MOMania

By abc

March 13, 2007 9:43 AM | Link to this

If you can’t commit to the pet for its lifetime, then do the pet a favor and forget about it. If you think you suffer from giving up a pet, imagine it from the pet’s perspective. That’s just plain irresponsible.

By momtomax&alex

March 13, 2007 10:01 AM | Link to this

Dogs are a lot of work. We have two and there have been plenty of times when I just want to chuck them. But then, there is a nice sunny day and they and my boys are out in the backyard, playing, running, tossing balss, etc. and it is ALL worth it. Having dogs is a wonderful experience for kids. And yes, it is more work for mom; but hey, the memories are priceless!

By des

March 13, 2007 10:06 AM | Link to this

I know the wonderful experience of having dogs. For the first 20 years of our marriage, we were fortunate to have lived in a house with several acres of pasture, and not close to any houses. We had four dogs, hwo roamed the pastures with the cows and we had a fenced in back yard. Without this freedom, dogs do not get enough exercise and spend much time alone. Unless you can devote time each day to play and exercise, I would say it is not a good idea. I would like to say that these dogs were more than the family pets. They kept burglars away several times (one of them was injured defending our house) and they were a big part of our family. We had many happy days romping and resting with these dogs. I smile everytime I think about them.

By des

March 13, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this

Let me add to my last post that the cows were pets mostly too. When my son went to school, the kids didn’t understand about the cows and laughed at him. But guess who’s house was the most favorite spot to play?

By a monotti

March 13, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this

Always had cats, got my first dog at age 53. A mixed golden retriever puppy.

What a joy she is. It is a pain sometimes to take them outside to bathroom so much, but overall I have really grown to love this dog.

I take her to area dog parks every weekend and there is no where I would really rather spend my time that being around the other dogs and laughing at their antics. Petting them and playing.

Really need fenced in yard. Coming soon I hope.

By bellamomma

March 13, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this

I agree. A pet should be a member of the family, at least dogs and cats should. We currently have a tabby we took in as a kitten. she was the runt of the litter, kicked out and knocking on deaths doors, or really meowing under my lawn mower. she is still very small but we love her!

We also just recently “rescued” a beautiful golden retriever from a kill shelter. She had a lot of emotional issues, but we have worked past them and while I am still not sure if she was the best fit for our family, she will be with us til the end.

I grew up in the suburbs but spent summers on my grandfathers farm. I too wanted that lifestyle for my children. So, we are getting some chicks for easter and are going to raise them into chickens. We are also looking into a miniture horse or two. If I had my way we would have our own petting zoo.

I think once your girls are old enough to help with the responsibilties it is time. One can feed and water, one can brush and help bathe and one can walk and pooper scoop.

By fk

March 13, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this

My son picked out his puppy, Taz, when Taz was only two weeks old. We were “home” for a summer visit. My sister-in-law and brother’s dog had eight yellow lab puppies. My son had first seen the puppies at 48 hours old. Yes, it was love at first sight. They were the size of beanie babies and fit into the palm of a hand, two of his.

My brother and sister-in-law wanted to give a puppy to my son. I agreed, but my husband was reluctant. As it turned out, it was the reluctant man who gave the puppy baths and who crawled in the crate to say good-night. At the time, my son was six. He just turned sixteen. Taz, at almost ten, is like an overgrown, 75 lb. puppy. He is still very strong and hard to handle if he is overexcited, especially if there is another dog approaching when he is on the leash.

A dog brings unconditional love and loyalty. He is the one being who is always excited to see you. He is a great protector and good company. Best of all, he doesn’t talk back. Well, okay, not always.

My only suggestion is that you get a dog that suits your family’s lifestyle. Having a pet is a commitment. I think my son was still just a little too young, especially for a big dog. The dog was 80 lbs within a year, far too much for a second grader to handle. We did not fully realize how much exercise a dog like this needs. He has a lot of energy. Our yard is a good size, but not big enough for him to really run free. He gets walked frequently, and loves it. Have tried to let him run free in an open field, but when he runs, he runs away. Yes, we took the puppy classes….twelve of them, and a couple of private lessons, too.

