You can't keep your pet? Really?

[Lovin2act]

But people with that attitude either won't read the post, or won't be changed by it.

And you need to bear in mind that "tough times" these days sometimes mean choosing between whether your pet eats, or whether your kids eat. It happens when the "bubble world of comfort and happiness" has already burst. I'm sorry, but animals sometimes simply *do not* come first. No parent would prioritise pets over children - there are perfectly valid reasons for rehoming animals. Recognising when you can no longer care for a pet, for whatever reason, is a valid and vital thing.

I'm in agreement with Bitsy above. I think the tone is poor and that it misses it's mark if the author really wants to reach those who don't understand what can go on behind the scenes when animals are surrendered.

My intent is not at all to defend disposing of animals irresponsibly. My intent is to discuss a better way to reach those who are making poor choices regarding acquiring and disposing of living, breathing animals.

I disagree with you both and think you are going too far in how you are taking it. That's my opinion. I liked the write up and thought some others here would too. You both did not. That's your opinions and I respect that. So now it's there for those that could use it to maybe do some good with it, and it's there for others to complain about and criticize as well. To each his own.

:cheers:

 

[Karoni]

The people that get offended by this are the people that have disposable pets, or they won't get them spayed/neutered and just don't care.

I disagree. The tone of the piece was extremely confrontational and harsh. Even if someone agrees wholeheartedly about the message, it is understandable to dislike the way it is presented. It was sensationalistic. I recognize that it was written that way on purpose, to make a point. But it was still sensationalistic.

 

[kshannon]

I disagree. The tone of the piece was extremely confrontational and harsh. Even if someone agrees wholeheartedly about the message, it is understandable to dislike the way it is presented. It was sensationalistic. I recognize that it was written that way on purpose, to make a point. But it was still sensationalistic.

Is it, like I have said I have worked at an animal shelter it was horrible and people are horrible to their pets. The truth hurts it wasn't sensationalistic it stating the facts.

 

[Dreamsnake]

When I lived in a college town I saw so many people take in kittens that turn into strays breeding on campus. I understand that some people like to keep cuddly animals, but can't afford the medical care needed for them because of school and car payments. It is called sacrifice. Americans' need to understand this term and accept that the people of this country can't have everything they want. Especially an animal they can't afford. Before some one gets angry at this statement, I said college student.

I love cats, I own one; she is fixed, indoors only, with up to date shots. Someday when I can afford a dog I will go to the shelter and adopt one. I even feel bad for wanting to order corn snake morphs when I'm sure that some one near me is neglecting a snake.

 

[jessicalb]

I disagree with you both and think you are going too far in how you are taking it. That's my opinion. I liked the write up and thought some others here would too. You both did not. That's your opinions and I respect that. So now it's there for those that could use it to maybe do some good with it, and it's there for others to complain about and criticize as well. To each his own.

:cheers:

Fair enough! :cheers:

 

[Lovin2act]

Fair enough! :cheers:

:grin01::dgrin::nyah:

 

[Michael823]

I would live in the gutter and beg for food before I surrendered my dog to the pound. But that's just me obviously.

I feel the EXACT same way. It's not just you, and I appreciate that other people feel this way.

A person should get an animal with the complete intention for that animal to live a long, healthy, and happy life. And if circumstances arise that would prevent the original care takers from providing that care, than arrangements by the original care taker must be made to make sure that the animal is still given the same treatment and care. And for people out there who frown at the "happy life", like it's somehow too high of an expectation... DON'T GET PETS THEN!!! No one makes you have a child, no one makes you bring an animal into the family.

I get sick to my stomach going on CL sometimes, and it breaks my heart every time I see a half @$$ed listing to "get rid of" a cat or dog. I can sympathize with people using CL as a tool to try and find the best home for their animal when they can not, but I get infuriated when I see a helpless dog being offered out as though it was a TV that's just to big to move, or a couch that's just too old.

