A student at Brigham Young University in Utah is renting out puppies on an hourly basis in an effort to place the dogs in good homes. The charge is $15 per hour. Is this a good idea or bad idea?
Too expensive!! Where's the motivation to adopt the dog and pay the other gazillion dollars in fees and vet visits when you're coming out of the pockets to play with the darned thing? This would motivate me to find another dog to adopt!
I'll be interested to hear opinions, but I know that if I spent an hour with a puppy, I'd beg to adopt it right after so it could be a good way to go about it.
Last time I walked by people with shelter dogs, I tried to convince my fiance that we needed to take home Lucy Loo, a sweet, gentle shepherd-lab mix. I implored him that she needed a home and he reasonably reminded me that we don't have a home yet.
I call bull on this chic's integrity. If she was simply concerned with the potential new parents. she'd carry out a long questionaire/application process & view the people interacting for a day (?). This is a money grab, at the expense of the puppies.
Now if she'd bottle that puppy smell up, i'd buy that shit for $20!!
I'd love to do that! A puppy for an hour! That's a fantastic idea. People are going to fall in love with them and adopt them. But on the other hand, they are living beings, not toys, and they might get confused at getting loved on and passed around. Just ask Lindsay. boom!
I agree with mygeorgie. Who doesn't want to take home a puppy? Everybody. The problems come after a few months and the responsibilities hit. I would think that this would just encourage more impulse buys and end up with more abandoned pups 5-8 months down the line.
I think the price is worth it. If I hadn't just recently adopted a rescue dog, who is more like a puppy, I'd totally do it. I lost my 15 year old dog in June, and it really helped to be around my sister's dogs. I also think puppies would be great to bring to senior homes or homeless shelters for a few hours, supervised, of course.
Aww puppy smell! Me too MyGeorgie. And puppy breath! !!! I love the way they walk, they're so clumsy tripping over their own feet. All roly poly with big puppy bellies, needle sharp teeth gnawing on any finger that comes too close. The potty training and having to watch them constantly as if they're a human infant though, I could do without.
So many times I have thought about doing this as a business. Not everyone has the lifestyle to handle a dog. People who travel for work, single people who don't want to rush home every night to walk the dog, renters who aren't allowed to have pets, elder who can't walk the dog easily every day. All still love pet time, but can't commit full time to the time and expense of adopting.
They have cat cafes in Japan. My uni did a Bring Your Pet to work thing during midterms and finals so students could have some animal love during the stress time. To a kid in a dorm, far from the farm, this was such a treat.
It's a great idea because like all of you have said.. Who couldn't fall in love with a doggie?! Also, this is way better for the dog and the owners since you can actually bring the dog in your house and see how it reacts to your other pets, children, family etc. It's better to know that the cat and dog hate each other before they officially live together.
I never had a dog but is it confusing for a puppie to be passed from owner to owner being taught different rules? I think it's nice the person is trying to think outside to box to find them homes but I think animals need a stable environment. Maybe she could have puppy parties where people could visit either in some giant perfect house or a private park so the dogs get their normal outdoor play but stay at the same home until they are permanantly adopted.
When we saw our younger dog 3 other people were ahead on the list for adoption...but we said we'd foster her for the rescue agency...and we got her... Also she didn't come free $250 ...and worth every penny..
Is she screening the renters? Bc how many aren't thinking adoption but will sell to research, let loose, abuse....? Dog fights? I'm trying to place 2 cats and I'm no longer laughing at my sister in laws ordeal when she tried to adopt a cat. The woman had her fill out a 2 page questionaire, and give 3 references! And then she actually called all of us listed and asked a million questions!! She was definitely nuts but now I'm finding it so hard to let my kitties go.
good idea in theory, bad idea in execution. If she has 4 puppies rented out all day she can easily make $480/day. Where is the money going and who gets to rent a puppy? Anyone off the street?
at $15/h that's a business, not s cute idea to turn out some puppies. Side eye.
