WARNING -- RANT AHEAD
*SIGH* The person who bought the French bulldog has decided that they just can't handle the responsibility involved, and is now looking to sell the dog. Part of me is really hissed, because I WARNED HIM that it was like having another child, (translate: WORK) but he didn't "get it" until the dog was there.
I can rant more later with the details (if you want, but it will likely get everyone really upset), but the short version is, his wife may be allergic (they thought one of the kids might turn out to be allergic, which begs the question WHY you would bring a dog into the home if there was any question of an allergy, without testing first), the kids are afraid of the dog and don't want to be bothered, and the family is hardly ever home. Since the dog doesn't seem to be housebroken, or have any other training, and no one seems to have the time or inclination to train him, he's going to have to go to another home.
Given the situation, it's probably for the best, but I feel horrible for this poor dog, because he's only 5 months old and had to travel by plane to his new home. From what I can tell, my co-worker is so caught up in the drama of caring for the dog that there's no attempt to understand what the dog is dealing with: removal of everything familiar, strange sights/smells/sounds, a trip on a plane (I don't like flying myself -- I can only imagine what the puppy was feeling!), a new home with strange people, surroundings, etc.
I know I'm being hypocritical here, because I had no clue what I was in for when I brought Pookie and his sister home, but I did understand that I had a responsibility to do everything I could to take care of them. I understood that they were not potted plants that could just be ignored unless it was convenient. So it upsets me that other people don't THINK about what they're getting into, and then get upset when they realize actual work is involved.
All of this got me to thinking, maybe people should be required to take a test, or do a week-trial (using a plant or an egg or something) to make them aware of the responsibility. But I doubt that's realistic, so I did a very quick search for sites that explain what's involved, and wanted to post them here.
My first question would be: why do you want to get a dog (or a cat)? If it's "because the kids keep begging for one" then forget it, that's NOT a good enough reason. Tell the kids "no" and let them get used to hearing that word, because they will hear it again many times during their life.
The links I found bring up other good points, but I stick with what I think the first question should be. Feel free to add more questions or links to this thread. Most, if not all of us here, are already aware of the responsibilities that come with being a pet parent, but this information may be helpful if you know of folks (like my co-worker) who are just clueless.
http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/7570643/list/So-You-re-Thinking-About-Getting-a-Dog/http://thenectarcollective.com/2013/10/youre-thinking-getting-a-dog/Ok, rant over. Thanks for letting me get that out of my system.