Nothing was unfair about this thread. If people can't stomach the guilt that reading this might cause, oh well... it's not a story, it's a reality, and if enough people get disgusted by this, or filled with guilt by it, then it's a win for for the creatures that are really in need.

 

[Michael823]

... to add... it should be completely about the animals welfare instead of a war of morals. Flagging the adds and stopping these ignorant people from finding homes for their animals, regardless of how sick the ads might make us, is not in the best interest of the animal. If there's any way to save a cat or a dog, even if it means dealing with some of the Earth's most undeserving inhabitants (people), it's important to do.

 

[Michael823]

I think the message lacks compassion and is poorly directed. It would be better to rewrite it with a lot less aggression, and get it published in popular magazines, or posted in areas where the average teen or young adult reads.

Most here already cherish their pets as family members and would never consider a pound or a kill shelter. Preaching to the choir, you know?

Sometimes it takes a really bold perspective to make change. And while most of us are all in the same boat in regards to the love of our animals, it only takes one not to be. And I am more than happy coming across some harsh words, as disturbing as they seem, if it means that just one person might think twice about the great responsibility involved in bringing home a new pet.

I mean, of course the world's pets would be in better shape if all of them were cared for like they are by 99% of the folks on here, but that just means that are responsibility to share what we've learned so much greater.

 

[Dreamsnake]

I live in a place where cats are disposable and dogs are status symbols. Not many people want to spend money on a cat when it'll just get killed by a car or run away. Dogs aren't fixed because it would debilitate their masculinity and everybody loves puppies. Sometimes I can't stand it.

 

[theorem]

Makes feel lucky to be in the shelter that I am. Once out on the adaption floor they stay until they are adopted out, the kennels are kept clean, they get out at least once a day but usually twice. The dogs/cats who need help to overcome their problems get what they need. We are extremely lucky. Not all shelters are as lucky and it sucks. People need to realize that, you should spay/neuter your animals, that they aren't disposable, it hurts them when we aren't with them.

But I do agree with the above, I see people surrender animals and walk out without being a able to say a word they are crying so hard. But I also think it may lack compassion but some people need that whack in the face.

 

[Cassie16]

I volunteer at the local SPCA, and it really does make me sick. At our facility, we have three drop off kennels that are opened, but once closed, lock from the inside. Many owners surrendering their pets use these when the SPCA is opened, but their too embarrassed to face the staff. Almost every morning, little eyes can be seen looking up through these drop offs.

One thing that surprised me (and comforted me a great deal), is the SPCA in my area doesn't euthanize dogs NEARLY as much as I thought they did. In fact, they have had a few dogs that have been at the facility for over a year. Only the cases that require very expensive medical treatment get euthanized immediately. No kill animal shelters tend to make the SPCA look like murders, but really, they just turn away animals when they're at their full capacity (which is usually always) and its the SPCA that takes them on. The SPCA really is an amazing organization. I encourage you all to volunteer or donate!

I adopted my dog from the SPCA, and no matter how much of a burden she can be (2 year old epileptic, with urinary incontinence and severe separation anxiety), I would NEVER give her away, even to the most qualified owner. That goes for my cat, my snake, and any other animal I take in. They are my family, they depend on me. I currently have a cat, dog, and a snake staring at me as I type this. Who could ever surrender such precious things?

Thanks for posting. I love your little caption, btw. "I gave my wife herps." Lovely.

 

[joltiana]

I volunteered at the calgary humane society and I totally agree with a pet owner
working for a day in the back seeing those sad eyes looking at you
thinking take me home! It puts tears to your eyes...