Not a good idea - dogs are pack animals and will try to bond as puppies. Having too many "alphas" passing them around will cause confusion and may hinder their emotional development.
As a beagle owner, trust me - you *do not* want an anxiety dog.
Try before you buy? If I had known more about one of my adopted dogs I may have returned her if I had that option. I think a lot of people shy away from rescued pets because they fear the absolute worst but if they got a pet for an hour to see how it behaved then maybe it would calm their fears a little more.
This is a horrible idea from a canine psychological standpoint. Dogs need a structured environment. They need to feel like they belong to a pack. Passing around a puppy might be nice for the human but it's horrible for the dog.
@chilie no I agree with u! The lady who called me WAS weird but now that I'm in the same position, I can't let my kitties go to just anyone, even if my kitchen is now disgusting and I can't really afford 2 extra cats. Do u do all dogs? People want just my calico kitten but I'm adamant that she must be adopted with her mom bc they are inseparable, unlike the two other siblings I decided to keep. Now I'm paranoid that someone will say they want both, but then dump mommie just so they could get the calico. I've gained so much respect for my moms 60+ year old cousin who just became a foster mom to real kids. How do u give them up after u fall in love while caring for them?
I dunno. If it was something like a drive to get them adopted or done in a way that benefits the pups somehow, then yeah! I can't afford to get a dog right now, but want one like crazy.
Have you guys seen Billy? He's that little chihuahua on a Humane Society commercial, and he's the sweetest sweet that ever sweeted! Here he is:
@chilie um. You. Are. Amazing. What is the animal you're rehabbing? So far all potential adopters are friends of good friends so none are complete strangers. I was thinking if there's a way to make them promise not to separate the cats or to return them if needed. But then am I supposed to check on them every 6 months? And then if they separate them what would I do, sue? Maybe I should charge a fee since a group of us that rescued these cats paid a feral cat org to do all the health checks, fixing and revolution. I'll have to decide when it's time though. I can't even pet the mom yet and I'm so worried that she won't become friendly. The 3 kittens are getting there. They run from me but if I approach 2 of them slowly, they let me rub their bellies. The calico has to be in the cage or cornered for her to let me pet her. I'm a little worried. But you do amazing work! I'm guessing I need another month to know what will be best for the mom whether she can become someone's pet or..... Not. And I'll feel horrible. It's so much harder than I thought.
The idea has a couple problems: 1. If money is good, then the seller might be more interested in renting than having someone own the dog and 2. What makes the seller qualified to determine who would make a good owner? Pretty presumptuous that one person, particularly a student, has the experience, insight, and ability to determine who is fit for dog ownership.
My Shar Pei Shepard is 12 and her head still smells like puppy! I think it is because I don't use soap on her head (in a bid to keep her ears healthy) I just rub her with a couple baby wipes....
