Helping Others with the Costs of a New Dog

By

VirtualCherub

Gotta go with the general consensus here. Adopting pets is the best way to get one, but springing an unknown on to a family isn't good for the dog or the family. They must choose one another. Our latest adoptee is a Boston Terrier and she was purchased for her previous owners who knew nothing about them. They put her outside in the back yard in South Florida. BT's and other dogs like them, such as pugs and bulldogs, have an unusual smooshed nose and they cannot tolerate heat or cold like many dogs. They must live indoors. The end result for her was that she lived for a year and a half in the back yard and was accidentally mated with a stray dog. She is in good hands now, but that caused stress for her. I recommend that if you want to continue to do the adoption thing, you find a way to meet them and take them to the shelter and go from there. You would likely never know that there was a problem otherwise and the dog could end up in real trouble.
Another idea would be to provide a friend that is having a tough time financially with the pet meds they need, like the heartworm and/or flea treatment meds for monthly upkeep.

I applaud you for doing what you did however, I do agree with Vic. This gift of love could backfire on a family if the dog doesn't suit them.
I absolutely support pet adoptions but a prospective pet owner should really do their homework about what type of pet would be best for them and their family. If the pet doesn't work out, back to the shelter or rescue it goes and this is detrimental to the dog.
So many people think they want a dog and are compulsive about getting one but in many cases, they haven't thought it through. Just because a dog looks cute or the person wanting one feels sorry for the dog isn't a good enough reason to adopt.
Many times it's the children in the family who beg for a dog and the parents give in only to find out that when the 'new' wears off, the kids forget about the dog and the poor animal winds up in the back yard chained to his dog house with little or no human contact and no exercise.

By christi (Guest Post)

I was blown away by you and your family christmas spirit. People get so caught up in their own families and sometimes its really hard to remember others. I think its wonderful what you are doing.

By

Kreatvmuzk1111

I think you have a beautiful idea and a very thoughtful way of sharing love. I'm disabled and been looking for a small puppy but finances won't allow me to buy one. I've heard that if you don't spend the money to get a dog, you won't take care of it like you would have by spending money. I don't agree with that but that's my opinion. Blessing to you and Merry Christmas :)
Donita

By

Lynn from Calif.

What a wonderful thing to do! (I don't know where I'd be without my little doggie!)

By Vic (Guest Post)

What a great thing to do. My only concern is if the dog's personality is suited to the new humans. Like a really high energy dog goes to a couch potato family. Does the vet do some checking about that?