Why are people so cavalier about "getting rid of" their dogs? And getting them, too? And their care in general?

Question

I've gotten (rescued) dogs that didn't fit perfectly (read: at all) with my lifestyle before. I've inherited dogs with behavior problems before. And I never gave up on any of them. I trained them to the extent of my ability, I modified my lifestyle to the extent that I could, and what I could not change I learned to accept. 

My three dogs are dependent on me for everything - food, love, medical care, happiness. The idea of any of them being sick, hungry, in pain, lonely, hit by a car... of not having ME, of wondering where I went and when I'm coming back for them... it makes me want to throw up, honestly. 

They are my responsibility. I would chew off my own foot before I "got rid" of any of them.

Is it always easy? No. Are there sacrifices? Most certainly. I can't fly off to Europe on a whim. I can't take a job that requires extensive travel. I can't buy a big screen TV without making sure that the dog's budgetary needs are covered first. I can't always rent the nicest house. And of course, it's a lot of work.

Do I get tired of dealing with the responsibility? Yeah, occasionally I do. But apart from the fact that I wouldn't trade it for any amount of money, I CHOSE IT. What kind of person says, "I want to get rid of my dog, he's too lazy/hyper/big/small/expensive?" Would you "get rid" of a child because he's got ADD, or has a growth spurt and costs a lot to feed, or has some behavioral issues? Because the landlord of the house you want to live in won't allow couples with children? Because you can't have as much fun or take a job that pays more? Because raising kids is a lot of work?

And before you say, "there's a big difference between dogs and kids," there really isn't. Your commitment to your dog - a responsibility that you chose - is just as sure of a sign as your character as your commitment to any other responsibility, including kids.

But unlike kids, you CAN choose the particular dog that fits with your lifestyle. Unlike kids, dogs cannot be "accidents" or "whoopsies." Unlike kids, dogs do not require that you completely re-prioritize your life in order to be a successful guardian - though of course, you must re-prioritize to an extent.

Why don't people realize that "getting rid of" your dog - or neglecting it or throwing it out in the backyard because you don't feel like training it - is, 99% of the time, a sign that you have a weak character, are irresponsible, and shouldn't ever own pets? Or have kids?

ms manners · Accepted Answer

Too many people make foolish decisions, and bring animals into their lives that they are not equipped to cope with.

And too many people are self indulgent, and expect the animal to fulfill THEIR needs, even if they neglect the needs of the animal.

I have given up a few dogs during my life, but only in situations where I knew the dogs needs would be better fulfilled somewhere else, never to just make my life more convenient.  Most of the time I have taken in strays, and rescues, and dealt with whatever problems they brought with them.

So I am not very patient with people who refuse to research, or make the effort to teach a dog to be better behaved, and a better fit for their lives.
***
Simpson - what the heck does this discussion have to do with dogs on playgrounds?  My dogs have never seen a kids playground in their lives.
And housebreaking and teaching a dog not to bark is EASY.
I would have taken your moms dog in a heartbeat, and probably could have trained it in a week.

Who knows? - one of my foster dogs may BE her former dog.

Poodles NOT Doodles! · Answer

I completely agree.

I see some of the worst reasons to get rid of dogs (and cats) daily. I see stray intact mutts come in from the ACO who are in awful shape. People who are moving, people who had a baby and don't have 'time'. There are so many horrible reasons people get rid of their pets. Yes, sometimes it is better to find an animal a loving home then keep it and be miserable. But then you need to ask yourself, why did you get that pet in the first place?

This is where the difference between responsible and irresponsible breeders really shines through. Responsible breeders won't sell their dogs to idiot people who will ditch them a year later. Irresponsible breeders will. Responsible breeders require you return your dog to them if you can no longer keep it, irresponsible breeders leave you high and dry. If ALL breeders did both of those things we would have a WHOLE lots less dogs in shelters.

OziGirl_222 · Answer

I could not agree more.  A dog is a responsibility and it should be taken as seriously as having a child.. though unfortunately that does not say much for some people in society who even their children seem to even rank their children low on priorities sadly.  It makes me ill sometimes to see the treatment of some animals.  I have had dogs for years but I never once thought of them as an achor weighing me down and I have never got one without thinking of the type of breed which suits my lifestyle, training it and making sure they had enough attention (haha mine have been spoilt actually).  

I moved out recently and mum wanted to keep the two boys which had become like family members (how I think of them) so left them with her but I do see them every week still and we lived here for around 6 weeks before I decided I needed a dog, couldn't come home to such a quiet house.. its not the same at all!  Dogs are company, family and they love unconditionally so how anyone could hurt/neglect I have no idea, makes me physically ill.  I spent a fortune on my chihuahua that I had for years (she was 15 when passed) for her medical treatments but I would not have done it any other way and if I didn't have the money, I would have done whatever was necessary to get it.

People need to recognise a dog is not a play thing and realllly committ to having them, raising them and still caring for them once they re no longer cute puppies.. dogs are cute too!

Anonymous · Answer

LAzy, selfish and ignorant, after the new wears off they have no patience for an animal.  Stupid people who punish animals because of their immaturity and short sightedness.  Anyone who does that should be BANNED on a national registry from EVER owning another pet!

Anonymous · Answer

Not me.  Today I spent $200 bucks on heart worm meds and flea meds.  Tomorrow two of my dogs go to the vet for their shots, and Thursday, the third one goes.  They eat the best food, have a fenced in yard, and go for daily walks twice a day.  I love them like they were my kids.

Anonymous · Answer

agreed, people think that they can just get a dog, cat, whatever, and throw them away like the weekly garbage. it pisses me off.

do  not get an animal, if you cannot provide for it. do not get an animal, if your temper is short.
do not get any animal, if you do not have the time, love and patients.
get a pet if you have the time, love and patients.

dogs and cats, any animal are not meant to be lawn furniture, they are, meant to love us, and be loved. sorry for the rant, i have a myspace page, and recieve alot of e-mail, about how can we save this animal. the latest, stop bull fighting.

Do or Do Not; There is No Try · Answer

I know this answer probably won't make a dent in your own opinion, as the way you asked the question seems to me that your opinion is set and your mind will not be changed. But not everyone is as flexible as you. Sometimes, its better that they let someone else have the responsibility of raising a pet because they're not suited for it. The difference between kids and pets are that kids grow up, have their own personalities, and eventually leave. Dogs can't have the choice to leave, they're stuck with their owners for life. So its not always the best option to keep a dog for life for many people. They need a pet that they like and that likes them so it is worthwhile for them to raise the pet. Sometimes, its better for the pet to find a better, more loving home to an owner more suited for them.

Stimpy · Answer

It's people like you that make my community difficult to live in. Despite the No Dogs signs posted only in certain areas, these people think that they have every right to bring their dog into restricted areas - such as a playground. And YES, we even have a DOG PARK for - dogs! And kids don't go in the dog park, so why do people insist in bringing their dogs into the playground? I don't know their dog. Oh sure, they say "he's friendly" but that is not a guarantee that the dog isn't going to lunge at my kids, even if the kids are minding their own business.

My mom is a registered Democrat and affirmed pet-lover. She gave up a dog who absolutely refused to be housebroken, barked constantly, etc. She struggled to make the decision but in the end it was the right thing for her and now she is happy she did it. We should have sent that dog to you. What is better, a dog who isn't wanted or a dog who is given to a home that will appreciate him?

Dogs rights end where mine begin. That is why humans are the superior species.

Why are people so cavalier about "getting rid of" their dogs? And getting them, too? And their care in general?

8 Answers