This is something that has been bothering me quiet a bit lately as I hear more and more stories of animals being mistreated or abandoned by their owners. Why would you invest in a pet if you aren't willing to continue that investment.  
 
Getting a pet is not like any other purchase, it is like an adoption. When you bring that animal home you are agreeing to love, nurture, and take care of it like you would a human. You can't expect it to know everything from day one you need to spend the time to properly train the animal to behave how you would like it to do so.  
 
Another thing is if you have a pet and "love it so much" why would you get rid of it. I have a dog and I would give every opportunity in the world up if they were to tell me I had to get rid of my dog. You would not abandon your child if you were offered a job across the world, so why abandon a pet.  
 
The most recent story I heard that perhaps encouraged me to go on this rant is of a dog that was tied in a yard with a chain. For months the owner was told they needed to invest in a stronger chain so that the dog wouldn't be able to break it and run away. Any pleas weren't heard, and eventually it happened, the dog broke the chain and ran out into traffic where it was struck by an on coming vehicle. The dog was so damaged internally there was truly no other choice but to spend thousands of dollars on a "it may survive" or put it down. So instead of spending enough time with the dog to train it to stay in its yard, or even spending $50 +/- to get a stronger chain, this dog lost its life.  
 
If you don't teach your child to stay in your yard or look both ways before crossing the street how will they know? The same goes for animals.  
 
I realize this is a bit one sided and I apologize I am not attacking anyone saying they are a horrible person because they gave up a pet or their dog was hit by a vehicle - I am just making a plea to encourage the proper treatment of pets.

I agree, it is very devastating how many animals are in the "free bin" its heart breaking, i have kept everyone of my animals right up till the day they would be put down. I am curious to see some peoples excuses, and yes people that is what they ARE is excuses.  
Good rant op.  
 
Edited by Rebeldawn, 2012-08-07 15:43:37

Just wanted to /salute you, very well said.  
 
Sylv  

I wish people would treat their pets like more of a part of the family and with more respect as well.

people think animals are disposable...they are NOT. I just saw another an ad for a dog, FREE!! If you can't take care of it or don't have the time, then why get an animal in the first place?. Dogs are alot of work, so if you can not commit for the next 10+ years walk away before you bring a dog home, only to give it away years later.

if ebrandon wont stop them being posted as freebies who will i have complained about this before never gets answers from admin

Here is another one you hear. Getting rid of dog, it got bigger than we thought it would. WTF, didn't you do any research on the breed or breeds before getting it!! (Unless someone told you it was a chihuahua and it ended up being a Great Dane) I think you should have a general idea on the size a dog could END UP being.

although i understand that owners are trying to find their animal a home i always find it odd that people are trying to find THEIR animal a "forever home" when obviously their home wasn't, but still imo treat an animal kindly but animals are not the same as humans

I hear ya about people getting a dog/cat then decide oh I don't have the time for it, or the room, or am moving, or it does not listen so I'll just get rid of it. Do u not take these thing into consideration before you get it. because of ur quick and immature decision to get it, u made it miss it's chance for his "forever home" the first time. These animals give you unconditional love it breaks my heart to see how quick people are to desposal of them or abuse them

I have a very large fenced in lot and my little kittens appeared quite happy in it last summer. This summer I was working in the garden thinking they were just exploring when my neighbour yelled over that one of them was in her garden. One year old kittens are like a three year old toddler and have to be supervised a lot closer. I had to re-think my approach to kittens in my yard.  
 
I tried a harness but one ran before I could attach the tangled rope and found the "20 foot snake" chased him everywhere. The stress was not healthy for him. The other kitten that had gone outside the yard was put in a harness and on a shorter leash for a walk only to do that "no bones" trick that cats do and managed to shake out of the harness.  
 
New solution is the emotional leash. I will take them into the back yard but closely supervise them as though they were three or four year old toddlers. I may read an article in my newspaper but then I check and make sure they are all in the yard. Every ten or fifteen minutes, I shake the treat bag and they come running to get a few morsels before the others get them. And then they go chase that butterfly or run up the tree or explore under the deck. After an hour we are ready to return inside. They are tired and want a nap and I am actually feeling quite peaceful after sitting in the shade watching my fur babies have fun.  
 
I wanted to share this concept and let people know that it is possible. I found the time outside beneficial for me as I could clear my mind and release any stress that may have built up. I thanked my neighbour for reminding me that I had a responsibility to look after my kittens properly and I am a better person because of it. When I start classes in the fall I will make a point of working some outdoor time into my schedule even if I have to take a textbook outside with me. The kittens have told me in their own way that they really loved it and want to do it again.

agree with the OP's post, except where you compare pets to children/people. They are not.

circumstances change, families breakup/divorce, kids grow up move out of the house, nobody there to take care of it now. Some of you make it sound like people who admit they can no longer look after their pet and put it up for adoption are horrible people, thing is things change and they are doing the responsible thing by putting it up for someone who wants a dog to look after it.

