My buddy

[Pea-n-Me]

Friends of ours moved to the Orlando area last year with their Golden Retriever and had no trouble finding an affordable rental willing to take the dog. FYI

Another thought on flyball and agility - people don't need to take classes for dogs to participate. You can make your own jumps and learn how to train at home. Lots of info online. For some high energy dogs, something as simple as a ball or frisbee can help them burn off a lot of energy (and doesn't require much from the owner other than caring about the well being of the dog).

I do think there can be valid reasons for rehoming a pet. The disconnect or debate comes when people give their pets away for superfuous reasons, which of course will be different for everyone.

Personally, I think that if we dealt with the pet overpopulation issue better, rehoming wouldn't be as much of an issue. It's no wonder people get passionate about it. Many prefer to turn their heads to the suffering of our companion animals.

From the ASPCA

Pet Statistics


How many pets are in the United States?/ How many animals are in shelters?/etc.

Facts about U.S. Animal Shelters:

There are about 5,000 community animal shelters nationwide that are independent; there is no national organization monitoring these shelters. The terms “humane society” and “SPCA” are generic; shelters using those names are not part of the ASPCA or the Humane Society of the United States. Currently, no government institution or animal organization is responsible for tabulating national statistics for the animal protection movement.
•
Approximately 5 million to 7 million companion animals enter animal shelters nationwide every year, and approximately 3 million to 4 million are euthanized (60 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats). Shelter intakes are about evenly divided between those animals relinquished by owners and those picked up by animal control. These are national estimates; the percentage of euthanasia may vary from state to state.

•
According to the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy (NCPPSP), less than 2 percent of cats and only 15 to 20 percent of dogs are returned to their owners. Most of these were identified with tags, tattoos or microchips.

•
Twenty-five percent of dogs who enter local shelters are purebred. (Source: NCPPSP)

•
Only 10 percent of the animals received by shelters have been spayed or neutered, while 78 percent of pet dogs and 88 percent of pet cats are spayed or neutered, according to the American Pet Products Association (Source: APPA).

•
More than 20 percent of people who leave dogs in shelters adopted them from a shelter. (Source: NCPPSP)


Facts about Pet Ownership in the U.S.:
•
About 62 percent of all households in the United States have a pet. (Source: APPA)

•
About 78.2 million dogs and about 86.4 million cats are owned in the United States. (Source: APPA)

•
According to the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy (NCPPSP), about 65 percent of pet owners acquire their pets free or at low cost.

•
The majority of pets are obtained from acquaintances and family members. Twenty-six percent of dogs are purchased from breeders, 20 to 30 percent of cats and dogs are adopted from shelters and rescues, and 2 to 10 percent are purchased from pet shops.

•
At least one-third of cats are acquired as strays. (Source: APPA)

•
More than 20 percent of people who leave dogs in shelters adopted them from a shelter. (Source: NCPPSP)

•
The cost of spaying and neutering a pet is less than the cost of raising puppies or kittens for one year.

•
The average cost of basic food, supplies, medical care and training for a dog or cat is $600 to $900 annually. Seventy-eight percent of pet dogs and 88 percent of pet cats are spayed or neutered. (Source: APPA)


Facts about Pet Overpopulation in the U.S.:
•
It is impossible to determine how many stray dogs and cats live in the United States; estimates for cats alone range up to 70 million.

•
The average number of litters a fertile cat produces is one to two a year; the average number of kittens is four to six per litter.

•
The average number of litters a fertile dog produces is one a year; the average number of puppies is four to six.

•
Owned cats and dogs generally live longer, healthier lives than strays.

•
Many strays are lost pets who were not kept properly indoors or provided with identification.

•
Only 10 percent of the animals received by shelters have been spayed or neutered, while 78 percent of pet dogs and 88 percent of pet cats are spayed or neutered.

•
The cost of spaying or neutering a pet is less than the cost of raising puppies or kittens for a year.


The following data are ASPCA estimates unless otherwise indicated.

 

[TacoBaco]

I have typed and erased my response several times. I simply cannot come up with a respose that will not cause me more trouble than you're worth.

