How can people just give away their family

Here's an ad on today's Freecycle network. I can't believe that people can just give away their loving and devoted pets, especially after so many years:mad: There is no way that I would just give away my animals, but try to work out plan that includes them and allows them to still maintain a healthy life. Gosh, the poster even lives out in the country (Lucan), so I'm not sure why the dogs can't have playtime in an enclosed area! Why can't the father-to-be assist with the caretaking of the dogs, instead of just pawning them off:mad:

Here's the ad:

New baby is due very soon.

These dogs MUST go together! They need room to roam.

Charity is fixed, about 10 years old. Her son, Mowgli, is neutered and is
about 7 yrs old. Mowgli has never been away from his mother. They believe that
they are people, and as such have been very lovingly spoiled. Very intelligent.
Quite the characters!

All shots are up to date.

Food / collars / dishes / toys etc. included.

Sorry, I don't have any pictures.

I wonder if they give the first kid away when the second one is on the way. Boy I am glad I had parents that cared for our dogs and treated them like part of the family. Unfortunately these dogs are not part of the family if they can be given away just like that. I hope there kid is the brat from hell, they deserve it.Heartless people. Sorry but this really pisses me off.

It is difficult for me to accept that some people can treat another living being as disposable.

How can people be so heartless and cruel? *sigh* I hear stories like this too much, it makes me so sad. :sad:

The problem is that humans have been led to believe that they are the superior being and have the right to call everything their property and therefore makes it easy to just give things away. I believe we are the weakest link in this world. How sad

Yesterday this ad was in our local paper(The Oakville Beaver)
FREE,loving 1 1/2 yr old Himalayan,spayed,all shots.Comes with accessories!!
Could it be any more cold-hearted than that??
Himalayans are adopted quickly from our HS,why not give her to them,at least adopters would be screened:sad:

i hate those ads too........and you can bet they get a puppy in the next 2-3 years when the child is older(no doubt from the mall pet store):mad:

Makes me sick!! Yesterdays local paper showed "Free to good home, pure bred GSD fixed, 8 months old, great dog loves all family members and loves children"
If it's such a great dog, and loves all family members, why the he** are you getting rid of it!!!!!!!!!!! I see these ads with every single paper, I hate people!!:evil:

That's terribly sad. I think a lot of people are under the wrong impression,
when I was pregnant I just happened on a program showing a pregnant woman how to prepare her dogs for their new baby, it was very informative, but I only happened on it. Maybe if the info had been available at a prenatal clinic or parent oriented website it could deter a lot of heartbreak.

On another note, I recall that not that (yikes! about ten years actually) long ago when a woman was pregnant the doc would often suggest getting rid of the cat. I wonder how many old school docs still tell them that, when in fact pregnant women should just avoid cleaning the litter. (Something I enjoyed watching my hubby do daily for nine months:evil: )

I just wish that the info was more available in the right places, that's all.:o

It makes me want to phone the poster or email and ask why they would give away their pets? Grrrrr! I couldn't imagine doing this to any of my animals, no matter what the circumstances.

I guess it boils down to how we percieve the place in our lives that our animals fill. Mine are like my kids, all four-legged and furry. They sleep in the beds or sofas, hang out in the yard or workshop with us, or even lay by me when I am fartin' around on the computer. I miss them when I'm not there, and I know by the reaction when I get home, that they miss me too!:p The whole house comes alive! I'm sure they just sit there and wait for me when I leave:D so they can go ballistic upon my return. Never fails to make me laugh out loud! Even the cats are up front and centre for a scratchin':love:

Ever since I was a kid, I had to have animals around me, just like my mother. I would find them on my way home from school and bring them home. Lots of them....lost, injured, stray, you name it. We never had a day in the household without at least 2 or more pets living with us. Guess it's in the blood:pawprint:

The hospital I work is a pediatric and gye/ob center and our protocol for obtetrcians is never to suggest that!! There may be a few older docs out there with such attitudes but gheez, give us a chance - doctors are not that bad! We work more overtime, have to deal with all kinds of people and go out of our way to help others. Well, speaking for myself anyway but that applies to the vast majority of docs I know - and almost without exception, if they have pets, the pet is an integral significant family member.

And there ARE many many education sites about pregnant women and cats. Most obstetricians have brochures in their office about why they need not get rid f their cat. And I certainly do not tell a family whose child I will be doing a bone marrow transplant on and who needs to be in isolation for a significant period of time prior to the procedure to get rid of their cat (or dog or bunny or gerbil or you get my drift). Often, the cat is one of the most important part of that child's recouperation period and sensitive to the child's needs. Even my YY is a wonderful therapy cat - she always knows who is the most vulnerable and needy child, for some reason that I cannot explain - and she purrs where I am experiencing pain. I think we have just begun to discover the enigmatic nature of kiitties.