Plus, he thinks he’s human. He wants to be front and center of everything. If we would let him, he’d don a napkin and sit at the dinner table. He’d be a lap dog if we let him. (He’s absolutely not permitted on the furniture…ever).

We found ourselves picking our last minivan as it suited our travel needs and had easy access in and out for the dog. Yes, the dog was taken into consideration. He is a part of the family…a family member who sheds a lot, barks a lot. Would we trade him? No. He is a lot of responsibility. It is the dog and the husband who are having a difficult time adjusting since I went back to work. He (the dog) started taking stuff off the counters and tables. He ate a loaf of double fiber whole wheat bread…as if that tasted good.

If there is ever a next time for a family pet, although I prefer large dogs over the small ones, I think we would consider one that sheds less and is not as big…30-40 pounds. My niece has a small foo-foo dog, cute as can be, but that dog is always piddling all over the place. Definitely not for me.

By Bobby

March 13, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this

Always had dogs and/or cats growing up, so not sure at what age I was. But we got our kids a kitten each when they were 5 and 3 a couple years ago. They loved them, and my soon to be 7 yr. old daughter is great about taking care of them. My son keeps asking for a dog now, but my alergies won’t allow for a dog anymore. Which is a shame, because I have plenty of room for one to run around.

By Georgia

March 13, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this

I grew up with several cats and one dog. I have always had at least one cat in the house at all times. I am now a happy parent of two cats, two dogs and a fish. We just recently acquired dog #2, and she is a joy. I never considered myself a “dog” person, but they are alot of fun. This weekend, all animals were out back with me, and I really enjoyed it. Dog #2 quickly calmed dog #1 down. However, having dogs is like having toddlers.
I love the saying - “Dogs have owners, cats have staff”. True, true, true…..

By test

March 13, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this

test

By dep

March 13, 2007 11:09 AM | Link to this

I completely agree with abc. It’s totally irresponsible to have a pet that you cannot care for appropriately. And establishing a “family” for an animal and then sending it away is extremely cruel—would you have done that to your child if keeping up with her was too much to handle while you were pregnant.

If you must get a pet, I’d suggest one that is much more self-sufficient, like a cat. Dogs are very much like toddlers, and they take much more work that cats.

By Want a dog?

March 13, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this

Yes, every child needs a pet but only if the pet owner is willing to pull their weight in raising them. Pets need time & love…something everyone doesn’t have/give. We have a beautiful 2 year old Rottweiler who is nothing but a loving big baby. He does make people think twice before they approach our house though, which is a good thing and makes me feel safe when I’m alone. Problem is, we built a lakefront home with only 1/2 acre and just don’t have the room for him to run anymore. If anyone is willing to give Rambo a good home, please let me know. Like I said, he’s all baby, but will need room to be himself.

By deidreNC

March 13, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this

cats are great because they are self sufficient…dogs are great because they soobviously love you!!! i like to have both…if you have a house dog just ask y9our vets advice on what kinds are best..then pick which y ou like best from those…its agreat thing to adopt an animal from a kill ‘shelter’

By des

March 13, 2007 11:28 AM | Link to this

Rotties are good dogs. Ours is about 5 years old. They are loving and easily trained. Only when jerks raise them are they bad.

By MOT

March 13, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this

If it were up to me, I would say NEVER! However, we have had our share of dogs and a few cats, birds, several aquariums of fish, turtles, and a Chinese Dragon. Right now we have one extremely sweet loveable black rescue cat. She loves to be held like a baby and loved on and wants our attention always!Sleeps with the youngest (12). And one overgrown chihuahua (my husbands). Until the kids gave my husband/their dad, the chihuahua for father’s day five years ago, all dog care fell on me. Not a good thing: I will always remember the summer of trying to potty train my 8th child, and my husband decided to get the kids a dog, as he had always had one as a boy (chihuahuas, spaniels). After much research, he got a schipperke, and I was left to train him. He was a sweet dog, but I was up to my eyeballs in poop that summer between the two year old and the puppy.