Best of luck with your 'plan.'

It's ok, I'm kinda over trying to defend myself to people who have already convicted me. I know I'm a good person, I know I have done right by all of my dogs, including the ones I've picked up off the street, nursed back to health and re-homed. Thank you for valuing my worth...

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I know I'm going to get slammed for this but they are animals not people...

Just because they aren't people doesn't mean they aren't worthy of compassion.

The human spirit is not dead. It lives on in secret.... It has come to believe that compassion, in which all ethics must take root, can only attain its full breadth and depth if it embraces all living creatures and does not limit itself to mankind.

~Albert Schweitzer, Nobel Peace Prize address, "The Problem of Peace in the World Today"

 

[PeterPan09]

After reading this thread and a few others today, I now understand why some CB posters are MIA. It gets real old. Difference of opinion I get. That's what makes the world go round. But the superiority of some of the posters.....

It's kind of fun watching them try to out-superior each other, but there is an undercurrent of meanness to it that is unsettling. I've been around long enough not to take them seriously, but I hate to see people get hurt by it.

 

[LittleMermaidsMom]

I made a cross-country move with 2 large Great Pyrenees dogs; one was 5-years old and the other was 6-months. The move came up suddenly due to a death in the family and a job change. I had never planned on moving, but sometimes things happen that you can't avoid.

We took them both with us. I found a house to rent with a large yard and it worked out pretty well for a year. Then, I was transferred again, this time to Washington DC. I had to be there with a months notice. I could not find an affordable place to rent or buy that would allow me to have both large dogs. Also, my commute would be at least an hour each way. I just could not see crating the dogs for 12 hours a day and I couldn't afford to put them in day care everday.

I decided the best thing for the younger dog was to find him a new home, at least until I could get settled. He was still pretty much a puppy and had a lot of energy. The best thing for him was to find him a home that could give him the attention I couldn't at the time. I contacted the local rescue league for that breed and they put me in touch with a foster family. His foster family fell in love with him and wanted to adopt him. He was doing so well and seemed very happy, so I decided it would be better for him to stay with them. It was hard, but I did what was best for him.

The other dog was a different story. She was older, very calm and would be fine left home all day, in fact she preferred it I was able to find someone to watch her for a couple of months until I found an apt in the DC-area that I could afford and that would allow big dogs. There was also a dog park nearby.

I've since been able to move back home and she's happy as ever and adjusted fine to the moves. She's glad to be back home in her own yard again and our former puppy is also doing well. I get updates from his new family and he is working as a therapy dog.

So, it can be done. You just have to do what's best for you and your dogs based upon their personalities and needs. Maybe try looking for a foster family until you find a permanent place to live. Also, my large dog had no problem with apartment living and adjusted well. A lot of apartment complexes have dog parks onsite or you may be able to rent a house with a yard.

Good luck with whatever you decide

 

[penn19]

It's ok, I'm kinda over trying to defend myself to people who have already convicted me. I know I'm a good person, I know I have done right by all of my dogs, including the ones I've picked up off the street, nursed back to health and re-homed. Thank you for valuing my worth...

You sound like a good person. Contrary to what other posters think.
I must be reading different posts than everyone else, because when I read your posts I hear that you are trying to do right by the dogs.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

I had a new job offer on October 14th and had to start by November 14th 750 miles away, I had one month to basically find a place to live, hire movers, get everything situated. Not once did I ever consider the option of leaving our dog behind, she was our family (she passed away almost two weeks ago), the second question we asked to the local communities (only second to asking if they even had apartments available) was if they took pets.

I understand moving can be overwhelming, but take a step back, understand that your pets are part of your family, they want you to be their forever home, and you need to try your best to do so.

 

[CandleontheWater]

The thing is, this move isn't something that was forced on the OP, they made the decision to list their house, and even though it might have sold earlier than they expected, it would still have been reasonable to make plans for the pets before the house went on the market.

Also, the OP knows what the dogs need, if they need a fenced yard, they know to look for one, if they need to be near a park, they can look for housing near a park. It isn't a mystery what the dogs need, the OP CAN find it. Yes, it might be more expensive and/or inconvenient, but surely they thought of that when they made the decision to move. Taking on a pet means there will be more expenses and inconvenience, it comes with the territory.

