Disposable Dogs

[LoftyLottie]

Just wondering, as a result of something that has just been said to me today . Do pet owners consider their animals as part of their family or disposable commodities that can be replaced quite easily if anything happens to them?

[mccfluff]

murphy certainly is not disposable and very much my family

[marval]

I don't have a pet, but If I did I would definitely consider them as part of the family

[Bobbisox]

definitely not Lottie x
I have lost a dog and could never replace hime

[bigfoot3000]

Does this answer your question?
http://www.dogspuppie.../CuteDogs_thumb21.jpg

[LoftyLottie]

Hmmm. You know where this is coming from don't you Bobbie ;o).

I know people whose pet really is their closest companion and is probably loved a lot more than some humans.

[lil75]

I lost my dog last thursday, and he was a big part of the family, at this moment in time I do not want to replace him, and never could find another like him.....he was very affectionate, loving and always smiled at us when we come home, not a lot of dogs smile but our one did!!!

[Bobbisox]

of cause I do Lottie :-)
and I am happy to contribute to this thread and it's topic x

[Mosaic]

I think it is a matter of personality. In my (long) life I have come across 4-5 incidents of animals, especially dogs, being regarded as disposable or as toys to be discarded. Two of these involve families who were basically stupid, never took exercise themselves, and were constantly baffled by the fluffy new pup going stir-crazy, eating the furntiure and having to be put down. The other two werre intelligent professional people - who probably regarded the people around them as equally disposable. Both of these independently and at different times had an animal killed as it was cheaper than kennels when going away on holiday. They would probably have had their workforce put down if the law allowed it. Another professional person sold their dog as it was not fashionable enough.
But these nasties have thankfully been in the minority.

[steg]

my pet haggis,' The McTavish Twins ' are part of the family and always will be .....................well till Burns night

[paddywak]

Max is definately part of the family and is cetainly not disposable, when we lost our last GSD it was months before the boss would even look at one and I was nearly as bad

[boxtops]

definitely not, Lottie, we commit to our cats and consider them as part of the family.

[LoftyLottie]

So sorry lil.

[B00]

I love my dog unconditionally though she's a pain in the bum! Not a whole lot would make me get rid of her.

I did however have to give away my previous dog. I'd had Boo for 8 years and he was very much part of our family,unfortunately he didn't like Mini Boo and this tragically ended up with him biting her face. I booked him in to be put down, however luckily I managed to re-home him with an elderly couple on the strict understanding that no children would be around him.

I was devastated to 'dispose' of him, and not a decision I took lightly.

[tamborine]

We impose our emotions on our pets and hope they're reciprocal. Pets live 'in the moment' and are loyal to you while you're with them.

If stolen/lost/stray they soon become loyal to their next feeder.

[LoftyLottie]

Don't actually agree with that Tambo. Dogs can pine away for a lost owner and may never resettle with anyone else.

[bigfoot3000]

Are these your bundles of joy steg? Aah how cute!
http://www.worldonapl...tegorized/haggis2.jpg

[B00]

Tambo's obviously never watched Greyfriars Bobbie ;-)

[Bobbisox]

what about the true story of Greyfriars Bobby?

[B00]

Ummm you know? The dog that pined away for its dead owner?

[LoftyLottie]

Snap!