I have one son that is very into fish, he loved fish. So at 13 he got himself a job at a fish store. There he learned everything he needed to know and began his own sets of acquariums. It was great! He tended them himself and everyone enjoyed them. From that experience, perhaps kids who are very interested in getting a pet could do something responsible for someone else, and learn with someone else’s pets how hard it is. Perhaps pet sitting, helping at a kennel, etc. Gives them experience and the opportunity to see reality, and the parents the opportunity to see them in action or inaction and with what attitude.

In my old age and many years behind me, I would say start small. It is a good experience for kids to have pets for many reasons. Start with a fish. If they show responsibility, then let them graduate to something larger, but not too hard to take care of. To me, cats are the very easiest. And if you are expecting the kids to tend, I sure would not give them a pet of any kind until they have the physical capabilities to manage. And if you don’t have the time, mindset, etc of adding a dog or cat or horse, etc. to your household as a member, for long term, then let them get a nano-pet.

By Damon

March 13, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this

My folks did not allow me to have a dog till I was able to keep up with chores around the house. Taking out the garbage, getting the laundry together, dishes, mowing the yard when it needed etc. After I showed that I was responsible for a dog they took me to the local animal shelter and let me pick which one I wanted. To say the least I appreciated that dog more than most kids appreciate family pets, cause I worked for it and knew what it would take to care for one. 18 years later I have never been without a dog in the house and have found that the smaller terriers make for good family pets if you dont have a lot of room.

By wrkgma3

March 13, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this

Give me a break— I’ve got 3 kids to feed! I think all pets are dumb. I am not an animal lover and can find much better things to do with my time, energy and money than to “raise” a frikkin DOG!!

There’s so many other ways to teach a child responsibility! Plus…ain’t no way I’m walking anyone or anything in the cold, rain or extreme heat— PUHLEASE!

By des

March 13, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this

@wrkgma# - you must be one up tight momma. I am sorry you will never know the love of animal, who will love you unconditionally and never complain. Sounds like you could use something like that.

By Penguinmom

March 13, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this

I agree with fk that you need to pick a dog that will suit your family’s needs. Don’t just go with a favorite breed or a ‘cute’ puppy. Actually do a little research and see how a particular breed will fit in with your schedule/lifestyle. If you are really busy then you need a dog that doesn’t require 2 mile hikes in order to be happy. Also, look at tempermant since different breeds have different needs for attention and play.

If you type in Dog and Match under Google you’ll get a couple of sites that let you answer questions to narrow down the list of best breeds for your situation. I liked this one Link: AOL Decision Guide the best.

I think having a pet is a good thing. It promotes responsibility and caring.

But, pets are a huge responsibility and they actually tie you down more than children in some cases. You can take your kids with you but with pets you have a certain amount of time before you ‘have’ to be back at home to feed or let out your animal.

By Tuesday

March 13, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this

wrkgma3 Good, you don’t sound like a responsible pet owner. Or even parent. With an attitude like that, please stay far, far away from animals and small children.

By Penguinmom

March 13, 2007 12:29 PM | Link to this

To those who are upset she gave away the dog, what would you have suggested? Continue to let the dog live in a family that obviously couldn’t take care of it in a way that would meet its needs?

Isn’t it crueler to force a very active dog to stay inside than to give the dog to a family where it can be loved and can have its needs met?

As much as we like to think of dogs as members of the family, the truth is they do have a more limited mental capacity compared to humans. Just as a young child who is adopted out will not really remember his/her original family situation, a dog will quickly adjust to its new home if it is a loving environment.

I think it is commendable that they took the time to find a family for the dog instead of just dropping it off at the pound.

By Sagegirl

March 13, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this

There’s something very frightening about people who don’t love and appreciate animals!

By NoKids

March 13, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this

@ Penguinmom, I think the point of disagreement was that perhaps Keith could have done a little more research or thinking about the reality of having such a pet. Your suggestions of how to do that are helpful.

As commendable as it is to find a dog a new home, it’s still not a great situation. Most dogs do adjust, some don’t. And the happy, loving home that took one unwanted dog doesn’t have room for another dog that needs an owner.