@chile I'm not doing it all alone. My neighbor and a few of the shop owners noticed the family living in the woods behind the Starbucks so my neighbor became the one to feed them on a regular schedule every day. She pet the mom and eventually they all would eat right in front of her. The kittens were scared though. Bc the mom wasn't completely scared of humans, they felt that she was someone's pet and was dumped when pregnant. After 2+ months of that, we caught them on thanksgiving. This professional cat fosterer lady helped us and took them to a feral place which did all the shots, checkups and fixing for a very low donation. She's helping me, I've had many of my own cats, my neighbor is over every day bc she has the best bond with mommie, and she's such a friendly person that she's found so many other fosterers who have given us advice. I disagree on a lot with my neighbor bc I'm strict and she's overindulgent. She thinks it shows love by over feeding them and she wanted all the cats together so they could run around. We were told to keep them caged and a friend who works on a farm with cats to big exotics told me I must separate mom from the babies. I know he's right. Well, they were in a cage in my basement. My neighbor convinced me to build a pen so they could play. I forgot to seal the bottom and they all escaped. I caught the kittens quickly but mom was loose in my huge open basement for over a week. It was a NIGHTMARE. So while I spent a week bonding with the kittens, mon spent a week regressing. I finally caught her. I feel horrible and will feel worse if she doesn't recover from the stress. I moved everyone up to my kitchen bc my body can't handle the basement stairs and cement floor anymore. The kittens are sweet n like to be pet but still cower and run if I approach them. So they sleep in one cage and I let them out only in the kitchen during the day. I don't let mom out of her crate yet bc she hisses and growls at me and my neighbor but she is brave and pets her. None of them ever attacked anyone. They all hiss but it's funny bc it's more like their "hello" since they don't bite or scratch. Mom looks so sad so I thought after all this time, maybe her kids would cheer her up. The first night the calico wanted to go in with her. They both purred instantly and cuddled. It was beautiful. That's why they must live together. Callie is the most afraid of people though. I can pet her if she's cornered and she's ok. Next night the boy wanted to sleep with them too. The other kittie couldn't care less. I am unsure about letting mom see the babies but I'd love to hear your opinion. I just heard about one place near me for cats that has room and doesn't kill. I will feel like I failed her if I can't make her happy and evil for taking her babies but not giving her the care she needed.
One lady who fostered said her husband would allow her to take mommie and calico for 2 weeks then give her back to me to find a home. She, my neighbor and I all agreed that the mommie will just get even more traumatized if she keeps moving around. 2 others only want the calico. My neighbor and I r positive that if the calico goes, mommie has zero chance at just being domesticated.
20/20 had a story last week about pet scams. Someone will place an ad on Craigslist or other advertising purebred puppies. When you contact them, they send you a contract, you wire them the money... but there's no dog.
The person you wired the money to, turns out to be tricked -- scammer begins an online dating relationship, and the forwarder (???) believes she's helping her boyfriend run a legit business.
It's a big deal now because of Christmas. A lot of people are getting stung, trying to get the perfect puppy for their child as a present. Our local news had a family who got scammed a couple weeks ago.
So for anyone on the fence who wants a specific breed, and/or isn't aware of the horrors of breeders and the puppy mill, look first to the shelters. So many animals end up euthanized -- wonderful doggies and kitties of all breeds and sizes -- because there are too many and not enough people adopting them.
I'm with jax. Too many unknowns. Is she donating most of the money earned back to the shelter? And what about pre-screening? How would that work (and how on EARTH would anyone involved at a shelter have time for this?) Even if it's just an hour, that would make me nervous about a dog falling into the wrong hands.
If people don't want the commitment, I know most shelters near me let volunteers come in and walk dogs, take them on group hikes, etc. Seems like a more logical way to get in your puppy time.
@chilie u got me realizing I made a huge mistake letting the kittens sleep with mommie tonight for the third night. I did notice a difference in the two's personality since and the other kitten who hasn't slept with her is just fine. Mommie is teaching them to not like humans. I had planned to keep two black kittens so they are fine. The calico is like a third wheel and shy but shes not a problem and everyone wants to adopt her anyways. I can't train mommie and the kittens in the one room of my house they r allowed in at the moment so I don't see her getting what she needs here. I was told of a big cat place in my state that even lets them outside in a yard to play. I think you're right that mommie needs to be around adult cats so tomorrow I'm going to call that place. I'm not worried although my neighbor will be absolutely devastated if she goes to a kill shelter. With all the stray cats I can't get upset at them getting euthanized. I will save what I can and hopefully that only leaves the unadoptable ones. Now I'm really mad at myself for letting 2 kittens sleep with her but it's 2am and I'm not risking chasing them around the kitchen to go in the other cage, and every time I do I'm scared of mommie getting loose. U know what's interesting? 3 kittens, Amelia, Messi and the calico. Calico is the shyest and doesn't purr when pet, but she's the one who clawed to get in moms cafe and then purred for the first time and very loudly. Messi went in on the second night. He loves his belly rubbed and he wanted to sleep in mommies cage the second two nights but doesn't go near her inside. Amelia is the friendliest n purrs the second u touch her but couldn't care less about mommie. You made me realize that and that mommie will be a bad influence. It's sad but they can't all be saved. Now I'm hoping Callie will be friendlier once mom leaves. Thanks so much finally I don't even know you but you're the first person who makes sense! I feel that you have a good balance of love and knowing how to discipline so I trust you. From my neighbor and all the pro rescuers helping us, they all are completely on the unrealistic love side and I have trouble taking advice from them since they don't seem realistic. I mean, one lady has 30 cats in a barn, another 20 in her garage. I think it's better to only keep the friendly ones instead of saving a mean cat from death who then is mean to the nice cats. Oh man 2:15 am I'm so stressed about these cats :( thank you do much. I bookmarked ur site n I can't wait to look tomorrow. What state r u in? DO U WANT A CAT?????? Lol
Almost forgot. I had planned to keep 2 kittens. I fell in love with the make Messi right away, then I noticed that he and the all black Amelia are best buds. I could probably keep Callie too but she's kind of a third wheel to them. She can stay as long as she has to but many people want her so it won't be long. U think it's best to separate mommie?
