Why do people do this?

I dunno, but it infuriates me, too.[:@]

It annoys me, as well.  I really don't understand how anyone could give their pet away, even after having it for just 6 months.  Sammy has been with us for almost 2 months... I couldn't imagine being without him--he's a new family member!  Miniature Schnauzers are supposed to be pretty hypo-allerginic.  Guess what?  My Sammy must be the exception because he sets my allergies off.  But you know what?  There's no WAY I could give him away--I've gotten meds for my allergies and I'm looking into allergy shots.  I'll just have to be doped up because our Sams the Jammy isn't going ANYWHERE. 
 
There is no scenario (other than Sammy biting one of us, and even then, I'd be really torn!) that would lead me to the option of giving my Sammy Wammy Hammy the Sams away! LOL!  I love him! [sm=wink2.gif]

In many cases I agree with what you are saying. But..at least they are trying to find them a new home instead of taking them to shelters. In some cases, there may not be an option to keep the dog.

Dh and I had to find a new home for our 2 dogs when we moved from Alaska to Colorado. We were going from a military base that had base housing to a place that had no base housing and the rent was above what we could afford. Luckily, a veterinarian took in our dogs on a sizeable property. I knew they were going to a good home. I also hadn't advertised in the paper also. I started by calling people who I knew could help me.

The advertisements don't go into the back story to the reason why the animals are being re-homed.

--Sara

I don't know, but to me if you don't know where you are going to be in six months or a year and won't be able to afford a little more rent so the dog can stay, I'd wait on getting the dog. 
 
I just don't understand, it almost always comes down to what people can afford.  If you can't afford ANY situation that might come up or at least be able to work something out like using a credit card or borrowing money or whatever then do not get a dog.  It's ridiculous to use money or a child as an excuse.  They didn't know they wanted kids when they got the dog?? 

the "baby" excuse is the one that really bugs me. I can imagine situations where people DO end up unable to properly care for their pet and need to rehome, but really, tossing a pet just because you decided to have a baby? inexcusable.
Moving too, I don't get that one. I'd live in a tent if necessary, or not move. Quit the job and get a new one if necessary.
 

I think there are rare occasions when there might not be an option, but I think that way too many people just don't want to deal with the "inconvenience" of either finding a place that will allow the dog or dealing with a dog and a new baby (what's up with that one anyway??? - baby = no dogs allowed??).  I also think some people just don't want the dog anymore, but who wants to advertise "dogs needs new home - we don't want to clean up poop or dog hair anymore"?

I get upset when the dogs are seniors and suddenly the dog doesn't match the new furniture, etc. 
 
I have to say though, that I understand about having kids and sometimes the dog/child is in danger.  Example.  I have shown and bred bichons and toy poodles and have an agility/obedience minpin. I am no stranger to proper training and teaching kids proper manners around dogs. 
 
I had a toy poodle whose life was becoming miserable due to my toddler's advances.  I ended up having to keep the poor teeny poodle separated and baby gated off from the toddler, and the poodle was broken hearted that he couldn't be with his human.
So what do I do here? Place the toddler to benefit the dog? Continue lowering the poodle's quality of life and safety?
 
I chose to put the pup on a pet contract, had him neutered, screened several homes and placed him with a retired couple who now takes him everywhere. I think his feet hardly touch the ground!   I receive photos and updates regularly and the dog is much happier.
 
In another instance of dog/child safety.  What if a family has a dog, an average dog, a dog who's been their baby for several years, is spoiled but generally has good house manners.   Along comes baby, baby grows into a toddler and the family dog has jealousy issues?  What if said dog bites baby?  Do we place the baby? or the dog?
 
It's ok to get upset about some situations where people want to just 'get rid' of the dog because it's too expensive, too much work, barks, won't potty train, and they're just too lazy to educate themselves and get teh dog and themselves some training.  Ignorance is nearly intolerable. 
 
I have done poodle and bichon rescue so I've heard the excuses.  The worst one I had was a married couple, adopted a bichon from a rescue agency.  The dog was already 10 yrs old. They loved him.  I also happen to be a groomer, so they brought the dog to me, alwasys in wonderful condition and kept him in a show cut.
Then they decided they were getting a divorce and left the dog at my doorstep.
I found the rescue agency they got him from , returned him and their family was blacklisted.  They later got back together and tried to get a puppy from me!!  Geez! If one had been willing to keep the dog... grrrr...  it's situations like that that make me mad.

Sometimes people fall on hard times.  Money to feed the family or money to feed/vet the dog?  Which comes first, honestly?   Isn't it better to place a dog into a home that can afford the dog's food and care?  In the long run, I think the dog will be happier.
 