I’m with you on the not dropping the dog at the pound…I can’t understand how people can do that. I had all sorts of pets when I was a kid, and I can’t imagine how distraught I would have been if one of them had been taken to a kill shelter. Plus, it may have made me think about how responsible my parents were. Treating an animal as disposable is kinda creepy. Finding a decent home shows you’re taking care of it as best you can, even if it’s not ideal.

By Pam

March 13, 2007 1:42 PM | Link to this

My kids have had pets since the day they were born - we currently have 6 horses, 3 dogs, 3 cats, 2 fish and a ball python - having so many pets is a BLAST!!! Planning on dog #4 this Summer, yes it is a load of work but the benefits far out weigh the efforts love it, love it, love it!!!!!

By Georgia

March 13, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this

I don’t know how anyone cannot love to have pets around them. The love unconditionally, meaning, they don’t care how much money you make/have, how you look, what kind of day you had, etc……they just want to love you and be loved. I have an 80 lb yellow lab, and a 14 lb mutt. My lab has a vicious bark, and the mutt is just learning what to bark at, she is only 3 months old. They both just wag their tales, and fall over each other when any of us come into the house. They get along great with my two cats. They LOVE car rides, and walks, and will grab their own leashes upon the mere mention of a W A L K (we have to spell words like that)…..they know what it means.

By des

March 13, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this

@georgia i had to laugh when somebody earlier said they were of lesser intelligence. They have never really had a pet or just totally didn’t get it.

By By me

March 13, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this

I think before buying a pet you should be able to place a check next to each item:

I WANT A DOG so badly that i think about having one every day, but i have not been able to put a check at #2. I hope within the next 2 years i will be able to restructure my work schedule. For now, i am sticking with a fish only.

By Stacey

March 13, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this

This blog is very timely considering a lot of people like to give baby chick and bunnies to kids as Easter presents.

The little boy who live next door to me got a rabbit for his birthday (back in the summer) and some time or another, has gotten a second one. Sunday afternoon he was outside playing with friends while the rabbits ran loose in the front yard. When I left for work yesterday, one of the rabbits was running around in the cul-de-sac. I thought that maybe he wasn’t able to find one of them when he went in Sunday night but when we got home last night, he told us he no longer wanted them and let them go! I looked out window this morning and saw both rabbits in the yard (between my house & their’s) but they were gone when I left for work.

By Sheri

March 13, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this

IMO kids are not the primary care giver of animals. It’s us, the parents, of the kids, pets and household. Don’t kid yourself and say that you are getting a pet for the kids, because you will actually be getting it for yourself for the FAMILY to enjoy. Animals come with the same price tag as kids and the household, are the kids paying their vets bills?? NO!! Are your kids running by Walmart to get their food and treats?? NO!!! So, when you ask, when do you get your child a pet, the answer is, you don’t!! Unless it is a gold fish that can be kept in their room, in a small bowl, that you don’t have to clean. At that point, it can be considered theirs!!!

I grew up with a dog, my mom got rid of him after several years because she got to the point of being tired of caring for him, when he was supposed to be mine and my brothers dog. We thought we were to just roll in the floor with him and get him all hyped up.

Now, that I’m grown up with a family, we have a dog, had 2 til xmas, but back to 1 now, and she’s mine, the other one was mine too. Not my kids. They love and play with the dog, but that’s as far as it goes.

Overall, kids are not supposed to be responsible for the pets of the household, the pets are there for their enjoyment. The purchaser of the pet, (i.e. the grown up)is the one is ultimately responsible for the pet, and you should already be prepared for that roll as you make the purchase. In time, when my boys grow up and live on their own, that is when they can purchase a pet to be responsible for. Until then, they can just enjoy and love any pet I purchase and take responsibility for!!!

By Georgia

March 13, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this

ByMe, at least you are mature enough to admit you are not able to afford “time” to give to an animal. As the owner of a new puppy, I know first hand about letting them out. We take our’s out about every two hours, when we are home. Unfortunately, being a puppy, she has to stay in a crate for a few hours a day during the week, but no more than 5. Some one is always coming or going at my house.