I'm not dumping mom. There's a place near me That sounds like a rehab. They don't kill and let te animals have outside time. All of the people helping me made me promise not to take her to a kill shelter or let loose. Plus, I've known my neighbor since I was born. I wouldn't break her heart like that! I had planned on adopting 2 kittens before this happened. I want the two black ones and I'm ok with the calico staying but not only do I not have another room in my house to separate mom but I don't have the energy to keep walking back and forth. Since I realized last night that the kittens who i let sleep with mom are less friendly and the one who doesn't care about mom is the most friendly, I see that mom has a negative effect on them.
Thanks thats a good tip about inspecting the place. It did come reccomended from two separate rescuers so I'm just about positive it's safe. I can not believe the bunny thing. That's awful.
I will check it out @chilie. It will teach me red flags to look for. I hate to admit it but I did get overwhelmed. It was after I had the cats, I was told I must keep mom separate from the kittens bc that's how u domesticate feral kittens, unlike already domesticated cats. That made perfect sense to me so I did it. Then it was not having space for 2 cages. Now that I let the kittens out all day, I have no other room to move moms cage to and let her loose after she's ready. I cant even reach her in the crate she's in. My neighbor crawls in but the cat hisses and growls. I have a better chance at giving the calico a good life without the mom so I feel that's more of a sure thing. Just wish me luck when I discuss this with my neighbor tonight.
@csproat.....your 12 y/o dog still smells like puppy??!! Damn, i'm jealous! Bottle that up & send some to me! I adore my little man, but at 11 he stinks somethin fearce. Bad teeth & i am am not going for another $1600 vet/dentist bill for teeth cleaning. He still gets cuddle time everynight, just with a few more inches of distance to my face.
Don't get me started on his old-age farting. Poooooof...those silent ones are killer.
Pardon all the crude...I was just writing rude jokes on my new chalkboard wall and am on a roll.
I wonder who will pay to play with a puppy for an hour.
ReplyDeleteI would! :)
ReplyDeleteToo expensive!! Where's the motivation to adopt the dog and pay the other gazillion dollars in fees and vet visits when you're coming out of the pockets to play with the darned thing? This would motivate me to find another dog to adopt!
ReplyDeletethe local animal shelter would bring puppies once a semester to my alma mater's campus for a day. it was a ridiculously popular thing.
ReplyDeleteI'd do it. My fiancé is allergic to dogs, so every chance I get to play with a puppy is a chance I take.
ReplyDeleteI think it's a good idea if they eventually end up in good homes. I just hope these are rescue puppies and not puppy mill puppies.
ReplyDeleteI'll be interested to hear opinions, but I know that if I spent an hour with a puppy, I'd beg to adopt it right after so it could be a good way to go about it.
