Do You Ever Wonder Why

[HazyWal]

A friend of mine was telling me they saw a doberman in one of the pounds that the owners had surrended because they were moving back o/s.Beautiful dog only problem was it could only understand chinese!

[RiverStar-Aura]

The thing we all need to remember is that each situation and each person is different. Just because some of us couldn't bear the thought of leaving a loved pet behind, doesn't mean it's the same for everyone.

I love Zeus with all my heart and wouldn't be able to leave him behind, however, if I was to move to London (which I plan to in the very, very, very distant future) I don't see that it would be fair to take him too. I'd probably end up in a smallish apartment with no backyard and Zeus is an outside dog who loves to run around. Now I'm not saying the decision would be easy, but there are so many things to consider. Of course I'm dealing in hypotheticals here but I highly doubt an overseas move and the decision to leave one's pets behind would be easy for anyone.

I agree that we shouldn't be quick to judge because it's not a matter of "oh I'm moving overseas therefore the pets have to stay" it's a case of doing what's best in each situation. I wouldn't wish that decision on any pet owner because it'll be heartbreaking for everyone.

[cavNrott]

I was at the RSPCA one day and was talking to an overseas student who was there to adopt a dog. I asked him how long he would be in Australia. He said he was here for 3 years and had 2 left to go before he returned home. I asked him what would happen to the dog when he was due to return home. He replied he would return it to the RSPCA.

We were having a friendly discussion and I mentioned with as much tact as I could muster that it wasn't really fair to the dog and that it may never have another chance of being rehomed because returned dogs are often PTS without a second chance. I also mentioned someone else may come along for that dog who would give it a permanent home.

He was a nice chap and said he had no idea that happened. He was under the impression that all dogs surrendered to the RSPCA were put up for adoption. I managed to talk him out of adopting. This nice young man then said he would offer his services as a volunteer dog walker for the RSPCA.

I pointed him in the direction of a few shelters with a view to fostering. He said he didn't know about the fostering option and would go to the shelters an offer to foster because he would love the company of a dog. He was missing the dog he left back home with his parents. He obviously loved dogs and was fairly dog savvy. I hope he was accepted as a foster carer.

[Greytmate]

The thing we all need to remember is that each situation and each person is different. Just because some of us couldn't bear the thought of leaving a loved pet behind, doesn't mean it's the same for everyone.

Obviously it isn't the same for everyone, or we wouldn't have a topic talking about those people.

However to the dog it is all the same. When a dog is abandoned, we (most of us on DOL) care about the trauma that the dog must endure, regardless of who owns it or why they got rid of it. Dogs normally get attached to their owners regardless of their owner's feelings about the dog.

We can recognise that many people may be willing to get rid of their pets and go overseas. But they get my derision and not my respect. That is what we all need to remember.

[Aidan3]

I'd just like to point out that I said "often" it's an excuse. A good many of these ads are from people who are not actually moving, or if they, really have no reason not to take the dog. There are many people who genuinely cannot afford to take their dog, or who feel (often correctly) that their dog may be happier left behind if a good home can be found. I don't wish to tar everyone with the same brush.

[mita]

When I was pregnant with my first my GSD was 3 yrs old and I still can't believe the number of people that assumed I would re-home him.

Yes.

Some time ago, I talked to a person who worked the phones & on reception for a large welfare shelter. She said one of the

most common requests, was someone wanting to surrender their dog because the wife/partner had become pregnant. When the shelter person asked. 'Has your dog ever behaved in any way that would give you cause for worry?', the answer was invariably, 'No, but we don't want to take any chances!'.

There's actually classes run by the Brisbane City Council to help people deal with keeping their pet while being pregnant & having a new baby. AWL Qld also has similar training classes and material.

Re going overseas & leaving pets behind. When I adopted our puss from the U of Q Adoption Program, there was a section on their initial screening which asked about residency status in Australia.

Edited May 29, 2011 by mita

[sandgrubber]

Greymate's right: some people make decisions without thinking of the consequences. Very common among uni students. And some people don't have full control of their lives and that uncertainty may come down on their pets. An elderly person having a stroke and being unable to care for a pet; divorce may end up with neither partner being able manage a dog-friendly residence. You see those adds in the paper often enough . . . and Adrian's right . . . some of them are excuses cause they no longer want the animal.

Should be noted that rehoming a dog isn't necessarily abandoning it, and may be the kindest thing to do, provided you take the time to find a good home. When I moved from Australia back to the US, I rehomed three and took two. I think the rehomed dogs have been at least as happy as the ones I brought with . . . and I would have had one hell of a time getting settled in a new place with five dogs.

[RiverStar-Aura]

The thing we all need to remember is that each situation and each person is different. Just because some of us couldn't bear the thought of leaving a loved pet behind, doesn't mean it's the same for everyone.

Obviously it isn't the same for everyone, or we wouldn't have a topic talking about those people.

