Would you put your life on hold for a pet?

[Skywalker]

They are angels, in my eyes, sent to show us what true love really means. I learn something from them each and every day.

I just want to say I agree with that.

And I believe it is one the greatest, sweetest miracles of life that we can bond so deeply, and form loving relationships with certain animals.

 

[Ciao Mickey]

My SIL is driving my brother crazy. She has an older dog that she will not leave at the kennel since he is on meds. She will not be coming to our family reunion because it would require an overnight stay. I love my pets but I am not sure I would sacrifice so much for them. She made my brother cancel a cruise due to the condition of the dog. I guess I feel that humans are more important than animals.

Anyone who puts a pet above people has a screw loose...

 

[MushyMushy]

Anyone who puts a pet above people has a screw loose...

If you truly believe in putting people first, then you might put your loved one first when they are worried about a sick pet and let them off the hook for a family reunion! Or here's an idea -- how about going to see them while they're going through a rough time?

That's truly putting a person first.

 

[TerriP]

I am typing this right now with my dog sleeping on my lap, and knowing that tomorrow I will probably have to have him put to sleep. I am enjoying his warm softness and counting every breath he takes while tears are streaming down my face and my heart is breaking.

So yes, I would put my life on hold for a pet. I would cancel every vacation or social outing I have ever had for more time with this little guy. And anyone who didn't approve can take their cold heart and lecture someone else because I don't care.

I'm so very sorry. I'll be thinking of you and your boy.

 

[Skywalker]

I'm so very sorry. I'll be thinking of you and your boy.

Thank you Terri.

 

[minnie56]

I am typing this right now with my dog sleeping on my lap, and knowing that tomorrow I will probably have to have him put to sleep. I am enjoying his warm softness and counting every breath he takes while tears are streaming down my face and my heart is breaking.

So yes, I would put my life on hold for a pet. I would cancel every vacation or social outing I have ever had for more time with this little guy. And anyone who didn't approve can take their cold heart and lecture someone else because I don't care.

I am so sorry..I have lived those last times and they are heartbreaking. Enjoy those snuggles and that wonderful love that only a loving furbabie owner can know. I am sad with you for the hurt

 

[Pea-n-Me]

if you truly believe in putting people first, then you might put your loved one first when they are worried about a sick pet and let them off the hook for a family reunion! Or here's an idea -- how about going to see them while they're going through a rough time?

That's truly putting a person first.

I agree.

I don't know why arguments like these always have to be "people come before animals". I don't buy that's what it's all about, sorry.

 

[maxiesmom]

I am typing this right now with my dog sleeping on my lap, and knowing that tomorrow I will probably have to have him put to sleep. I am enjoying his warm softness and counting every breath he takes while tears are streaming down my face and my heart is breaking.

So yes, I would put my life on hold for a pet. I would cancel every vacation or social outing I have ever had for more time with this little guy. And anyone who didn't approve can take their cold heart and lecture someone else because I don't care.

I'm so sorry. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

 

[lisajl]

I guess they put their lives "on hold" for us every day. Every time we leave them (go to work, trip to the store, trip to Disney World), they wait, patiently and lovingly, for our return. And while they may pout a bit about our time away, they never hold it against us.

These are the best lines ever! I could not agree with you more.
They are always waiting, waiting just for us.
If I put my pet before you, it does not mean I don't love you(person), it means my pet needs me more than you do.
JMHO.

 

[Disney Anna]

In a heartbeat. Absolutely yes. My pets have seen me through some of the roughest moments of my life. They have also provided me with some of the happiest moments of my life. They are always there for me with unconditional love.

 

[perdidobay]

I guess that's why I never saw it as "putting my life on hold" when one of my companion animals needed me. They are such a huge part of my life; they have brought me enormous joy and tremendous love. It's not me putting my life on hold for them - it's me wanting to be with them and return the love they so generously provided to me.

I guess they put their lives "on hold" for us every day. Every time we leave them (go to work, trip to the store, trip to Disney World), they wait, patiently and lovingly, for our return. And while they may pout a bit about our time away, they never hold it against us.

It's the very least I could do to pay a small portion of that back. And, in return, I am rewarded 1,000-fold for it.

They are angels, in my eyes, sent to show us what true love really means. I learn something from them each and every day.

This is the single best thing I have read in over a year...thank you
for putting into words what I have felt for years

 

[wvdisluv2]

I am typing this right now with my dog sleeping on my lap, and knowing that tomorrow I will probably have to have him put to sleep. I am enjoying his warm softness and counting every breath he takes while tears are streaming down my face and my heart is breaking.

So yes, I would put my life on hold for a pet. I would cancel every vacation or social outing I have ever had for more time with this little guy. And anyone who didn't approve can take their cold heart and lecture someone else because I don't care.

They are precious to us aren't they? I have an 11 yr old boxer/lab and an 8 yr old wire-haired terrier mix. I try not to think about when their time with us will be over...but when they are suffering, it will be the greatest gift we can give them (tears here)

I guess that's why I never saw it as "putting my life on hold" when one of my companion animals needed me. They are such a huge part of my life; they have brought me enormous joy and tremendous love. It's not me putting my life on hold for them - it's me wanting to be with them and return the love they so generously provided to me.

I guess they put their lives "on hold" for us every day. Every time we leave them (go to work, trip to the store, trip to Disney World), they wait, patiently and lovingly, for our return. And while they may pout a bit about our time away, they never hold it against us.

It's the very least I could do to pay a small portion of that back. And, in return, I am rewarded 1,000-fold for it.

They are angels, in my eyes, sent to show us what true love really means. I learn something from them each and every day.

Exactly

 

[ols386]

As was mentioned in an earlier post, I think it depends if you see your pet as just a pet, or as a family member.

I wouldn't leave my dog if he were ill. I would consider boarding him in a kennel if needed, as long as he isn't sick, even though he is on anti-seizure meds. If it were more of a serious thing, I probably wouldn't board him.
The caretakers at the kennel can give him his anti-seizure meds just as easily as I do at home.

But I would understand if a family member couldn't attend a family function if their pet were ill, and they didn't feel comfortable boarding it.

 

[kafitty]

i'm actually struggling with this right now, as my interests/career path have me potentially working or studying abroad, and while it would be totally fine with my parents if i left my baby with them even for an extended period...i honestly don't think i could do it. Makes me sick just thinking about it.

 

[SDGirl]

To some of us our pets are family and I agree that decision should be respected.

I for one would rather spend quality time with loving, loyal, furry family than time with disfunctional human family.

 

[Robindianne]

Yes. Absolutely.

 

[DSNY4ever]

In a heartbeat. My dogs are two of the best things that have ever happened to my husband and I. They ARE members of our family.

 

[shortbun]

Perfect excuse not to come to the family reunion where people exist who judge me. Yep, I would!! Lol!
Seriously, though, I would not kennel a sick pet just to come to a party. I would even skip a vacation for a beloved pet. It would not be a vacation if I knew they might be in distress.

 

[quasar4legs]

Of course!!
Regardless of what kind of mammal you are I give you due respect and attention

 

[bicker]

Owning a pet is a responsibility, not just a pastime. Sometimes the gravity of that responsibility is heavier than responsibilities to other humans, sometimes not. Each person gets to decide for themselves which of their responsibilities at any given time is the heaviest.