I'm moving with my cats in the next few weeks, when we were looking for a place to live, there were many rental homes that didn't take cats, so we just didn't even consider them. The OP needs to only consider housing that will accommodate her family, and that includes her pets. It may be more expensive or harder to find, but that is what responsible pet parents do.

The OP needs to start looking now, she can narrow down areas she would like to live, contact a realtor, and make sure that they know she is looking for a rental that will take large dogs. People do this all the time, its not as hard as she is making it out to be.

 

[luvsJack]

Now that I think about it, didn't we have this or a similar discussion a few months ago?

Is this the same poster that had three dogs and was moving and for one reason or another was planning to give away one of the dogs or maybe two of them. Seems like one dog was an older dog and the other two were young.

Maybe it just seems similar? I just remember this same ongoing debate with that thread too.

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

Now that I think about it, didn't we have this or a similar discussion a few months ago?

Is this the same poster that had three dogs and was moving and for one reason or another was planning to give away one of the dogs or maybe two of them. Seems like one dog was an older dog and the other two were young.

Maybe it just seems similar? I just remember this same ongoing debate with that thread too.

Wasn't she keeping the 2 males and rehoming the older female?

 

[luvsJack]

Wasn't she keeping the 2 males and rehoming the older female?

Yep, that's the one! Very similar to this one. Maybe not with the female/male but the rest of it seems like it is.

 

[minnie56]

I moved 2 dogs and 3 cats from Canada to Florida and back again! By car..

Would no more think of leaving them behind than I would my children.

We are for better or worse..all of our/their lives. I wouldn't have had them otherwise

 

[goofyintoronto]

Now that I think about it, didn't we have this or a similar discussion a few months ago?

Is this the same poster that had three dogs and was moving and for one reason or another was planning to give away one of the dogs or maybe two of them. Seems like one dog was an older dog and the other two were young.

Maybe it just seems similar? I just remember this same ongoing debate with that thread too.

Yes! I was thinking the same thing today! I swear I remember a similar post a while back about someone moving and not being able to take their dogs.

 

[maxiesmom]

My thoughts are when you adopt dogs, you adopt them for life. Not just for when it is convenient or when it is easy to have them. For life! When you make any move you need to consider your dogs and what kind of space you will have for them, and how you will care for them.

If you are worried you won't be able to come home and let them out, consider having a fenced in yard and putting in a doggie door. Or hire someone to come walk them once a day. Or put them in daycare. There are options besides giving them away because it is too hard to figure out how to handle moving them.

 

[HelenePA]

Just because they aren't people doesn't mean they aren't worthy of compassion.

I didn't say they weren't but they still aren't people.. I've never re-homed a dog.. I've got 2 dogs FROM re-homing... Sometimes things work out better with a new home..

 

[Emma1987]

I will tell you what my parents did teach me, and that is responsibility. You are an irresponsible pet owner and do not deserve the love & loyalty these dogs give you since you seem to think of them as disposable. If you have pets and you move, you take them with you. If the place you go does not accept pets YOU CANT GO THERE because you have pets. See where I am going with this?

How selfish to dump your dogs with someone else. They will be sad have to adjust and never know why they got left behind. They are not going to understand.

Not a single one of your reasons for getting rid of them make a shred of sense. You might have to commute? Do you think no one else has ever done that in the history of time?

You are what is wrong with society. 6 months from now you'll be heading back to Ohio blaming the economy for your poor planning.

Ok, this is totally unacceptable. You don't know this girl and you're being down right rude by attacking her. Wow...That's all the time I'll dedicate to that poster.
-----

OP, (TacoBaco) Listen, take your dogs with you. Don't leave them. I don't think you'd ever forgive yourself. I wouldn't anyway. It would break my heart. You'll make it work . Dogs don't need 24/7 attention. Well, adult dogs at least don't. It will take time, but you'll adjust and so will your dogs.
As long as you use your love for the dogs and transform it into positive effort to make it all work, you'll be happy you made the effort.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do!