So Iguess when I see those ads on petfinder and whatnot, I try to look at it as though it's the best thing for the dog AND the family.

And I'll also add here... I know people have been shamed and shunned by rescue folks when they need/want to place their dog.  They end up either keeping the dog, relegating it to the backyard, unloved, uncared for, underfed or not fed at all.  They end up taking the dog to the country and leaving it there to fend for itself.  They end up tossing the dog over the fence at animal control after hours, etc. 
 
I'm not defending the ignorance of some people when it comes to dogs but you have to try looking at all situations from different angles.
< shrugs >  jmo.

It really bugs me that people will give up an animal for any sort of reason... like those mentioned: moving, new baby, can't afford them, didn't bond with them, etc. I wonder how many other things they give up easily on in life??

Another thing that bugs me... is that people (like me) who would do anything for their pets can't adopt from a place like petfinders!  I was willing to adopt TWO dogs because they didn't want to separate them, one dog has only one eye & partially blind in the other eye, they were close to 4 years old and have been on the site for months on end.  I was told I am too far away (they're only in Tennessee and I was willing to drive there!) Do they REALLY want to adopt these dogs??  It makes me wonder.
 
Ok I'm editing this after reading the post before me... I will say I totally understand if they are unable to keep the animal & give him/her a good life.  What's wrong is when (as said before) the animal doesn't match the furniture anymore or the 'new' is gone. 
 
It's not a completely black or white issue, there are shades of gray... different stories. Just like having children, some people aren't meant to be parents and want to give their child the best opportunities by giving them up for adoption.  I hope animals can get the same chance.

ORIGINAL: bragg1120

It really bugs me that people will give up an animal for any sort of reason... like those mentioned: moving, new baby, can't afford them, didn't bond with them, etc. I wonder how many other things they give up easily on in life??

Another thing that bugs me... is that people (like me) who would do anything for their pets can't adopt from a place like petfinders!  I was willing to adopt TWO dogs because they didn't want to separate them, one dog has only one eye & partially blind in the other eye, they were close to 4 years old and have been on the site for months on end.  I was told I am too far away (they're only in Tennessee and I was willing to drive there!) Do they REALLY want to adopt these dogs??  It makes me wonder.

 
I ran into this problem when I was looking for my first dog years ago.  I went through 3 rescues and a shelter, was turned down and chastized (for being under age 21) by all 3! 
 
I did end up getting my minpin pup from a byb (he's been very healthy thankfully) and he's still with me today, happy, loved, trained and 10 yrs old!
 
Frustrating I know!

We decided to adopt Sasha AFTER I found out I was pregnant! I want my kids to be raised around animals, and learn how to treat animals with respect.
 
I bet half the people that give up their dog because of a new baby, end up getting another dog 2 or 3 years down the road. Why not keep your beloved family member and teach everyone to respect eachother's space? It can't be that hard to crate a dog when the child is playing, etc. And when my new one comes home, I WANT my dogs to greet it as a member of our house. Of course you can't leave dogs and a child alone... but you can't leave a child alone anyways. So what does it matter if you have to watch or separate them?
 
I read the above post, and all that I just said is just personal opinion. But, I also believe (unless the dog is attacking a child) that a child should be taught not to harm an animal, and should be taught what is, and isn't ok. But, if the dog is harming the child, and training/behaviorist isn't changing it's attitude, then rehoming to a child free home could be the best option.
 
I'm lost.... Some people amaze me. There are some situations where rehoming a long time pet can't be avoided. But there are far too many excuses for just giving them up.
 
 
 
 

Along comes baby, baby grows into a toddler and the family dog has jealousy issues? What if said dog bites baby? Do we place the baby? or the dog?

 
I totally agree with your point, and as much as I love my dogs, I would never, ever compromise a child's safety by keeping an aggressive dog.   My comment was toward the folks who are pregnant and already assuming that a baby's coming and they can't handle the responsibility of a dog and a baby. 

I ran into this problem when I was looking for my first dog years ago.  I went through 3 rescues and a shelter, was turned down and chastized (for being under age 21) by all 3! 

 
FINALLY someone else that knows what I'm talking about! I would love to adopt one that looks similar to FeFe (she's the one in the pic) and every time I find one... I'm turned down or too late.  Even when hoping to adopt an adult or senior!  I really do wonder what their priorities are? 

My comment was toward the folks who are pregnant and already assuming that a baby's coming and they can't handle the responsibility of a dog and a baby.

 
exactly. People who have run into certan kinds of dog/child conflicts may need to rehome, very understandable. Totally different type of situation.