Anyway, I had to defend my profession, lol We are healers most of all. (There are some bad apples mind you but thaT happens in every profession, as you all know). And I cannot for the life of me understand any family who would give up a family member.

But it is also my experience that there are people in this scoiety who do not value children very much either. How many people complain about the kids in the neighbourhood, do not like to pay taxes for playgrounds as they get older, think mothing of refusing to rent to a tenant with children. The same is true for people with intellectual disabilities - I have seen disparaging terms on this site - made in jest or without thinking but it does betray the value we place on cetain characteristics in people. And as for seniors, we are getting better - but mostly because the baby boomers - the largest cohort society has ever had and who have influenced society since the day they were born - are now moving into that age sector!

But at least children are not property and that is a law and value system that needs to be changed. Newspapers and any media outlets should not be alowed to advertise "free" animals!

Have you noticed that there are atleast 1,000 excuses why people dispose of their pets, especially couples who get a pet and treat it as a surrogate child until the real thing comes along. I truly think their upbringing has alot to do with how compassionate, humane they are etc. I would like to dispose of these owners in a Siberian salt mine for the rest of their lives.

I say take all the uncaring, irresponsible owners and drop them on an island together and leave them there. :evil:

I look at these add everyday and so far I "picked up' 2-3 dogs for the rescue i'm volunteering for.The worst are those adds;free dog,needs to leave asap,not neutered,good breeder!I had a woman how couldn't wait 4 days for me to find a foster,when I called her back,she had already given the dog away and seemed like I was bothering her!People suck.

This is how we ended up with Tedy.Someone on a FreeCycles group knew his family and posted that they were giving him away. They live about 3 blocks from us.
We went to meet Tedy and took him on the spot. No real reason was given for him being given up other than "it's too much with 3 kids". Now mind you, they had Tedy for 3 years and HAD A 6 MONTH OLD PUPPY that they were keeping.
I just don't understand. But in our case, I'm glad we were able to give Tedy a great home.

DawnM

I wasn't after all docs there cyberkitten, just one's with old school mantality, there are still some out there. I was speaking from my own experience, when I was pregnant two years ago there were no flyers concerning pets at my clinic, one of the largest prenatal clinics in dt toronto. I had the same doctor when I gave birth to my daughter ten years ago and our cat was one of her biggest concerns, I refused to get rid of it though. Thing is that times change and I know that many in medicine have learnt to appreciate the good that animals do. This was not always the mind though, in medicine and in parenting practices.
I mean, if I were to ask my mother in law what she thought about my children being around cats when they were infants her socks would have curled. Ask her what she thinks about a baby being naked for any longer than a few minutes, yeesh, my poor kids were getting jaundice because their dad believed that their bellybuttons being exposed would get them sick.
Unfortunately, old wives tales die hard, I often frequent parenting sites, and of the frequently asked questions, integrating pets are not number one, though they should be of top priority.

There was a family on our street, who kept getting puppies and kittens to entertain their bratty kids, and when the pets grew up, they would dump them and replace them with new puppies and kittens!!! Nothing like a cute kitten or puppy to babysit for you:evil: every idiot, incompetent parent seems to have one!!

I just don't understand pregnancy and animals. I gave birth to 3 healthy kids while I had 2 dogs, 5 cats...picking up poop and all. My grandmother basically delivered her kids in the field while she was tending to the sheep, cows and whatever else she had...all my aunts and uncles are fine. Well as fine as any relative can be, I guess....:D I Never had a problem and my cats never showed any interest in sleeping with any of my kids until they were alot older.
To give away someone who has been part of your family is something beyond my understanding and it will always be a mystery.

I often frequent parenting sites, and of the frequently asked questions, integrating pets are not number one, though they should be of top priority.
Then maybe we all should make a point of mentioning it. ;) We should start frequenting parenting sites and posting pet-related topics. I've been pretty vocal over at the work-at-home Mom site I belong to. I'm sure they think I'm :crazy: over there. :D

Then maybe we all should make a point of mentioning it. ;) We should start frequenting parenting sites and posting pet-related topics. I've been pretty vocal over at the work-at-home Mom site I belong to. I'm sure they think I'm :crazy: over there. :D


Thank you, that's the point I was trying to make, we try to be educated pet parents, however, if we don't share our education in the other places that matter, nothing changes.

I always tell pregnant women, not to get rid of their pets, that it actually strengthens their babies imune system to be exposed to allot of animals!!:evil: I tell them my story, 6 cats when I had my son, my son is 5 now with no allergies!!
Education is very important to get rid of those old wives tales, and there are so many of them that people still believe, like a cat will suck the breath out of a baby and kill it, because it smells the milk!! I can't tell you how many times people told me this when I was pregnant!!!