I am an animal lover, but when their needs supercede that of our own children, that is very sad. The value of human life on earth is diminishing and it seems like saving planet earth, the rainforests, and animals seems to have taken precedence.  
*Rant over

I sort of agree with you. In the sense that the dog should have been trained and yes it was unfortunate that the dog lost his life due to lazy owners. The thing that I don't agree with is you saying that people who get an animal should never give the animal away. Obviously there are circumstances that warrant people giving a pet away, there is nothing wrong with that. To me I would rather see someone give their pet away instead of it being neglected, which ultimately is what will more than likely happen.  
 
I also agree with Hermoine that pets ARE NOT people. We moved from the farm where we had 3 great pyrenese dogs which were used to protect the livestock and 6 barn cats. We also had 2 housecats and 2 housedogs. All of the "outside" animals were pets and we loved them very much but we couldn't bring them with us when we moved to the City. Saying that I am a horrible person for rehoming my dogs and cats is not right. What about other animals as well. I have also rehomed birds, fish and rabbits - all for various reasons. I am not a horrible person and I love my animals very much.  
 
Also to the person who said that it is eBrandon's fault for letting people post animals for free - give your head a shake - come on.

It's because of man that everything needs to be saved

Yes animals need to be treated well, trained properly, and people should educate themselves on how much work and care go into owning an animal. That being said I can see how unexpected circumstances can come up where someone might have to get rid of their pet, and it does not make them horrible people for it and not all of them are 'excuses'. All our pets were from ebrandon, our cat was free because her previous owners child developed allergies and our budgies we paid money for because their previous owners took in an abused cat and they didnt do well with each other, they did the responsible thing and found new homes for them.  
 
I do see the other side also, I know someone who got an adorable puppy for about a week, then the fun wore off I guess and they no longer wanted it :s

I understand things change but, when u keep getting pets and re-homing then you are a bad pet owner. They didn't choose to live with you, you chose them to be part of your family. But like in some people once the novelty runs out, out with the old and in with the new

There is nothing I hate more than people selling their dogs on ebrandon. The dogs that are fully grown and always have the same ad, "we are GETTING RID of our beloved Fido, we just don't have time for him any more. He is X years old, we will sell him for $XXX.XX"  
You love your dog so much and you want to find him a home so bad so you're going to SELL him? Are you stupid?

I am in full agreement. Yes, there are certain situations in which a pet may need to be given up. One awesome part about adopting from a pet rescue is that a dog can be returned to them at any time.  
But I agree that far, far too many people get a pet without thinking about the long-term responsibilty. Way too many pets are advertised because people 'don't have time for it any more'. If you aren't sure if you have allergies, or if a pet would be a good fit, borrow one! When I was 18, and was considering getting a cat, I borrowed the 'clinic cat' from my parents' vet clinic for a weekend. Pet sit for a while. Be a foster home for a rescue. Go to a dog show or a dog park to see different types of dogs, talk to owners about how much time and energy different types need. Be sure to get bitten by a puppy, and clean up some puppy pee and poop, let a dog dig in your yard or chew some of your stuff. Or see how an older dog interacts with your kids/ pets/ you. That will give a pretty good idea about whether you have enough time/ energy/ no allerges. Think long term: if you are a parent, and are agreeing to get a pet for your kid, be prepared that YOU are ultimately responsible for the pet for the rest of its' life. If you aren't prepared to do that, say no. Think about moving in the future, getting married, having kids or grandkids, travelling, etc. The cat I got when I was 18? She lived to be 24 years old, moved accross the country and back, went camping, and stayed with me through university, boyfriends, and a husband.