However to the dog it is all the same. When a dog is abandoned, we (most of us on DOL) care about the trauma that the dog must endure, regardless of who owns it or why they got rid of it. Dogs normally get attached to their owners regardless of their owner's feelings about the dog.

We can recognise that many people may be willing to get rid of their pets and go overseas. But they get my derision and not my respect. That is what we all need to remember.

I'm not going to argue here because it seems that we both have differing opinions on this topic, but I'd like to hear your opinion on rehoming a pet because it is too sick to make the journey (or has a disease in which it won't pass quarantine). And I'm not just talking about the old ones who've "had a good life so it's time to PTS" dogs either. What about the younger ones too?

ETA: I totally agree with the fact that a lot of people act without thinking of the consequences and I feel that more should be done about educating people of the responsibilities of pet ownership. We're living in such a "the novelty has worn off" society it angers me just to think about it.

It's not fair that pets have become real-life Tamagotchis who are really fun and cute in the beginning then end up being abandoned when the responsibility becomes too permanent. Pets are forever and you can't take out the batteries when you get sick of them.

Edited May 29, 2011 by RiverStar-Aura

[CrazyCresties]

We can recognise that many people may be willing to get rid of their pets and go overseas. But they get my derision and not my respect. That is what we all need to remember.

So you think it would have been better to put my storm phobic greyhound who hates loud windy noises and crates through 24hrs of flying to get her over here? Trust me we considered it as she was our heart dog, but thought we would never forgive ourselves if she hurt herself and just couldn't imagine her being anything other than totally stressed during the whole experience - Let alone then having a month in a cold damp quarantine cell. If we put her through that we would have been doing it for our benefit not hers.

[Greytmate]

I'm not going to argue here because it seems that we both have differing opinions on this topic, but I'd like to hear your opinion on rehoming a pet because it is too sick to make the journey (or has a disease in which it won't pass quarantine). And I'm not just talking about the old ones who've "had a good life so it's time to PTS" dogs either. What about the younger ones too?

I don't consider it ethical to rehome a sick dog, and if the owners have chosen to take

'the journey' I would want to know why 'the journey' was necessary. Perhaps there are some cases where it is necessary, maybe to care for an ill relative. But many people choose to go overseas for the economic or cultural gain, not because they have no choice. They are not refugees who are forced to undertake 'the journey'.

We can recognise that many people may be willing to get rid of their pets and go overseas. But they get my derision and not my respect. That is what we all need to remember.

So you think it would have been better to put my storm phobic greyhound who hates loud windy noises and crates through 24hrs of flying to get her over here? Trust me we considered it as she was our heart dog, but thought we would never forgive ourselves if she hurt herself and just couldn't imagine her being anything other than totally stressed during the whole experience - Let alone then having a month in a cold damp quarantine cell. If we put her through that we would have been doing it for our benefit not hers.

I'm sure she was stressed by being rehomed too. I don't understand why you decided to get a dog and then come here (I've no idea how bad it is where you came from), but this thread is more about the people that get a dog in Australia and then choose to leave behind.

[IngeK]

I don't consider it ethical to rehome a sick dog, and if the owners have chosen to take

'the journey' I would want to know why 'the journey' was necessary. Perhaps there are some cases where it is necessary, maybe to care for an ill relative. But many people choose to go overseas for the economic or cultural gain, not because they have no choice. They are not refugees who are forced to undertake 'the journey'.

I'm sure she was stressed by being rehomed too. I don't understand why you decided to get a dog and then come here (I've no idea how bad it is where you came from), but this thread is more about the people that get a dog in Australia and then choose to leave behind.

Good post Greytmate! Couldnt have said it better. Everybody does take different discisions and think/hope they are the best but leaving your cats or dogs behind doesnt get my respect either. Personal opinion...yes and not to make any body feel quilty but thats the way I see it. Whern I talked about the 10.000 it costs us its not that we have that in our wallet every day...meaning we are not that wealthy but Id rather pay that then buy myself a new luxury thing or or on Iphone or whatever. Its just where you put your priorities and mine are with my animals.

Like the "cold damp" quarantine cell .......Have you been to one of those "cells" Crazycresties? they are actually quite nice and the animals are well taken care of. Not to give you or anybody a guilt trip but to me that is one of those things to justify your own descision. Having animals is to humans benefits anyway I think.

[OSoSwift]

Like the "cold damp" quarantine cell .......Have you been to one of those "cells" Crazycresties? they are actually quite nice and the animals are well taken care of

Ummm yes!! CC brought over 2 dogs and one cat. Making the decision to rehome the other dogs and cats. So CC has seen exactly what quarantine involves.

[CrazyCresties]

I'm sure she was stressed by being rehomed too. I don't understand why you decided to get a dog and then come here (I've no idea how bad it is where you came from), but this thread is more about the people that get a dog in Australia and then choose to leave behind.

We didn't choose to get a dog and then come here, we thought we were settled for years where we lived and had never dreamt we'd be moving to Oz. Life is not black and white, and sometimes when what appears to be a very good opportunity presents itself, then as sensible mature adults you have some very hard decisions to make about your future.

