them the dog is right across the street, so it's almost like they never gave him away)... the other one ended up having to give him to a shelter though, because nobody wanted a 9-year old mutt, and the dog had overstayed his welcome at my friend's mother's house. They were SO sad to give him away, but it had to be that way.

When they dropped him off, they left a large donation, and instructed the staff to call them if it came down to having to put the dog to sleep, they would again try to find him a home. They hadn't heard anything in 3-weeks and decided to give the shelter a call to see how he was doing... he was adopted 5 days after he was dropped off... by a lady who regularly takes her 2 dogs to a few local nursing homes to visit!!!!

Bailey was (is!!) a really sweet dog, he just didn't like the baby at all. Which was suprising because he was the nicest, sweetest dog whenever I'd go visit (sit on your feet, slobbery 'kisses' etc...) so I'm sure he's making some old folks very happy :)

~Tara
 
that's the way to do it Tara. What a great story. IMO, pets are part of the family, to drop them off without a second thought is where the problem comes.... your friend played an excellent part of that in that they followed up and instructed the shelter if it came to the last hours :(

your post brought tears, there are good people out there!
 
To play devil's advocate, nobody knows where their life will take them in 10+ years. Things come up that force you to find new homes for your pets. The problem is that when that situation arrises, many don't put much effort into find a good home for their pet. I haven't been in this situation myself yet, but I really can't see myself taking a pet to a shelter. If I can't find a new home for an older pet and simply cannot keep it myself, I'd at least have the decency of killing it myself instead of putting that burden on someone else.
 
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Holy crap! Rant away, Leopardess! If one of my friends did all that, it'd drive me nuts, too. Newborn baby time is not puppy time, that's for sure! A puppy can be as much work as a baby human. It's a good thing she's in another state now or she might be trying to give you a puppy in a short while.
 
Your post has brought up some painful thoughts about my own baby girl. We got her years ago and I was unable to take her with me when I moved to another state. Fortunately my parents were able to keep her and care for her. Now that I'm back in the state, I live in an apartment where it would be inhumane to keep a dog that large, so she still lives with my parents. My mother takes comfort in her company; she is disabled, and my dad works nights, so they keep each other at night. She is still my baby girl, dispite the years that have gone by. They don't live far away, and I go to see them all as often as I can. Fidget (the dog) looks for me excitedly when she hears the sounds of motorcycles, or when my wife comes by without me. On occassional weekends, I bring her to my apartment to stay for a few days, but always it's back to my parents house. She is doing well, but in spite of that, I still feel guilty and lonely about not having my bestest friend at home where she belongs. :sad
 
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