We have just got our second dog. We got him from a family that have had him from a pup for 9 years. They have a 14 month child and their excuse for getting rid of him was that "the child keeps pulling him around". They admitted he'd scratched the kid on the face once, but as my partner and I are the only ones at home we decided to take him before they dumped him at the kennels. He's turned out to be a total sweetheart, and not a nasty bone in his body. He just loves people and although we've been sensible and not overwhelmed him, he's not got a problem with children! How can anyone just get rid of such a loyal family pet?! I just don't think he was cute enough for them anymore. Anyone experienced a similar situation?
2007-03-21 02:14:47 · 46 answers · asked by gemma_florida 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
We actually have him at home now and he's been with us for three weeks. He's 9 years old, so thanks for the warning but he would've shown his nasty side by now if he had one - trust me, I would know, I've had plenty of nasty dogs.
2007-03-21 02:19:48 · update #1
ps they had two dogs that have been together all their lives, and just decided to get rid of ours, the second dog that they've kept was really nasty!
2007-03-21 02:47:36 · update #2
Thanks for the comments, but Billy has never snapped at or bitten their child, if he had then I would understand it, but he is such a sweet boy and has bonded with both of us
2007-03-21 05:54:13 · update #3
Sounds like his old owners didn't realise that kids need training in how to behave around dogs as well as the other way round.They are also probably the type who forgot the golden rule-never leave a young child alone with a dog,even for a minute.
Humans can be incredibly cruel to their pets.
I had a Bearded Collie who was put up for re-homing because his old owners finally decided to do the right thing after mistreating and underfeeding him for years.He was a great dog and lived happily here for 5 years before dying from a stroke 2 years ago.
I currently have an 11 yr old Saluki who was put up for re-homing aged 7 after being rescued by the police after her scumbag owners-who had used her for illegal coursing and fed her a rubbish diet-raw meat on the days she hunted and caught something,other days junk food like curry or fish and chips-decided to dump her on the moors cos she was slowing down a little with age and was now missing more animals than she caught.
The owners were caught-they had just bought a young lurcher to take her place-and prosecuted for animal cruelty,poaching and a few other things.
It was good in a way though because I got her and the family of one of the policemen involved got a lovely young lurcher puppy.
2007-03-21 15:44:46 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi. As a parent and a pet owner of many dogs, cats and one lucky rabbit I can add one aspect to the conversation. The owners have a 14 month old child. That is a very overwhelming stage in a parents life. The child is now mobile, making changes daily and requires more work from the parent. Not to mention, they probably got the dog when they became a couple and it was their "baby" at the time. Now that they have a real life baby, the dog is second fiddle. You said the dog scratched the child. This is not a cat which scratches in self defense. It is a dog. Dogs tend to bite in self defense. So if the child was scratched, it probably had its face down on the dog either playing with it or aggravating the dog and the scratching was most likely a "wrong place, wrong time' incident. Continue to care for your new baby the way you are. You are aware that it has had a minor episode. Just be glad that he's your baby now.
2007-03-21 02:51:58 · answer #2 · answered by Cat H 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I can never understand how people can treat an animal that they are meant to care for in such a way. They should have taught the child not to pull the dog around and taught it to be respectful of animals.
I had a similar situation and have now had my dog for around a year. She is so happy and settled now and loves her new life.
I guess that some people are just not doggy people but I am sure that all of the true doggy people out there will agree that this is no way we would be without them!
I guess that the most important thing is that you have him now and can take proper care of him. I am sure that he will be happy with you and will not have to have any more upheaval,
Good luck x
2007-03-21 02:23:40 · answer #3 · answered by cathandmike 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
being aparent i can't understand it even...i mean if the dog was really nasty and everything i tried failed...then yes dog would have to find a new home. from the sounds of it the kid need corrected in this case. my kids are not allowed to do such things to the dogs. and even at 14 mos a child show know the word NO.... i have seen so many dogs turned to the shelter for many dumb reasons...having a new baby is one of the biggest i think....but as i said before it goes back to the owners and training if the dog has a real problem....it seems to me they were looking for a problem...
and the other dog is nasty????and they kept it..yeah that makes tons of sence...
2007-03-21 02:58:24 · answer #4 · answered by dragonwolf 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The difference may have been how he is treated. You have no idea what these people or their 14 mo old did to the dog. He may have been defending himself from the child and the adults. You treat the dog with love and respect so the dog gives you the same back. You should be thankful that the family realized they could not handle the dog - perhaps they were the ones with the issue and not the dog. Enjoy your dog, don't worry about the why they gave him up thing.
2007-03-21 02:24:00 · answer #5 · answered by MI 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
We had mongrels when i was growing up mother and daughter to be precise and my nan had the other daughter. Bella the daughter was a bit nasty you couldnt let anyone near her while we were out but you know what we loved her to bits and it broke our heart when we had to have her put down but she was in sooo much pain. She was 17 when she passed away. I dont understand how people can have pets for years and then get rid of them unless they moving to somewhere they cant take pets etc.
ADDED
Also we had Bella when i was 5 years old and she used to growl at me and snap but in her defence i used to follow her around like any child would. She would never have actually bitten me it was jus her way of saying leave me alone. The way my parents overcome this was by telling me off as it was my fault for tormenting her, she was just acting on natural instincts etc.
2007-03-21 02:53:26 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi,im the same has you cannot understand how people after
all those years can get rid of there pet.My girl is 13 in October
we got her from a rescue center when she was 6 months old she is part of the family infact shes my baby.If she was nasty they would not have kept her for 9 years that was there excuse.At least she is safe with you in a loving home.
2007-03-21 02:44:47 · answer #7 · answered by Ollie 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
We took on a golden retreiver that was about one year old and was begininng to show signs of aggression (growling, hackles raised, etc.). The previous owner dumped in a back yard, never interacted with him, beat him when he misbehaved and the dog didn't even know his name. I think the guy wanted a cute little puppy and didn't really want the 100 lb dog he grew up to be. The owner was at least kind enough to relinquish him to the humane society. He'd been adopted and returned twice for his problems. With patience, love and lots of training he turned into an awesome dog who was great with the neighborhood kids..
Some people are really ignorant and cruel.
2007-03-21 02:31:22 · answer #8 · answered by ? 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It was probably a change in these people's family dynamics. When they got a child they could no longer give as much attention to the dog.
It's like for me, I got 2 cats, and I started to ignore my other pets(2 degus and 4 hamsters). Not because I didn't still love them but because the cats demanded more. I still feel slightly guilty about keeping them and not giving them enough care. Though as well I do understand that the cats did give them attention and care, but I still didn't like my attention being diverted as much.
So these people after the kid might've gone through the same thing.
As for the dog, just make sure if he does ever display any negativeness to keep it in check through training, you can train an old dog as easily as a pup, they love to learn too.
Best wishes to you and your dog.
2007-03-21 02:37:00 · answer #9 · answered by Luis 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have seen families, that abuse their pets in the past, I've seen the animal rescue shows on television, and where the dogs or cats come from, it is heart wrenching, to see how cruel some people are. These animals are affectionate, loving pets, that ask nothing from you, they only give there affection. I am a dog lover, I have taken in strays from the street, and cared for them, until the owner was found, or I placed ads for a good loving home for them.
2007-03-21 02:23:48 · answer #10 · answered by debe20062000 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