We found the best homes possible for our animals we didn't bring, ensuring they went through far less stress than they would have coming over here.

Like the "cold damp" quarantine cell .......Have you been to one of those "cells" Crazycresties? they are actually quite nice and the animals are well taken care of.

As OSoSwift said, we did bring some pets with us, and visited the quarantine station on our initial reccie trip, they were basic but looked ok. In reality when we moved over in winter, the kennels were cold and damp every time we visited, they were allowed 1.5hrs exercise a week and even basic instructions with regards to diet were not even followed. There was blood near my cats feed bowl the first time we were allowed to visit, and they said they had checked her but could find no problem- after a quick look we soon found one of her claws had been completely ripped out!

So yes I'm glad I didn't put my grey through that as she would have been thoroughly miserable and stressed in that environment. I think a general blanket dismissal and disdain for people who choose not to move pets overseas with them is pretty naive.

[Greytmate]

I think a general blanket dismissal and disdain for people who choose not to move pets overseas with them is pretty naive.

Not naive. Just an ethical stand on providing a home for a dog for life.

Life will always present countless opportunities. To take on a long-term commitment like a dog and not consider that it will mean missing out on other things is the naive point of view.

It would be very unusual for an Australian to be compelled to leave Australia, it's a decision. Why should I have respect for people that don't honour the commitments they make? A dog is for life.

[IngeK]

Sorry CC, I could have read that you did see the quarantine station. Just a shame you had such a bad experience there, our animals were in Melbourne and was all very positive. I do know its not as black and white as I put it down but I just get really tired of those standards comments that are often made as why to leave the animals at "home".

[mita]

What about if it's the other way around....& your dog originally travelled from overseas to you? My girl flew from Sweden as a pup, along with her litter brother. To highly respected Australian registered breeders. Now she's a desexed pet, after her 'show' career. And she's a wonderful all-round lovely, confident dog. I can't believe my luck to own her!

But I've noticed something that makes me wonder. Only place into which she will not go, is the small shed in the backyard.

The other dogs & cats happily go there. There'd be no way of proving what I've wondered. Does that interior remind her of the long flight in the hold of a plane?

[Clyde]

It is very costly but if you do make the move its going to cost you a lot anyway so why not pay that bit extra for your animals? It cost us about 10.000 AUD to bring over our 3 dogs and 3 cats when we came here but so well worth it! I know a lot of people that dont bring the animal because "its not fair to put the animal through the long flight or quarantine" etc but unless your animal is pretty sick its no excuse. And if the animal would be to sick to make the trip you simply wait. I wouldnt have come over myself if I wouldnt have been able to bring my animals. We had to say goodbye to 2 sheep, 2 goats and lots of chooks already which was hard enough.

But you didn't bring all your animals. You left behind your sheep, chooks and goats.

I really don't see the big deal in rehoming pets provided they are the kind of pet to cope. Peoples circumstances change and who are any of us to judge. I can say with absolute certainty that one of my dogs would not cope with the flight or quarantine and she is not sick.

[Clyde]

I think a general blanket dismissal and disdain for people who choose not to move pets overseas with them is pretty naive.

Well said.

[Guest RosieFT]

Greytmate - what is your stance on all the breeders/show people who rehome dogs after a few litters or if they don't make show potential? Somehow when all the disdain gets throw on people who rehome for a variety of reasons, the breeders are never mentioned. Is that ok then?

I think having a go at people who have rehomed to genuine homes is a bit harsh when there are so many more who just dump them and make no effort at all to train, feed or care much about them at all.

Perhaps you place too much loyalty on dogs. Or perhaps the dogs i have had don't seem to bat an eye lid when left for a weekend at a family members place etc. I really don't think it would take an animal that long to readjust, they are pretty forgiving which is why we have dogs as companions.

I agree with you in many ways, the uni student who is not looking far enough into the future and gets a dog when they know they will travel in a handful of years, or the people who buy dogs impulsively from pet shops are definitely one thing. But someone who has got a pet and fully intends to look after it well, gets an opportunity and takes it but FIRST finds a home for their animal.

But I think it is a bit harsh to say you have a dog now you must stay in a country for 15yrs because it cannot travel, or you cannot afford to bring it with you. IF a genuine home has been found that treats the dog as well, or sometimes better, than what you did. Especially if you know the person. What is the harm? I can't see it.

[Liath]

Greytmate - what is your stance on all the breeders/show people who rehome dogs after a few litters or if they don't make show potential? Somehow when all the disdain gets throw on people who rehome for a variety of reasons, the breeders are never mentioned. Is that ok then?

Good question, one I would like to know the answer to as well. At shows I am constantly told if my dog doesnt perform move it on! Get another one, its not a pet its a show dog. Isnt that the same thing?????? If a dog is for life why would other show people be telling me to move my dog on just because its not winning. In the show world that phrase should be: A dog is for life only if it lives upto someone elses standards.