Pet Abandonment: How Do You Give Up Your Pet?
by Danny Davids(39)Our pets become such an important part of our lives. Many times we view them more as family members than as pets. When circumstances force us to change our lifestyles, it may become necessary to consider giving up a beloved pet. It is never an easy decision, but if you're forced to make it, be sure you're doing the right things for the right reasons. Here are the things you need to think about when determining if this is a necessary decision.
Think about your commitment. Many people believe that it's time to get rid of a pet because it didn't turn out quite the way they expected, or because the dog got too big, or because the cat won't go in the litterbox and scratches up the furniture, or because there's a new significant other around who doesn't like animals. Many times it's a combination of the owners not doing their homework to make sure the pet suited their lifestyle, not providing proper training, and being lazy. Ideally you should go over these factors before obtaining a pet; however, if you didn't, it's never too late to start. If you have a Great Dane in a 900-square-foot apartment, you may need to consider letting the dog go to another home that's more suited to its lifestyle. In most cases, it's a matter of making the decision to do what's right for the pet. For those who have new boyfriends/girlfriends who don't like animals and expect you to get rid of them, I predict they'll do the same with your friends, then your family members, and eventually you! And if you still think it's too much work to deal with, then I recommend sterilization for the breeding members of your immediate family. If you can't handle a pet, you'll never be able to handle a child.
Think about your duty to the community. For some time relatives of ours have been dealing with neighbors who have dogs that have repeatedly tried to break through the fence into their yard and attack their dog. Over the weekend one of the dogs got out and attacked another dog in the neighborhood. Even after this vicious and unprovoked attack, the owners still believe they have a good dog! If you have a pet that's antisocial with other animals or humans, don't wait until animal control officials come to take your pet away. Contact an animal trainer or behaviorist and have your pet evaluated, and either get it the training it needs or do the humane thing and have it euthanized. When an animal attacks, lives are ruined, including the animal's.
Think about your family's needs. Even though we view our pets as family members, it is still a fact that your human family comes first. If you are taking care of your pets while your spouse, children, and other family members go without, it's time to rearrange your priorities. Painful, yes, but sometimes necessary.
Think about your pet's needs. If you're meeting your family's needs but neglecting your pets, that is wrong as well. It is necessary to provide fresh food and water, appropriate shelter, exercise, training, and love. If you cannot do all of that, then it may be time to reconsider your responsibility to your pet.
Think about extenuating circumstances. Even loving, responsible owners are forced into situations where they are no longer able to keep a pet. This is terribly evident in today's sad economic times. People lose their jobs, their homes, and have to relocate to places where pets are not allowed. These pet owners may feel they're letting their pets down by finding them another home. Nothing could be further from the truth. Giving a beloved pet a new home can be the most caring thing you can do. Don't add another level of guilt to your situation.
Think about where your pet needs to go. Dumping a pet on a family member or friend does not guarantee that the pet will have a loving new home. In fact, many of these pets end up being dumped over and over, eventually ending up abandoned. Look for a no-kill shelter, or search the Internet for rescue organizations that deal specifically with your particular breed of animal. There are many groups who will work with owner to assure that a pet is not euthanized, but given every opportunity to have a new forever home.
Think about long-term consequences. Some people have the idea that abandoning their pets to the wild will suffice, that they can take care of themselves. For domesticated pets, this is a blatant lie. They fall victim to disease, pests, hunger and thirst, other animals and humans, and eventually death. Their lives are not romantic, but hard and painful. In addition, many local and state governments classify abandoning animals as a misdemeanor or even a felony. If you think you can deny an animal you have abandoned is yours, you haven't seen any of the animal police shows on "Animal Planet"! Others harbor the idea that they are the only ones who can properly provide for a pet, and therefore choose to have it put down rather than have it go to another home. This is not the time to be selfish. Your pet may have many years of life ahead of it, and to deny it a chance to live just because you can't keep it is cruel.
When circumstances that we cannot control force us to make difficult decisions, it's time to start thinking with our heads, not with our hearts. If you must give up a pet, assure yourself that it will end up in a home that can give it the love and care you are unable to provide. Do the right thing by your pet, and comfort yourself with the knowledge that it will continue to live a happy and healthy life with a loving family. You can't show your love to your pet any better than this.
Article submitted Monday, September 14, 2009 & read 445 times.
Leave Your Comments:
» left by Marijo Phelps from mountain meadow CO (357 days 1 hour ago.)
Very excellent points to ponder!When we rescue an animal we commit to takaing it "for better or for worse" just because the older kitty chooses to anoint a scatter rug or the wood floor from time to time doesn't mean she gets "put down". We work around that. right now she has been accident free for several weeks - don't know why but am counting my blessings.Your atrticle shiuld be required reading before any adoption! Marijo (Mary Jo is how it is pronounced.)Respond to this comment
» left by Lorrie Davids(425)(354 days 5 hours ago.)
Really good article, Danny. I know pet abandonment happens a lot, but I still can't imagine just leaving a pet to fend for itself. I agree with Marijo...required reading before adopting.Respond to this comment