But you still have a fish. I have the cutest little Beta Fish named Chum (named after one of the sharks in Finding Nemo) and he is so cute. He has a little personality, which some people think I’m crazy, but he does things like comes to the top of the tank at the sound of my voice, he lets us “pet” him, and we love to watch him scratch his back on his plants.
I know it sounds crazy, but I swear it’s true. We have had the Beta for over 2 years now. He may just be a fish, but to us, he’s part of the family. Just a funny little note……

By Georgia

March 13, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this

Sheri You are correct, it is the parent’s responsiblity. However, having a pet does teach some responsibility to a teenager.

My daughter wanted a puppy for her birthday. I told her, she is old enough to take the responsibility of a pet. She just turned 16. In the weeks before we got the pup, she had to show me that she could be responsible by taking care of the other animals we have. She did. She would get up early with the dog when she needed to go out at 5a.m. and she walked her at least one mile every day (She did this before the request for the puppy).
So far, she has done a fabulous job, but its only been 7 weeks. She goes with me to the store, and she gets the dog food for both dogs. She has a job, so she has to pay 1/2 of the puppy food, toys, etc. The vet bills are my responsibility. She has shown me that she can be responsible for our pets, SO FAR!!!!!
But, she did say this to me ther other day - “if this is what it’s like to have kids, I don’t want any”. So there you go!!!!

By By me

March 13, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this

Sheri: while the adult of the house pays the pet bills, it is up to you to define if only you or entire family takes care of the pet. Why 7 year old cannot take the dog (small dog) out 3 times a day, feed him, brush him, play with him, and even pick up dog’s poop? It sounds to me like your mom never enforced the pet keeping responsibility on kids. These responsibilities can be enforced as long as the expectations are set correctly BEFORE you get a pet.

By By me

March 13, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this

Sheri: while the adult of the house pays the pet bills, it is up to you to define if only you or entire family takes care of the pet. Why 7 year old cannot take the dog (small dog) out 3 times a day, feed him, brush him, play with him, and even pick up dog’s poop? It sounds to me like your mom never enforced the pet keeping responsibility on kids. These responsibilities can be enforced as long as the expectations are set correctly BEFORE you get a pet.

By Erin

March 13, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this

I think a lot of the when and whether of getting the kid(s) a pet depends on the kid(s) in question and the type of pet under consideration.

I grew up living in an apartment. Because of that, we always just had cats around. The first kitten I ever had was a stray that someone had dumped in my neighborhood. It zeroed in on us and of course I was dying to have a kitten, so we took it in. Or rather, the kitten invited herself into our lives.

Best decision EVER. I was maybe five at the time, but I was old enough to help with the feeding, the training and cleaning out the litter.

A few years later, I discovered guinea pigs and had to have one - and yes, my mom made me learn about guinea pigs and how to care for them BEFORE getting one … again, a great decision. Although my parents helped out some with the cats and the g.p., I did a lot of it myself, but then again, I was a responsible kid.

Dogs, on the other hand, require a LOT more work in general, in terms of training and walking and cleaning up after it. I dunno if I would have been that good with a dog as a kid.

Anyway, I think kids of just about any age can benefit from having a pet … if a dog is going to be too much work for your schedule, don’t get a dog, but whatever you do get, make sure to teach the child NOT to pull its tail or haul it around with one arm or leave its cage door open … in short, teach the child how to care for it correctly.

By Nikita

March 13, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this

Keith, the short answer is: when you are prepared to give a dog a good home. And a lot of shelters try to dissuade people with kids under 6 from getting dogs and cats because the kids can hurt the animals without realizing it due to their developing muscle control.

But if you can commit to walking a dog an adequate amount, playing with a dog, taking care of its exercise, food, and shelter needs and keeping it in the house most of the time like any other family member, then it might be time. Just be aware that if you aren’t proactive about giving the children responsibilities, then those responsibilities will fall to you.

By Sheri

March 13, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this

Georgia - thanks :) - as you are allowing your teenager to take on the responsibility, which is good, I tell my 9 year old, that he can have his own pet when he leaves my house!! After raising my kids and pets, I don’t want to have to take the chance of “inheriting” something that he may possibly grow tired of while living under my roof. I figure, having a pet will hopefully make him even that more responsible out on his own when the time comes.