 

[goofy!]

It's kind of fun watching them try to out-superior each other, but there is an undercurrent of meanness to it that is unsettling. I've been around long enough not to take them seriously, but I hate to see people get hurt by it.

I don't think everybody is trying to out-superior each other. I think there are some that work with rescues and see the inordinate amount of dogs that have to be killed because owners are getting rid of them for no real good reason. That tends to make one a bit sensitive to the issue.

Many, including myself, have said that there are valid reasons to rehome a pet. Inconvenience is not usually a good reason.

And come on, from what the OP posted, it could be construed that she was looking for a debate. If she wasn't, why would she post a title "My buddy", upload an adorable picture that would tug on one's heartstrings, proclaim that he was the love of her life and then say, 'oh, by the way, we are getting rid of him?' If that isn't bait, I don't know what is.

For crying out loud, the woman is a realtor and works in a bank servicing loans. You would think she would have a bit of insight on how to find proper pet-friendly housing or at least the knowledge that a local realtor would be the best bet to help her find pet friendly housing. So you can understand why some would think her hand wringing about how she has to get rid of her dogs because she has no idea how to find proper housing wouldn't ring true.

 

[Heidict]

I will tell you what my parents did teach me, and that is responsibility. You are an irresponsible pet owner and do not deserve the love & loyalty these dogs give you since you seem to think of them as disposable. If you have pets and you move, you take them with you. If the place you go does not accept pets YOU CANT GO THERE because you have pets. See where I am going with this?

How selfish to dump your dogs with someone else. They will be sad have to adjust and never know why they got left behind. They are not going to understand.

Not a single one of your reasons for getting rid of them make a shred of sense. You might have to commute? Do you think no one else has ever done that in the history of time?

You are what is wrong with society. 6 months from now you'll be heading back to Ohio blaming the economy for your poor planning.

Yeah, sure, she is what's wrong with society. Not the murders, drug dealers, child molesters, rapists or any of that ilk. No, it's people like the OP with there THOUGHT of rehoming their dogs. Where do you live? If this is the worst that you have to deal with, than I want to live there!!


For those of you that are wondering, yes, people do up and move hundreds of miles away without a place to live or a job. Not only did many of our fore fathers do it, but my own parents did. Moved 3000 miles with no place to rent and no jobs. Oh the horrors!!

They found a place and a couple of jobs without too much of a wait and we have all managed to thrive and be happy. I guess though they should have stayed in a small isolated town that had an economy that was going down the tubes and no prospects or futures for their daughters.

 

[goofy!]

Yeah, sure, she is what's wrong with society. Not the murders, drug dealers, child molesters, rapists or any of that ilk. No, it's people like the OP with there THOUGHT of rehoming their dogs. Where do you live? If this is the worst that you have to deal with, than I want to live there!!


For those of you that are wondering, yes, people do up and move hundreds of miles away without a place to live or a job. Not only did many of our fore fathers do it, but my own parents did. Moved 3000 miles with no place to rent and no jobs. Oh the horrors!!

They found a place and a couple of jobs without too much of a wait and we have all managed to thrive and be happy. I guess though they should have stayed in a small isolated town that had an economy that was going down the tubes and no prospects or futures for their daughters.

So, leaving 2 secure jobs and up and moving to a place which has one of the more depressed economies, job prospects and tanked housing market in the nation without securing jobs or a place to stay just to be near an amusement park is a good idea?

If that is what the OP wants, good for her. But that doesn't mean that others can't shake their heads and wonder.

 

[Heidict]

So, leaving 2 secure jobs and up and moving to a place which has one of the more depressed economies, job prospects and tanked housing market in the nation without securing jobs or a place to stay just to be near an amusement park is a good idea?

If that is what the OP wants, good for her. But that doesn't mean that others can't shake their heads and wonder.

I don't believe I ever commented on whether or not I thought the OP moving to Florida was a good idea or not.

I was relaying what happened with my family when I was in high school. I'm sure there were a lot of people that thought my parents were idiots for what they did. Sometimes you just don't know how things will turn out unless you try.