ReplyDeleteLast time I walked by people with shelter dogs, I tried to convince my fiance that we needed to take home Lucy Loo, a sweet, gentle shepherd-lab mix. I implored him that she needed a home and he reasonably reminded me that we don't have a home yet.
I might have been a little intoxicated.
P.U. What smells in here?
ReplyDeleteI call bull on this chic's integrity. If she was simply concerned with the potential new parents. she'd carry out a long questionaire/application process & view the people interacting for a day (?). This is a money grab, at the expense of the puppies.
ReplyDeleteNow if she'd bottle that puppy smell up, i'd buy that shit for $20!!
it's expensive but why not? because many people take a dog without to have an idea how responsible it is
ReplyDeleteI'd love to do that! A puppy for an hour! That's a fantastic idea. People are going to fall in love with them and adopt them. But on the other hand, they are living beings, not toys, and they might get confused at getting loved on and passed around. Just ask Lindsay. boom!
ReplyDeleteI agree with mygeorgie. Who doesn't want to take home a puppy? Everybody. The problems come after a few months and the responsibilities hit. I would think that this would just encourage more impulse buys and end up with more abandoned pups 5-8 months down the line.
ReplyDeletebut I would totally rent a puppy.
ReplyDeleteI think the price is worth it. If I hadn't just recently adopted a rescue dog, who is more like a puppy, I'd totally do it. I lost my 15 year old dog in June, and it really helped to be around my sister's dogs. I also think puppies would be great to bring to senior homes or homeless shelters for a few hours, supervised, of course.
ReplyDeleteAww puppy smell! Me too MyGeorgie. And puppy breath! !!! I love the way they walk, they're so clumsy tripping over their own feet. All roly poly with big puppy bellies, needle sharp teeth gnawing on any finger that comes too close. The potty training and having to watch them constantly as if they're a human infant though, I could do without.
ReplyDeleteI think people would definitely fall in love with the puppies and adopt them. My puppy "chose" me and I never looked back!
ReplyDeleteSo many times I have thought about doing this as a business. Not everyone has the lifestyle to handle a dog. People who travel for work, single people who don't want to rush home every night to walk the dog, renters who aren't allowed to have pets, elder who can't walk the dog easily every day. All still love pet time, but can't commit full time to the time and expense of adopting.
ReplyDeleteThey have cat cafes in Japan. My uni did a Bring Your Pet to work thing during midterms and finals so students could have some animal love during the stress time. To a kid in a dorm, far from the farm, this was such a treat.
ReplyDeleteIt's a great idea because like all of you have said.. Who couldn't fall in love with a doggie?!
ReplyDeleteAlso, this is way better for the dog and the owners since you can actually bring the dog in your house and see how it reacts to your other pets, children, family etc.
It's better to know that the cat and dog hate each other before they officially live together.
I never had a dog but is it confusing for a puppie to be passed from owner to owner being taught different rules? I think it's nice the person is trying to think outside to box to find them homes but I think animals need a stable environment. Maybe she could have puppy parties where people could visit either in some giant perfect house or a private park so the dogs get their normal outdoor play but stay at the same home until they are permanantly adopted.
ReplyDeleteWhen we saw our younger dog 3 other people were ahead on the list for adoption...but we said we'd foster her for the rescue agency...and we got her...
ReplyDeleteAlso she didn't come free $250 ...and worth every penny..
Is she screening the renters? Bc how many aren't thinking adoption but will sell to research, let loose, abuse....? Dog fights? I'm trying to place 2 cats and I'm no longer laughing at my sister in laws ordeal when she tried to adopt a cat. The woman had her fill out a 2 page questionaire, and give 3 references! And then she actually called all of us listed and asked a million questions!! She was definitely nuts but now I'm finding it so hard to let my kitties go.
ReplyDeletegood idea in theory, bad idea in execution. If she has 4 puppies rented out all day she can easily make $480/day. Where is the money going and who gets to rent a puppy? Anyone off the street?