By me - I don’t agree, I have a 9 year old boy, and my primary goal each day is to get him to take responsibility for himself and his personal belongings and school work. Next on his responsibility list will be a few more chores, not primary care taker of our family pet. I don’t think kids younger than the teenage years are mature enough to do what you stated above on their own. WE, as the parents, have to ask them or remind them to do pet chore list. For us parents or primary care givers to a pet, it comes second nature to take care of them like we do or kids and households. And I don’t really recall if my mom ever enforced us to be in charge of our pets as kids, I just remember the main point was that she was the one caring for him and not us kids!!! I think my 2 sons will understand the solid responsibility a pet when they are older since they are being raised along the side of one in the family. They just don’t have to be in charge of them right now!!

By EC

March 13, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this

VISIT ELIJAHCHRISTIAN.COM

By bellamomma

March 13, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this

Stacey that is aweful! I am on the fence about the chick thing though. Like I said I have wanted chickens for a while and figured easter and chicks was a great way to start them but so many chicks get sold every easter to families who have no clue how to raise them and then they die. So sad!

By Georgia

March 13, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this

Sheri funny you should mention the “inherit” situation. When decideing on a puppy, one of the most important considerations was that my daughter will be leaving for college in 2-1/2 years, so we needed to choose a puppy that I would be happy with when she leaves……

By Sheri

March 13, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this

Georgia - LOL!! See my point is made so very clearly!!! Your daughter, wanted/needed/and got a pet!!! BUT is going to leave it for you when she leaves. So ultimately it is YOUR DOG!!! I can guarantee that when her college days are over, she won’t come back and reclaim her old dog, in fact, I bet you tell her, “heck no, that’s my dog, go get you a new one, and take it to YOUR house!!” :) FUNNY!!! Enjoy your new puppy!!

By LM

March 13, 2007 4:16 PM | Link to this

I was raise with dogs and cats, so thought nothing of having one or two when my daughter was little. Odd thing is she “liked” them but did not want one to touch her. Following my divorce I waited several years to get my life back in order before getting another pet. She was begging and pleading and I relented and got one about 3 months before I was ready. The dog turned out to be the best dog I could have ever wanted. She was a 2o month greyhound. Just so sweet and never gave me any problems. Over time she taught my daughter to relax and enjoy the companionship. Then I wanted another dog, but this time I wanted a little dog, never having one before. Much more work due to her being a puppy, we lost her this past December and I miss her so much.

My boyfried just got a blue heeler, Now that dog is a lot of work, just a more engeric type of dog. Very sweet and does well with basic comands, but just so much energy.

Pets add so much to our lives, and like any thing worthwhile they require some work, but the rewards are tenfold.

By Lynn

March 13, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this

Bellamomma, my ex & I did the bird raising thing & trust me…it’s not much fun. He still has a variety of chickens, turkeys etc., but I in no way would go that route again. You have expenses just like with any other animal (food, shelter, colds which require antibiotics) & triple the mess. Not to mention, their not much company and they don’t get along with other pets (or others don’t get along with them). If your doing this just to get fresh eggs, I would save my time & money & just buy the organic brown eggs from the store.

By Metro

March 13, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this

i grew up with a house full of pets. my mother had wanted to be a vet and ended up a nurse. every stray or hurt animal made it’s way to our house and found a home.

i think that it helped me in life. i was 4 when we lost my fav. pet. a cat that slept with me from the crib to my first real bed. it was heart breaking but i learned to deal with death. i also had chores that came with the pets that i believe thought me about the real world. believe even a procrastinator will get motivated by a dirty cat box.lol.

we also had dogs, fish, and birds. so, maybe your answer to giving your oldest a pet is givine her some of the responsability and finding a pet that is smaller. smaller animals are easier to maintain and will be okay in a urban back yard. i also think that now she has experienced what will happen if she can not keep up her end of the bargin and she will rise to the responsability.

btw, do check to make sure the breed is not just a hassle. my mom had a jack russel that was hiper…no manic. she has since found her a home and taken on a mini dobi.

i would also say that Ginea Pigs make good pets and I had a rabbit that started in a case and ended up taking residence in the backyard. that was fun to have an unusual pet. he was huge.lol.

best of luck

By Nikita

March 13, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this

Seconding comments on guinea pigs. They’re great, and for those parents who fear commitment, they don’t live very long — but they live a lot longer and have a lot more personality than something like a hamster.