One more thing that I cannot possibly understand is why people continue to breed mixed breed dogs, when so many are unwanted. If you want your kids to experience the 'miracle of birth', please be sure to take them to experience the 'reality of euthanasia' as well.

curlysister said "I am in full agreement. Yes, there are certain situations in which a pet may need to be given up. One awesome part about adopting from a pet rescue is that a dog can be returned to them at any time.   But I agree that far, far too many people get a pet without thinking about the long-term responsibilty. Way too many pets are advertised because people 'don't have time for it any more'. If you aren't sure if you have allergies, or if a pet would be a good fit, borrow one! When I was 18, and was considering getting a cat, I borrowed the 'clinic cat' from my parents' vet clinic for a weekend. Pet sit for a while. Be a foster home for a rescue. Go to a dog show or a dog park to see different types of dogs, talk to owners about how much time and energy different types need. Be sure to get bitten by a puppy, and clean up some puppy pee and poop, let a dog dig in your yard or chew some of your stuff. Or see how an older dog interacts with your kids/ pets/ you. That will give a pretty good idea about whether you have enough time/ energy/ no allerges. Think long term: if you are a parent, and are agreeing to get a pet for your kid, be prepared that YOU are ultimately responsible for the pet for the rest of its' life. If you aren't prepared to do that, say no. Think about moving in the future, getting married, having kids or grandkids, travelling, etc. The cat I got when I was 18? She lived to be 24 years old, moved accross the country and back, went camping, and stayed with me through university, boyfriends, and a husband. "

Totally in agreement with you am glad to see there are still people that love animals, I'd go into a burning house to save my dogs and cats if I had too. that's how important they are in my life

I have seen adds where people are selling purebrad dogs, and they state that if you ever have to give the dog up, that you MUST, and I emphasize the "MUST" part, return the dog to them free of charge. Is this even legal? It's like if I buy a new Mustang at Kelleher, and I want to sell it five years later, I can't, I have to give it back to Kelleher. Now, I KNOW there is a big difference between a dog and a car, but I used this JUST AS AN EXAMPLE!! How can breeders do this? or can they?  
 
 
Just one point, there are many reasons that one would need to unfortunately give up their beloved family pet, and there are also many lame reasons as well. How about we don't judge unless we know the whole story? How did that go, "Let ye who has not sinned cast the first stone"?

i doubt the breeders would have a way of knowing? and i doubt its legally binding too  
 
personally i prefer a good mutt to a purebred anyway

Kilroy 4295 dash J said "I have seen adds where people are selling purebrad dogs, and they state that if you ever have to give the dog up, that you MUST, and I emphasize the "MUST" part, return the dog to them free of charge. Is this even legal? It's like if I buy a new Mustang at Kelleher, and I want to sell it five years later, I can't, I have to give it back to Kelleher. Now, I KNOW there is a big difference between a dog and a car, but I used this JUST AS AN EXAMPLE!! How can breeders do this? or can they?       Just one point, there are many reasons that one would need to unfortunately give up their beloved family pet, and there are also many lame reasons as well. How about we don't judge unless we know the whole story? How did that go, "Let ye who has not sinned cast the first stone"? "

is legal and binding! I signed a legal document when I got my purebred dog, stating that I would not bred her without consent from the breeder (and she had to have a title under her name along with confirmation from my breeder that her mate was in good standing). Also stated that at anytime I could no longer care for my DOG that I would contact the breeder and she would find her a new home. Before she was even mine I had to sign it. I have a copy and so does my breeder. Now how would she know I didn't give her up to anyone or bred her into a germanafgan sheperdoodle. It's called RESPECT. I paid good money for my dog and love her very much and love her breed very much that I would in no way brake that contract. It took me years of looking for the right dog & breeder to mesh with my family and the jobs that she will be given as a working dog, protector and family pet.  
Will I give her back up to the breeder? Damn right I will if one of my children become allergic to her. If she becomes aggressive towards my wife or children. But I will try allergy meds for the children if need be and intense training for the aggression. But once again (and not that this is always true) with looking into the breeder and her past breeds, the parents of my dog before I made that choice, I really only have to worry about allergies.  
This is in no way a sure fire bet that my purebred dog will be good and do not want to start a huge purebred VS mutt discussion but this is why backyard breeding (and I'm talking the ones that do it cause they are to lazy to fix their pets or thinks it's good $$)is so bad as it puts to many animals into peoples hands that don't care. Good Breeders and rescues screen for a reason.

....four horses, two dogs and two cats. When we chose to get the horses 9yrs. ago it was a life time commitment to them and also with our dogs and cats. I hate people who have animals and yell/ignore/complain about them....my pets are part of our family....I give up alot to have them and wouldn't have it any other way.

 
 
Edited by traveller, 2012-08-07 23:57:38

I agree with dd, Pray it forward and lovemygirl. And I especially agree with Kilroy about not judging. Unexpected things happen that sometimes people can't control.  
 
Allergies can develop suddenly, or certain triggers can make them unbearably worse. People can't plan for that.  
 