ReplyDeleteat $15/h that's a business, not s cute idea to turn out some puppies.
Side eye.
I think the person has good intentions, but it's a bad idea.
ReplyDeleteA safer idea for the puppies would be to have a place where people can come to play with the puppies in a supervised area.
Lol @tux u just rewrote what I said!
DeleteNot a good idea - dogs are pack animals and will try to bond as puppies. Having too many "alphas" passing them around will cause confusion and may hinder their emotional development.
ReplyDeleteAs a beagle owner, trust me - you *do not* want an anxiety dog.
Try before you buy?
ReplyDeleteIf I had known more about one of my adopted dogs I may have returned her if I had that option. I think a lot of people shy away from rescued pets because they fear the absolute worst but if they got a pet for an hour to see how it behaved then maybe it would calm their fears a little more.
This is a horrible idea from a canine psychological standpoint. Dogs need a structured environment. They need to feel like they belong to a pack. Passing around a puppy might be nice for the human but it's horrible for the dog.
ReplyDeleteHe gets an A for effort, albeit misdirected.
ReplyDeleteGood idea.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete@chilie no I agree with u! The lady who called me WAS weird but now that I'm in the same position, I can't let my kitties go to just anyone, even if my kitchen is now disgusting and I can't really afford 2 extra cats. Do u do all dogs? People want just my calico kitten but I'm adamant that she must be adopted with her mom bc they are inseparable, unlike the two other siblings I decided to keep. Now I'm paranoid that someone will say they want both, but then dump mommie just so they could get the calico. I've gained so much respect for my moms 60+ year old cousin who just became a foster mom to real kids. How do u give them up after u fall in love while caring for them?
DeleteI dunno. If it was something like a drive to get them adopted or done in a way that benefits the pups somehow, then yeah! I can't afford to get a dog right now, but want one like crazy.
ReplyDeleteHave you guys seen Billy? He's that little chihuahua on a Humane Society commercial, and he's the sweetest sweet that ever sweeted! Here he is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3vyK75-r3g
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ReplyDelete@chilie um. You. Are. Amazing. What is the animal you're rehabbing?
DeleteSo far all potential adopters are friends of good friends so none are complete strangers. I was thinking if there's a way to make them promise not to separate the cats or to return them if needed. But then am I supposed to check on them every 6 months? And then if they separate them what would I do, sue? Maybe I should charge a fee since a group of us that rescued these cats paid a feral cat org to do all the health checks, fixing and revolution. I'll have to decide when it's time though. I can't even pet the mom yet and I'm so worried that she won't become friendly. The 3 kittens are getting there. They run from me but if I approach 2 of them slowly, they let me rub their bellies. The calico has to be in the cage or cornered for her to let me pet her. I'm a little worried. But you do amazing work! I'm guessing I need another month to know what will be best for the mom whether she can become someone's pet or..... Not. And I'll feel horrible. It's so much harder than I thought.
The idea has a couple problems: 1. If money is good, then the seller might be more interested in renting than having someone own the dog and 2. What makes the seller qualified to determine who would make a good owner? Pretty presumptuous that one person, particularly a student, has the experience, insight, and ability to determine who is fit for dog ownership.
ReplyDelete@MyGeorgie
ReplyDeleteMy Shar Pei Shepard is 12 and her head still smells like puppy!
I think it is because I don't use soap on her head (in a bid to keep her ears healthy) I just rub her with a couple baby wipes....