By LM

March 13, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this

Regarding the chickens and rabbits.

In my old subdivision someone at one point in time had a couple of rabbits, then let then go. I used to count about 30 rabbits each morning when I’d go running, they were becomming a nusiance (sp) eating peoples flower beds.

a couple of years ago I wanted baby chicks and ducks, I now live on a farm so it only seemed fitting. let me tell you cute chicks become messy pooping foul!!! The roosters used to rape the duck, did it in front of the vet and he was shocked they would do it. also they roosters would chase down the greyhound and try to spur the dog and the humans. Never again!!

By ...

March 13, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this

Stacy—

in case you read my note about my pet rabbit. it was not loose in the neighbor hood. we had a retainer fence. actually it was so oppressing that it made well for playing sleeping beauty as a child. but i loved the lop eared rabbit. he was fed everyday. he came for dinner time and lined up with the other pets. so, bunny was not the one in your story in case you were wondering.

i hate to hear about people “returning their pet to nature” they do not understand that the animal will probably not survive. the are domesticated. not only that but there are problems with even releasing fish in ponds. they can take over and knock out the nature plant and fish life for that pond. there are a lot of studies on these things.

By Emma

March 13, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this

Dogs are amazing animals. I have three! That said, they are NOT for every family. If the responsiblity of a dog seems overwhelming, consider getting a cat. Or for even less maintenance, get fish. You only have to clean the tank every once and awhile.

By Lynn

March 13, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this

LM, I remember those times. We had one rooster that would chase my 2 year old around the yard & every time she went outside she peeked and ran. We got rid of him, but another just followed suit. I’d rather raise a pig than a chicken.

By erin

March 13, 2007 5:11 PM | Link to this

Nikita’s right … guinea pigs really are great little pets. They’re easy to keep in small places, generally don’t have very long lifespans (mine lived over 5 years, though) and are fairly easy to keep.

Note: When you have a dog or a cat, make SURE the other pet knows the guinea pig is NOT a snack item. We had a terrible time teaching the cat to leave the g.p. alone.

Also, they can and do wiggle out of cages with lots of room between the bars. To let mine play and yet still be contained, we got a plastic kiddie pool and lined it with newspaper … we used it ONLY for the g.p. It was a great way to let the lil’ guy run around and not hide under things or get lost. And it lead to some interesting discussions with the neighbors, who wondered what we were doing!

By misty & maura's mom

March 13, 2007 8:11 PM | Link to this

Penguinmom, I was going to say it if you didn’t. The dog will likely take it much easier than the family it left behind and I find it admirable to actually admit that you can’t care for it properly. Finding someone to take adult animals is hard enough without the guilt trip. I wish more pet owners considered quality of life in the same way.

My mother was adopted and as such, I see it as a wonderful gift and a tremendous sarcifice and I’ll be darned if I’m going to look down on someone for being truthful with themselves. I know pets aren’t people, but it’s the same general idea.

As for the blogger, unfortunately, I don’t think the children helping should be much of a consideration. If the adults can’t care for and spend time with a dog, I wouldn’t do it. That said, if the big problem was the exercise required by a setter, there are breeds happy with a backyard and more time in the house.

By kristin

March 14, 2007 10:02 AM | Link to this

There are millions of animals that are euthinized each year because of the attitude, “Well it was a cute puppy but jeez it’s too active for me.” Correct me if I’m wrong but was it a purebred English Setter or close to a purebred? Maybe five minutes of research would have told you that this was a dog that was not suited for your lifestyle. Before anyone considers bringing a dog home, you should evaluate your family’s lifestyle and decide on what type of pet best matches your needs, not how cute the puppy is when it is 8 weeks old.