 

[Allalaskan]

When we moved back up to Alaska We couldn'd bring my dog back up with us. But my mother in law had grown very fond of him so she agreed to take care of him. Also he was getting old and I know that the cold winters up here would have finished him off. As much as it killed me to leave him there It was best for him and us. He is still alive ( 12 years old now) and kicking, and I know if I had brought him back up he wouldnt be alive. These cold winters cause havoc on an old dogs body. I miss my Nick very much, I had him from when he was 4 weeks old. I got him at the pound, when I adopted him he was still on formula because some one had left them on the pounds door step and they were NOT weened from their mother. Honesty, he was the smartest dog I have yet to see, he was loving and very loyal.

Some of you say you would never leave your dog, or give him away but some times like in my situation it was best for the dog and us. I still to this very day miss him so bad, I have thought about flying him back up to us but I know that it would seal his fate within a year because of the harsh winters.

So before you start condeming some one because they say they have to give their dog away learn the full story. I know there are many who just dont care about the animal, but then there are some that know its best and for those of us who have had to make that hard decision we know how heart breaking it really is.

That said, I would have never given Nick to the pound though. I would have rather flown him back up here and have him live a shorter happier life, then a short short miserable 3 days in the pound. I could never give a dog to the pound, but if I had to I would find another home for the animal if that what was best for him.

 

[Jessicat]

Honestly, saying that this is over dramatized seems a little like denial to me. Is it possible that this story has happened somewhere? Absolutely. That said, not all shelters are going to be this extreme.
I agree with a previous statement that pointed towards propaganda, especially since it's an anonymous craigslist post, but someone had to be feeling quite strongly to create this. Even though this piece does attempt to make it personal by aiming its words at its audience, you just can't take it personally. Weigh it in your mind, and if you need to make the choice to surrender an animal, try to rehome it though craigslist, the paper, or take it to a non kill shelter. Getting pissed off and taking it too personally isn't going to solve anything though.

I've always thought that the way animals are viewed in this society is horrible.. unintelligent mindless creatures who are below humans. I don't know where this hierarchy came from, but it's always frustrated me that people think they are "better" than all other life forms -ever-. So yea, I believe that something like what has been described in that piece has definitely happened. Does it always happen? No.

 

[Susan]

Shelters may be bad places, but there are worse things done to pets that are no longer wanted. They are driven away from home and dumped in a strange place often literally thrown out the car window. They have no food, no shelter and no idea how to survive on their own. They get killed by cars, starve to death, shot by farmers, or get illnesses that cause them to suffer before eventually dying. The thought that some kind soul will take them in is a crock. Some of them get picked up by animal control or someone that does care and taken to a shelter, and at least they get a small chance at adoption or get to die by lethal injection instead of some horrible disease or starvation. Some people dump their unwanted pets off in the middle of the night at vet hospitals. Sorry folks, but the vet doesn't run a shelter and doesn't have the room or the staff to take in these unwanted pets. Again, most of those end up in a kill shelter. Yes, a few might be saved and find good homes. Trust me, the vet staff have more than their share of pets, 99% of which were unwanted by someone else. The people that really care about their pets but can no longer keep them for whatever reason either put some effort into finding them a home, or have them humanely euthanized by their vet. At least then, the pet has it's last moments with it's beloved owner and not some terrifying place with strangers.

 

[ratsncorns]

Adding onto Susan's post... I have run into many many dogs/puppies/litters dumped in the middle of the woods, far away from civilization (and even newborn pups alive in trash cans). Emaciated and completely lost. And very scared. I think euthanasia would be the better alternative if they had a choice between a quick death or to slowly starve.

 

[jessicalb]

Adding onto Susan's post... I have run into many many dogs/puppies/litters dumped in the middle of the woods, far away from civilization (and even newborn pups alive in trash cans). Emaciated and completely lost. And very scared. I think euthanasia would be the better alternative if they had a choice between a quick death or to slowly starve.

When I worked in a rescue we had dogs that came in who had been found tied behind or fenced behind a house that had been empty for days or weeks. Sometimes in a freezing winter or a 120 degree summer. People do some really terrible things and a good shelter can be the best possible solution in a less than ideal situation.