I was horrified to learn that there's a company that rents dogs out to people who are dogless. They claim that the dogs are chosen from shelters. Mainstream press has picked up this story as if it were something good. I cannot imagine how they can report that without thinking about the issues and presenting more information.
Personally, I think this is a horrible idea. Can you imagine the shelter dog who has lost his home for whatever reason, suddenly being shuttled from home to home, caregiver to caregiver with no sense of security? Just as he thinks he's found someone to love him forever, that forever home that every dog needs and deserves, he's off to the next person.
Look further than that and think about the people in our disposable society who think that a dog is to have for a little while, not for its lifetime. Where is there sense of responsibility? Where is the bonding? Will any two people treat the dog the same way? Dogs need consistency in diet, training, attention, love. They give us so much in return. Is this the best we can do? Turn them into yet another disposable commodity to fill someone's fleeting fantasy of having a dog for just a little while?
I don't know whether to scream or cry.
Please tell me how you feel about this latest wrinkle in the world of dogs.
9 comments:
Oh my goodness, I cannot believe this is actually happening. I find this deplorable and certainly all the questions you have raised in this blog are valid. Who is thinking of the well being of these poor dogs? Definitely not the money seeking people who are renting these dogs out! I foster and rescue dogs and they stay in the foster homes until the right forever home is found for them. The thought of already stressed dogs being put through home after home sickens me. All dogs deserve better than this.
If someone is not able to make a full time commitment to a dog, then why don't they visit their local shelter and walk a rescue dog? That would be a benefit all round.
Why are the Humane Societies and Rescue Organizations not making a big fuss about this?
Excellent thoughts, rescuegal and bobbiesgirl. I hope others will read what you've written and, perhaps, take action. I'd love to see word get out about the "other" side of this story which is why I blogged about it. I just hope people are reading...
Hi,
The HSUS, ASPCA, Best Friends and American Humane are all aware and against the company; there were reps from each, as well as the MSPCA at the first hearing on June 5. Since this company is flying under the radar as much as possible, they are only targeting one certain area at a time, so the local SPCA's really have to pick this up. There's still a lot to be done, folks. Keep contacting your representatives to get this bill passed! If we can get this banned in Boston, this will give the other localities that have been targeted an added impetus to keep them out of their locations(next in line, I think, are MD/DC areas).
Thanks for the update, Snickdog. I really appreciate it. I hope we can motivate more people to get involved.
It has been banned in Boston! You can also check out some pretty interesting side stories about what a sketch-ball the owners are at http://www.runningthepack.com/blog
I guess one of them is out operating under an assumed name?
Thanks for the heads-up. I wish you'd signed your name.
Yes, I've heard of that man and the alleged Ashera cats. His "reputation" precedes him. I had no idea that he was behind "Flex Pets." Why didn't I guess?!
More updates:
http://www.newsweek.com/id/149438
According to the article, they are 'adopting' out all the dogs and closing up shop in the US and UK... I don't know if I quite believe them, but I'm sure feeling better right now...
Boston, and Massachusetts, are the BEST, I'm proud to be a 'native'!
I'm really proud of our State. I hope it sets a precedent for others!
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