If you knew of a 1 year old dog that wasn't wanted, spent most of its time in the garden by itself and you suspected it was being badly treated would you take it in yourself? I have been told that they are getting rid of it but I worry about the kind of person they'll give it to and its really playing on my conscience. The only thing is I work full time. Is it fair to take in this dog when i'm not going to be there during the day?
Reporting to the RSPCA is not an option because there are no signs of neglect as such. It's just a gut feeling and I really bonded with this dog!!!
2007-02-21 03:35:20 · 30 answers · asked by Louise B 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Just wanted to add that i'm not actually going to steal the dog. The owner is willing to give it to me!
2007-02-21 03:49:13 · update #1
First look at your own situation and whether you really want a dog or not. Never get a dog just because you feel sorry for it! If you take this dog into your home, but you find out that your lifestyle really isn't suited for it, then it'll be unfair to both you and the dog.
Think about these things before deciding: A dog is a commitment of 12 years or more. A dog takes time from your day, everyday, to exercise him and train him. A dog is expensive. He'll need not just material items like a crate, food, and toys, but also expensive vet care to stay healthy and be happy. If this is your first dog, he should also be taken to obedience classes so that you learn how to train him. If he's untrained, and it sounds like he is, then you'll have to have a lot of patience and consistency to teach him not to mess in the house, chew things, jump up, pull on the leash, and lots of other manners. This all takes time that might be difficult to give when you work full-time, although only you can really analyze how much you can give him each day.
If you decide that you really do want to add a dog to your life, are you sure you want to add this one? You do not need to feel a responsibility here. If you get a dog, you should NOT have a feeling of obligation towards this one in particular. But if you really do feel like you want this dog, just for his individual traits and not because you feel sorry for him, then consider these next questions.
Is he friendly? Does he wag his tail and let you touch any part of his body without showing his teeth or growling? Is he playful? How active is he? If he is full of energy and you won't have the time to give him lots of exercise, then it would be unfair to the dog to make him adjust to your schedule. Do you know how well he gets along with other dogs, kids, cats, and small animals? This is especially important to consider if you have kids visiting regularly, or if you own any other pets. Is he neutered, or for that matter, has he had any vet work at all done on him? If not, that means you'll have to spend a lot of money just getting him all his vaccinations and getting him neutered.
If he has any aggression problems at all (aggression includes growling at a person, snarling, snapping, lunging, raising hackles, or staring directly into your eyes with a raised tail and ears and no sign of submission), then forget about adopting him. In this case, he should only go into an experienced home. But if he's really a well-adjusted dog that just needs training, maybe you should consider keeping him.
2007-02-21 04:14:55 · answer #1 · answered by Steel 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Reporting a dog that is not in bad health to the RSPCA is the cruelest thing that anyone can do simply because that could lead to the dog being put to sleep for no reason. First off when a dog is rehomed by an ASPCA there is no way to know that the second home was any better than the first. Secondly dogs are reported and seized all the time only to be killed. Who says the dog is unhappy? Some AR fanatic that has people thinking guilt every time the see a dog? Get over it, dogs are not so unhappy. If these people want to give you the dog and you want it take it. If you are trying to find it a better home than you could be than find it a better home if the current owners want to rehome it. The idea of reporting it to the RSPCA is cruelty it is not well thought out.
2007-02-21 03:46:14 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
I work all day and have 2 dogs. However, I do put a lot of time into my pets and make sure they are well walked, exercised and trained. They have a good sized run with indoor kennel and exercise yard and mostly sleep whilst I'm at work.However once home it is their time for play and training. I would support anyone that has the dog's well being at heart and is willing to look after a dog properly.
I know I wouldn't be without my two!
Good luck and do what you instinctively feel is best - usually the right decision - it also sounds that you won't take the dog on lightly - your last comment seems your mind is made up!
2007-02-21 04:55:06 · answer #3 · answered by |Chris 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
providing your family agree aswell then yes take the dog , it is not something to do lightly & you must consider the breed , size ,age & of course temperament of the dog also prior to taking it. If you decide to take the dog make sure you get the dog chipped or registered with a vet soon as ive kown previous owners to try take there dog back. you CAN report all types of neglect even if the dog is not being physically neglected but unfortunately nothing is rarely done about it. If you & your family feel your ready & able to look after the dog then go for it straight away , it is very rewarding & you sound genuinely worried for the dog. Alot of rescues are struggling to rehome dogs once they are there so a rescue taking this dog may lead to uncertain future & no attention or love. Good luck with your choice . x
2007-02-21 19:42:07 · answer #4 · answered by Moo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This isn't a dilemma... If you've already bonded with the dog, and know they want to rehome whats the dilemma???
Working all day is not a crime, better for the dog to be indoors with toys and a bed all day (And a house to guard) than outside in the cold, unwanted and unloved....
The sooner this young retrainable dog is with someone who could give it a loving home the better
Yes its fair to take on this dog, you can offer so much more than the current owners it'll feel like its in 'doggy heaven'
2007-02-21 08:43:48 · answer #5 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are able to take a week or two off work to settle the dog in at first, then maybe get another neighbour or friend to pop in and take the dog out during the day, it wouldnt be soo bad, but taking the dog and then leaving it alone all day would be just as cruel as leaving it where it is.
2007-02-21 06:10:03 · answer #6 · answered by Unhinged.... 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since you say your bonded with this dog and those people are getting rid of it ......why dont you take it..... Dont forget the animal is alone all the time anyway.. unless you go there to pet it or give it a treat... Its ok if you work full time.at this point the animal will still get more attention than its getting now......you seem to care for this dog .. so I suggest for your own piece of mind and for the well fare of this dog..take it!!..I really believe you both will be happier for it... good luck cause I think dogs are great.......who else will give you a hello greeting when you come home.......not the kids or your husband .. lol thats for sure....
2007-02-21 03:45:56 · answer #7 · answered by goldensunshine48 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Take the dog then you'll know it's going to a good home and getting well looked after. Lots of people work full time and have dogs, it's not a problem.
2007-02-21 04:53:29 · answer #8 · answered by hunter935@btopenworld.com 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is against the law to take it but if they are getting rid of it i think u should have it. alot of ppl have full time jobs and have more then one pet. if u have a bond with this dog u should try to get ownership of it. the dog won't mind being alone at the house as long as it has something to ocuppy it. and if u decide to take the dog in make sure u take it to a park so it can run off the energy that builds up or u will have a wild dog in ur house.
2007-02-21 03:43:47 · answer #9 · answered by Theappleofmyeye!! 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I would definately want to take him in myself, regardless of the fact that you work. Most people work during the day, just make sure you spend time with him before and after. However I would have to consider my other pets, would they get along? Do I have the financial ability to take care of him? If you really want to have him, go up to the house, knock on the door and tell them that you heard they might be getting rid of their pet, and if that's the case that you are interested in taking him in. If you don't end up taking him in, know that you did your best and that there is nothing that you can do about who the owner chooses to give his/her dog to.
2007-02-21 03:50:16 · answer #10 · answered by bluearia 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