Here's a new one. I"m sure you'll be as stunned as I was to hear this.

Someone who surrendered their dog to Lucky Rescue 6 years ago just wrote asking where it is and if they can have it back, as their "situation has changed"!!:eek:

I just don't get it. When the time comes that Jim and I have children, there will be no talks of getting rid of Jesse. In fact, I hope to have an entire household of pets to welcome a child too! :D

I just have to work on Jim letting me start to foster dogs (which in my mind means adopt). He hasn't given in yet, but I'm working really hard! :o I found a dog I want to foster so bad, her name is cinnamon. Keep your fingers crossed. :fingerscr

Anyway, sorry for the slight hijack, but we would never think of getting rid of our animals because of a child being born. If anything, I think having a pet from birth would teach the child to be a better person. I also think it would help to expose a child to animals early on to help with their immune system/allergies. Correct me if I'm wrong.

When my neighbor (who had struggled with infertility for years) finally had the baby they had hoped for the cat wanted to be in the babies room all the time. I don't think they believed the old "suck the breath" story but they didn't like the idea of the cat in the bassinet. So they replaced the door to the nursery with a screen door. That way the baby could nap and they could still peek in and still hear the noises, cries etc.

Yeah it looked funny to have a screen door inside but it was only for a very short time and everyone was happy.

When I had my son our cat was just ticked off at me. She was fine with the baby. Just showed me she was miffed when I brought the baby into the room. She would turn around and face the wall. LOL !! I started feeding her right before I would feed him and she decided he wasn't so bad after all.

I don't know how anyone could look into an animals eyes, see the trust and the vulnerablity there, and then decide that it's a disposable comodity.:mad:

Someone who surrendered their dog to Lucky Rescue 6 years ago just wrote asking where it is and if they can have it back, as their "situation has changed"!!:eek:
Get OUT! Did you ask them what they've been smoking lately to make their "situation change"?

Get OUT! Did you ask them what they've been smoking lately to make their "situation change"?

No kidding. And then, when told they weren't getting their dog back, they asked if we had another for them to adopt. Oh sure!:rolleyes:

You know, it is so unbelievable that people could be so cold hearted and stupid to actually they would get another dog from you!!!!:mad: Like, come on! My pets come home with me, and that's where they stay! I have had all my pets when my daughter came along 4 yrs ago. My cats got in the crib and sniffed around her, they were just curious. For those out there expecting, they do adapt my children were never hurt in any way by my pets. :)

And where it's going! Wonderful thoughts and ideas. I have emailed to my group (London Dog Owners' Association) and suggested that because we are all about education and responsible dog ownership, that this may be a wonderful opportunity to tackle this issue head-on and perhaps save some animals from being simply discarded.....worth a shot!:thumbs up

With respect to pets and kids, I think having my guys is going to help me be a better parent.

My gross-out factor as gone way down since I have had to start cleaning up messes, poop, barf etc. :yuck: I think I can totally handle anything that comes out of a child now!

My guys have also taught me patience. Helping them learn new behaviours, tricks etc. and having the patience to reinforce, set them up to succeed is something that I think will help make me a better parent.

And because my guys were raised in a loving home and are well trained I think they will be great with any kids that we have.

I couldn't imagine not having dogs regardless of whether we have kids.

if those ads must be placed in newspapers then the should be worded something like this:

free to good home , an uncaring , selfish human : reason fad wore off.

I agree with you all. We are currently expecting and 'getting rid of' Herc is soooooooo not an option. I sometimes kid, and say "I hope things work out ok. It would be an awful shame to have to get rid of the baby." Of course I am kidding (My mother in law is not so amused :o ) but I will do (and have already started doing) everything in my power to make it a workable situation. I know that Hercules is going to be my baby's favourite thing in the world... just like he is mine... :angel:

do people expect as soon as they have kids that there animals are gonna do a jeckle and hyde thing or something.

today when I was walking Joey. I walked past a house in front of the house sat a big male orange tabby cat. On the front door was a sign.

"free cat - Male neutured- please knock or door or phone 555-5555

I wanted to take it home I felt so sorry for it - sadly though hubby doesnt want a cat.

For what it's worth--for the expectant moms. I've read that bringing home a shirt that the baby has worn before you actually bring home the baby is a way of the baby "marking it's territory" before it gets there. A wet diaper can be used the same way.

I don't know if there is any validity behind these though. My friends daughter brought her new baby home, didn't do any of these things and the dog (the previous "baby" ;) ) took up residence under the crib and is rather protective of the baby.

Nice dogs are nice dogs !!!

