Giving away a pet...

[ashenflowers 5]

I had to give away my dog this year... it was really difficult, but I knew it was the best thing for him, and now he is living the time of his life with his new home. His new family offered me the option of going to visit him whenever I wanted to ('open adoption' as others referred to it) but I couldn't bring myself to do it. I had to cut ties, or I'd want to take him back. I guess everyone is different. For me, it was the disappointment in myself that I couldn't provide him that home... though I suppose in a way I did, since I found a great new home for him, and they're happy, and he's happy... but it's still frustrating. I was angry with myself for feeling like I failed him in some way.

On a related but different note... last month I was considering giving away my hamster, just since with the move and the leave of absence and all I figured I'd find someone else to care for him. But people don't care about hamsters the way they do about dogs or cats. Usually anyway. So I was worried he would go to someone who just wanted the cage and not him (I had a lot of inquiries like that)... I ended up spending a good hour or so cleaning his cage, ready for sale, and we hung out and I took some really cute pics of him... lol Then I chickened out. I decided to keep him. How sad... I can't even give up a hamster without guilt.

I also was having a hard time deciding what to do with my cat while I'm gone next month. That was really stressful, especially since she doesn't really like cats or children. lol I eventually had to break down and accept an offer from someone who works with a friend of mine... they have 2 cats already, but she seems to be willing to do what it takes to care for Kitty and keep her safe and happy. I hope she's ok

[Mephys 2]

I agree and disagree a little with everything from this post. SOME screening is definitely needed

That's why I said

the screening they do might be ok in a way, but sometimes they miss out on very good families

Just in other words. I didn't say they shouldn't screen the people at all. Just lower some of their ridiculous standards ( like kids, size of backyard,etc)

[DeadPoolX 9]

This reminded me of something I saw one time in Houston.

There was a Thai buffet and a PetCo situated side-by-side. I'm saying anything happened there, but... that PetCo always looked closed.

[Donna A 4]

i know how you are feeling. my daughter left her cat with me when she moved out because her dad is alergic to them. my husband is going crazy because of the shedding and wants my daughter to take her cat. she wants the cat but i really dont want to give it to her. the cat from day one only liked me and my daughter isnt home enough to sit and play with her. im dreading giving her back the cat cuz im afraid she will neglect her. its hard to get rid of them knowing they might not get a good life like you gave them.

Edited July 30, 2009 by Donna A