By kim

March 14, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this

Good morning to a familiar story,almost identical. My son is sixteen years old and we got a Lab two summers ago,my son promised that he would take care of our beautiful dog,however I have to wake him at six each morning to make sure that mark is fed,I have to check with him after school to make sure that mark has been on his daily walk and most of the time when I get home I can tell that mark hasn’t been anywhere.I have to oversee all baths,all ball throwing in the yard. I guess what I am saying is ,If you(mom) are not ready to take care of your new loving pet. “DON’T DO IT “. Signed, I Love my son’s Dog(smiles)

By Kerry

March 14, 2007 12:14 PM | Link to this

If I had my say we would never get a pet. We definitely won’t ever have a cat. My husband is allergic and I do NOT want to deal with all that cat hair. As for a dog, I just I have too much to handle right now to have to walk and feed another mouth. Plus they can be expensive with shots and food and toys. My daughter is only 20 months old, so we have while before she asks for a pet. She loves animals though so I know it will happen eventually. I think I may have the rule, that as soon as I start having to take care of the animal, it goes to another family.

By Sarah

March 14, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this

The fact that some of the posters threaten to give the dog away if the kid does not take care of it is very concerning. Would you do the same to your child given the chance? I mean we’re talking about a living creature here, not a chair or an old tool you no longer need. How much thought did you put into having your kids or did you get pregnant and pop one out because your banal marriage was no longer exciting and gosh darn you felt it was time to have a kid, all the other couples seem to be doing it. So if mom gets mad at the kids then the dog is loaded up and taken to the shelter wondering when he goes back home and the next Tuesday he rides the needle, one in one hundred dogs are adopted. I think so many of you are pressured into having kids you do so out of habit and had you looked at your personal situation very, very closely, much like you do contemplating getting a pet, you would have come the conclusion you’re not really ready for either.

By misty & maura's mom

March 14, 2007 5:21 PM | Link to this

I don’t disagree that proper research could have prevented the situation. I just think it’s more humane to give a dog to a family that wants it than to keep it out of guil “because you’re supposed to”. What’s the point in that? The best thing would be to never feel like you have to give a dog away at all, but I think the resolution was satisfactory.

As for me, I know better - that’s why we have cats and fish rather than dogs :)

By D

March 15, 2007 9:09 AM | Link to this

it is only right to get a kid a pet if the parent assumes a full time active roll in the care of the pet by actually understanding that they are the pet’s new parent, you can let your child believe they are the pet’s new parent, but a child is still a child, and a child does not have all the skills yet to be a parent. the adult is responsible for the pet, and can let the child assist them, but eventually that pet live 10 or more years and then the kid is going off to college or elsewhere. it still bothers me that I wanted a pet so bad, my parents gave me a dog and they said ‘now he’s your responsibility, you take care of him’, I tried but I did a poor job, I didn’t know what taking true responsibility for myself was yet, much less the life of another. I now I see a boy and a dog next door going through the same thing, both seem confused sometimes and don’t now how to connect. the boy just sees the dog as work and a burden and the dog doesn’t know why he keeps getting ignored, the parents are absent, probably because they said ‘if we get you a dog it’s your responsibility’, as head of a household, parents are ultimately responsible for everything that happens in that household, never leave a child to do an adults job, withoutproviding them with plenty of help and guidance. it not a bicycle that the child is receiving, but a life.

By Nikita

March 15, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this

I was attempting not to get all preachy about the animal overpopulation, but I am also of the “lifelong commitment” camp. Any dog you obtain is reliant upon you to provide him or her a happy, healthy life — and that doesn’t include dumping the dog on another home or taking him/her to a shelter when he/she proves less than perfect or your life situation does.

As far as I’m concerned, Keith, you made the right decision the first time you bought a dog and found that you weren’t ready for one. Now that you’re older and wiser, you should put a great deal of thought into your ability to provide for an animal’s needs for its lifetime. Because it’s inconvenient for your family to have a pet that you can’t or won’t care for — but for the pet it could be deadly.

I hope you guys act responsibly and it works out — and I can’t stress enough how fantastic it is to have a loving pet in a family. I got my own dog as a child when I was 12 — and I had a wonderful time with her, which included daily walks, hiking, etc. But, that said, I helped families rehome animals repeatedly, and I don’t think there’s any excuse for it. So it’s very important to gauge your ability to care for a dog or other pet and act accordingly.