In this day and age everything is disposable. working in a nursing home I have seen families drop off mum or dad and only come to visit at Mother\Father's Day and near Christmas. If the person that gave you life is disposable, to them a dog is nothing.:(

That's too true. Sad, but true. People aren't even responsible for their children half the time. I remember sitting in church one day and seeing a little girl whose family situation was very sad and thinking that my dog is much more pampered and loved than this poor precious little girl. It can just make your heart break.

You are right Joeysmama. There are many things one can do to get the cat or dog used to the idea if a new baby in the home - what you described is one method. Playing sounds of babies crying and other baby sounds. Also, with a dog already who had hopefully graduated summa cum lauda from obedience school (or at least passed, lol) , you can take a doll, cradle it, rock it, and walk back and forth. Then, the dog with tidbits, petting or praise for remaining in a sitting position while this is going on. The doll should also be wrapped in baby blankets and shown to the dog, which must learn to control him/herself ane not move while this is happening.
And once the baby is born - and poor doggie had had to stay home, bringing home anything with the baby's smell on it is a really big help.

These suggestions have worked extremely well with my new (now 6 week old - already!!!) niece and the 2 dogs in the house. Here she is with one of her canine sibs and it is hard to tell who is emulating or mimicking who, lol But I think it looks like the doggie, lol

(Note: for ptrivacy reasons, I promised my family I would only leave this photo up for a couple days but I think it is a cute pict if I do say so myself, lol - the dog is a lassa apso.)

Thats such I cute photo glad I got to see it CK. :D

I think expectant moms look for trouble too. I mean, there might not be any change in the dog, but they look for it so much that they see a change anyway.

How often do you hear "He's acting different since I got pregnant" and when you go see the dog, he's acting the same as usual, just craving a little attention because he hasn't had as much. You might be busier and not notice he gets less attention, but you will notice when he really needs it and fights for tiny bits of negative attention out of you.

I think anybody planning on having a kid should record the time they spent with the dog for a week- before getting preggers. And then after, do the same and compare. See if it's the same.

Just my 2 cents.

That photo is so precious! My childhood pets are my fondest memories! Kids learn so much from having family pets.

When I hear things like this I honestly don't think that they know that there really is no need to rehome their pet...Dogs especially.I would agree that if the dog/cat is HIGHLY aggressive with kids then yes,there is a reason for concern.Your baby does come first..

Unfortunately I did have to rehome my cat Sassy before I had my daughter...She was a biter.And I don't mean the hands,feet or legs.I mean the head.She was around my neice.But that didn't matter.If Trisha laughed loud,or even screamed,Sassy would pounce on her head,and bite.Her claws were dug right in also.She did this all the time....So I knew I had better be safe then sorry.She went to my bestfriend who lived across the street..There were no kids (neices/nephews)in the family.And I got to see her everyday....:)

Now for my dog,well he was a sweetie and I had no concerns with him.He was highly socialized with babies(nephew was living in the house)and kids.There were tons in my area.And he loved them.

Cujo was 4 when I had my daughter.Many people told me I better get rid of him.I gave them my answer...:D

To make a long story short,he was a great "babysitter"...And they were the best of friends for 9 years.And I had complete trust in him.He never once showed any kind of aggression with her.

Here is the proof....;)

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a233/GSD4Life/oooooonoooooviciousdog.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a233/GSD4Life/puppylove.jpg

I find it VERY VERY important to have the dog socialized with kids...And if one is adopted that isn't used to them,well get that training started ASAP.

I don't know about the note taking Prin - when you are a busy mom, it's tough to record all of that but I suppose if you have help. My mom paid a "Nanny" but she was an older woman who had a child development degree - one of those old time Governess types and my sisters and I - who were older than my baby brother - marvelled at readng the logs she made while caring for my brother/ EVEY possible detail (and you can use your imagination here :D ) was logged - similar to as if the baby (my brother) was in a hospital nursey - I mean not med vitals so much but how much he ate, what he ate, what happened to it (lol) and everything inbetween!!!

Almost every 2nd picture of my brother shows him with our fox terrier following him arouind - they became Sooooo bonded (tho she did sleep with me) and thus it is no wonder he loves animals now. I agree Glassglass, kids who grow up with animals learn how to treat animals and they also lead healthier lives since they are desensitized to so many allergens. It is kinda cute now to see hie daughter with theirt lassa apso and the chocolate lab, lol

My baby pictues include mostly cats and kittens tho - like my dad, BIG surprise, lol

I never thought about getting rid of anybody when I had my kids.I had people tell me my cats would suffocate them,dogs bite even my birds cause cancer?My kids are healthy never been bitten,scratched etc by anyone.I think having our gang has taught my kids empathy with other beings human and otherwise,neither of them have allergies ,which I think has to do with not being brought up in a sterile enviroment(furry butter etc is good for you!).They both know how to behave around animals they don't know and understand how important and precious everyone in our family is.