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ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete@chile I'm not doing it all alone. My neighbor and a few of the shop owners noticed the family living in the woods behind the Starbucks so my neighbor became the one to feed them on a regular schedule every day. She pet the mom and eventually they all would eat right in front of her. The kittens were scared though. Bc the mom wasn't completely scared of humans, they felt that she was someone's pet and was dumped when pregnant. After 2+ months of that, we caught them on thanksgiving. This professional cat fosterer lady helped us and took them to a feral place which did all the shots, checkups and fixing for a very low donation. She's helping me, I've had many of my own cats, my neighbor is over every day bc she has the best bond with mommie, and she's such a friendly person that she's found so many other fosterers who have given us advice. I disagree on a lot with my neighbor bc I'm strict and she's overindulgent. She thinks it shows love by over feeding them and she wanted all the cats together so they could run around. We were told to keep them caged and a friend who works on a farm with cats to big exotics told me I must separate mom from the babies. I know he's right. Well, they were in a cage in my basement. My neighbor convinced me to build a pen so they could play. I forgot to seal the bottom and they all escaped. I caught the kittens quickly but mom was loose in my huge open basement for over a week. It was a NIGHTMARE. So while I spent a week bonding with the kittens, mon spent a week regressing. I finally caught her. I feel horrible and will feel worse if she doesn't recover from the stress. I moved everyone up to my kitchen bc my body can't handle the basement stairs and cement floor anymore. The kittens are sweet n like to be pet but still cower and run if I approach them. So they sleep in one cage and I let them out only in the kitchen during the day. I don't let mom out of her crate yet bc she hisses and growls at me and my neighbor but she is brave and pets her. None of them ever attacked anyone. They all hiss but it's funny bc it's more like their "hello" since they don't bite or scratch. Mom looks so sad so I thought after all this time, maybe her kids would cheer her up. The first night the calico wanted to go in with her. They both purred instantly and cuddled. It was beautiful. That's why they must live together. Callie is the most afraid of people though. I can pet her if she's cornered and she's ok. Next night the boy wanted to sleep with them too. The other kittie couldn't care less. I am unsure about letting mom see the babies but I'd love to hear your opinion. I just heard about one place near me for cats that has room and doesn't kill. I will feel like I failed her if I can't make her happy and evil for taking her babies but not giving her the care she needed.
ReplyDeleteOne lady who fostered said her husband would allow her to take mommie and calico for 2 weeks then give her back to me to find a home. She, my neighbor and I all agreed that the mommie will just get even more traumatized if she keeps moving around. 2 others only want the calico. My neighbor and I r positive that if the calico goes, mommie has zero chance at just being domesticated.
Delete20/20 had a story last week about pet scams. Someone will place an ad on Craigslist or other advertising purebred puppies. When you contact them, they send you a contract, you wire them the money... but there's no dog.
ReplyDeleteThe person you wired the money to, turns out to be tricked -- scammer begins an online dating relationship, and the forwarder (???) believes she's helping her boyfriend run a legit business.
It's a big deal now because of Christmas. A lot of people are getting stung, trying to get the perfect puppy for their child as a present. Our local news had a family who got scammed a couple weeks ago.
So for anyone on the fence who wants a specific breed, and/or isn't aware of the horrors of breeders and the puppy mill, look first to the shelters. So many animals end up euthanized -- wonderful doggies and kitties of all breeds and sizes -- because there are too many and not enough people adopting them.
I'm with jax. Too many unknowns. Is she donating most of the money earned back to the shelter? And what about pre-screening? How would that work (and how on EARTH would anyone involved at a shelter have time for this?) Even if it's just an hour, that would make me nervous about a dog falling into the wrong hands.
ReplyDeleteIf people don't want the commitment, I know most shelters near me let volunteers come in and walk dogs, take them on group hikes, etc. Seems like a more logical way to get in your puppy time.