And pets can change too. We had a beautiful German Shepard/Collie cross dog (we got him as a puppy.) He was about 7-8 when he started biting tires. By biting tires I mean slashing 1-2 inch holes in sidewall of tires, VERY expensive. There were a few changes in our lives right at that time, I became pregnant, another person started living with us and we had got a puppy. He was a teddy bear of a dog but we never knew what would set him off because he could be fine for a week, a month, a half of a year and then all of a sudden a neighbor would pull into the yard, or us, and before we'd get out, a tire or two would be slashed. Of course we kept him. But stuff like this can happen.  
 
And people breed mixed dogs because mixed dogs are desired /required. We currently own a 1/2 Border Collie/Scotch Collie dog. He was a stray that showed up, we found his owner and his owner gave him to us. His breeding is the perfect mix for our farm. A working border collie is too intense (we've had one and worked with some) and a heeler isn't the best fit for our farming operation. We will be looking for that a 1/2 border/scotch collie breed mix when our wonderful dog is gone, if we haven't taken in another stray again...lol.  
 
Hopefully everyone's comments on this post educates people on the commitment it requires to have a pet, and how important it is to do the research to finding the right/compatible breed for their family.

I accidentally found a solution to my allergy with cats.  
 
In the middle of a nasty custody battle, my daughter wanted a dog but, after I explained the work required, settled for a cat. I sniffed, sneezed and put Visine in my eyes but my daughter was happy and that was important.  
 
After a week, the free samples ran out and I had to buy some cat food. I read the labels one more time and there was a product that included cranberries. My brain clashed as it recalled my mother being cured of her continual kidney infection many years ago by a doctor that told her he had read something about drinking two to four ounces of cranberry juice every morning. Thirty years later, she has basically not had an episode. In the other part of my brain is my sister warning me that indoor cats are highly susceptible to catching Urinary Tract Infection. I wondered if the cranberries in the food wood keep the cat from developing UTI. I could budget for this expensive food but having a sudden vet bill for treating UTI could wipe out my grocery budget for the month. I paid for the expensive food.  
 
Two days later I noticed that I was not sniffling. My eyes were not scratchy. I went to where the kitten was stretched out on the couch and buried my face in her fuzzy belly but still no allergic reaction.  
 
I was not allergic to the cat. I was allergic to the way the cat was having to process crappy cat food. As long as I fed her the better quality food, I was not allergic to her. I continued to sniffle if I visited my mother for more than a couple of hours but cleared up when I returned home. A boarder brought in a kitten and I had no problem because it was also fed the high quality cat food. I currently have four cats and still no allergic response.  
 
I look after a little girl before and after school and she is okay with the cats as well. I had to try a different (but equally expensive) brand when my usual one was not available and the little girl started sneezing the next day. Once I switched back, she was okay.  
 
Before you give your cat away because of allergies, take a closer look at the food you are feeding them. You may be allergic to their psoriasis that the cheap food is causing.

Pray it Forward said "I am an animal lover, but when their needs supercede that of our own children, that is very sad. The value of human life on earth is diminishing and it seems like saving planet earth, the rainforests, and animals seems to have taken precedence.   *Rant over "

I love my pets, one dog and one cat, wish that I had a child but I don't. Please don't forget about people that don't or can't have babies. We want something to coddle too!  
 
Over the years I have had lots of dogs and a few cats, loved them all, cryed when they left for the rainbow bridge but nothing broke my heart more than losing my Mother at an early age...  
 
So, bottom line is, most people value humans over animals but if that is your only outlet for your enormous love then so be it!

however I to do agree with "life changes" and I would much rather see a pet for free then someone who wants to sell their pet because of their own life changes. I've been in the business of pet care for many years and see everything from one extreme to the other. An example, was a beautiful rough collie who had never been so much as brushed in 8 years. It broke my heart just looking at him and worse was trying to pet his horribly matted coat. Instead of judging the owner I chose to educate, and am happy to report that things are much improved and "Buddy" has a lovely flowing coat once again. I do admit, I shake my head at the lack of knowledge people have regarding pet care, but I do believe for all of us that understand it should try to educate instead of scold and judge. It doesn't penetrate every time but if we stay the course I think one by one we'll change someone's thinking on right from wrong. There are alot of people out there that believe they are the best of the best pet owners, and have no fear of casting stones at others, when at the end of the day, they themselves don't vaccinate because it's a money grab for vets, or their pets never go out, or whatever other excuse they come up with, don't groom their pets, feed them crappy colorful food because the premium is too expensive, yadda yadda yadda. I no longer criticize as it takes way too much energy. Instead if anyone asks, I speak frankly and honestly. I believe that as dog owners, you should vaccinate yearly, feed the best premium food for your dog, daily exercise, which includes more than a walk around the block, socialize, and train a well mannered dog. Can't do it? Then don't get a dog. Yup, it's that cut and dry for me.