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ReplyDelete@chilie u got me realizing I made a huge mistake letting the kittens sleep with mommie tonight for the third night. I did notice a difference in the two's personality since and the other kitten who hasn't slept with her is just fine. Mommie is teaching them to not like humans. I had planned to keep two black kittens so they are fine. The calico is like a third wheel and shy but shes not a problem and everyone wants to adopt her anyways. I can't train mommie and the kittens in the one room of my house they r allowed in at the moment so I don't see her getting what she needs here. I was told of a big cat place in my state that even lets them outside in a yard to play. I think you're right that mommie needs to be around adult cats so tomorrow I'm going to call that place. I'm not worried although my neighbor will be absolutely devastated if she goes to a kill shelter. With all the stray cats I can't get upset at them getting euthanized. I will save what I can and hopefully that only leaves the unadoptable ones. Now I'm really mad at myself for letting 2 kittens sleep with her but it's 2am and I'm not risking chasing them around the kitchen to go in the other cage, and every time I do I'm scared of mommie getting loose. U know what's interesting? 3 kittens, Amelia, Messi and the calico. Calico is the shyest and doesn't purr when pet, but she's the one who clawed to get in moms cafe and then purred for the first time and very loudly. Messi went in on the second night. He loves his belly rubbed and he wanted to sleep in mommies cage the second two nights but doesn't go near her inside. Amelia is the friendliest n purrs the second u touch her but couldn't care less about mommie. You made me realize that and that mommie will be a bad influence. It's sad but they can't all be saved. Now I'm hoping Callie will be friendlier once mom leaves. Thanks so much finally I don't even know you but you're the first person who makes sense! I feel that you have a good balance of love and knowing how to discipline so I trust you. From my neighbor and all the pro rescuers helping us, they all are completely on the unrealistic love side and I have trouble taking advice from them since they don't seem realistic. I mean, one lady has 30 cats in a barn, another 20 in her garage. I think it's better to only keep the friendly ones instead of saving a mean cat from death who then is mean to the nice cats. Oh man 2:15 am I'm so stressed about these cats :( thank you do much. I bookmarked ur site n I can't wait to look tomorrow. What state r u in? DO U WANT A CAT?????? Lol
ReplyDeleteAlmost forgot. I had planned to keep 2 kittens. I fell in love with the make Messi right away, then I noticed that he and the all black Amelia are best buds. I could probably keep Callie too but she's kind of a third wheel to them. She can stay as long as she has to but many people want her so it won't be long. U think it's best to separate mommie?
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ReplyDeleteI'm not dumping mom. There's a place near me That sounds like a rehab. They don't kill and let te animals have outside time. All of the people helping me made me promise not to take her to a kill shelter or let loose. Plus, I've known my neighbor since I was born. I wouldn't break her heart like that! I had planned on adopting 2 kittens before this happened. I want the two black ones and I'm ok with the calico staying but not only do I not have another room in my house to separate mom but I don't have the energy to keep walking back and forth. Since I realized last night that the kittens who i let sleep with mom are less friendly and the one who doesn't care about mom is the most friendly, I see that mom has a negative effect on them.
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ReplyDeleteThanks thats a good tip about inspecting the place. It did come reccomended from two separate rescuers so I'm just about positive it's safe.
ReplyDeleteI can not believe the bunny thing. That's awful.
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ReplyDeleteI will check it out @chilie. It will teach me red flags to look for.
ReplyDeleteI hate to admit it but I did get overwhelmed. It was after I had the cats, I was told I must keep mom separate from the kittens bc that's how u domesticate feral kittens, unlike already domesticated cats. That made perfect sense to me so I did it. Then it was not having space for 2 cages. Now that I let the kittens out all day, I have no other room to move moms cage to and let her loose after she's ready. I cant even reach her in the crate she's in. My neighbor crawls in but the cat hisses and growls. I have a better chance at giving the calico a good life without the mom so I feel that's more of a sure thing. Just wish me luck when I discuss this with my neighbor tonight.
@csproat.....your 12 y/o dog still smells like puppy??!! Damn, i'm jealous! Bottle that up & send some to me! I adore my little man, but at 11 he stinks somethin fearce. Bad teeth & i am am not going for another $1600 vet/dentist bill for teeth cleaning. He still gets cuddle time everynight, just with a few more inches of distance to my face.
ReplyDeleteDon't get me started on his old-age farting. Poooooof...those silent ones are killer.
Pardon all the crude...I was just writing rude jokes on my new chalkboard wall and am on a roll.
*skulking off w/ Mac jacket & trucker hat*