Giving away animals..AAARGH

Life Pets & Domestic Animals
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Why should we spare the “DRAMA” when thousands of animals are put to death because of irrisponsible people who go out and by a pet and then later down the line give them or throw them away.

I am also astonished with the way people treat people, but that doesn’t mean i should give up the fight to help animals. Unfortunatly it is people who make all these problems. People who breed, sell and buy these pets. People who don’t think for a little longer when taking on an animal as a compainion.

I have 5 pets which i took off the streets, they are my children. I have given up many things for them and don’t regret any of it. I am not saying that anyone should do the same thing as me, but i am saying that when a person takes on an animal they should think about what they are doing.

As i said in my previous post, i commend and respect anyone who takes an animal off the streets and tries to help him or her. Whether they take him or her in to get him or her desexed and then let them go again, this is commendable as the person knows they are unable to give this animal a home and are doing the best thing they can for it.

I am angry at the people who pay thousands of dollars for an animal then then give it away. THere are many excuses why, but they are just that, excuses.

You may look at me and say i am on my high horse or that i am righteous, i don’t really care. I know i can sleep at night. I know that i have done right by my animals. I also know that i am not doing enough and need to work harder to help the other animals.

I have said in previous posts that it seems a never ending battle, simply because of the needless dumping of animals that goes on in the world.

Some people may not see animals as equals to humans, but as far as i am concerned they are and they deserve respect.

None of these animals in pet stores had a choice. None of these breeding animals had a choice. But we do. We have the choice to help solve the problem or add to it.

It saddens me that whenever some people try to do good, others have to put them down and call them names. If you want to help humans then go ahead, i choose to help animals and that is a choice i’m free to make.

Maoman, i do not know about your situation. I do not know what you went through. You say you were helping these cats and then needed to find them a new home, this is commendable. i know many people who have done this and i truely respect them. We definately need more people like you in this world.

Yes many of us are quick to judge, but when you have seen as much pain and suffering with these animals as some of us have, it is hard to understand when people give away thier animals after taking them in and calling them their own.

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Thanks for the reply UKBikerchic, but I was referring to the OP. She made no distinction between people who picked up a pet for a lark and then want to give it away when the novelty wears off, and people who take in a mutt or a stray off of the streets and take care of it until they are no longer able to do so. There’s a world of difference between the two, and if the OP can’t see it, well then, all I have to say is this: :raspberry:

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[quote=“Maoman”]What’s the difference between fostering and adopting? The animals can’t tell the difference.[/quote]Good point. It hurts the animals just as much to be left behind either by a long term foster or by an “adopter”. You are asking the wrong question, though, Maoman. A better question would be: What’s the difference between adopting, and rescuing an animal? The foster is just a third party helping the rescuer care for an animal temporarily.

You never made a commitment to care for these cats, as you said, you just helped them. For that, I raise my hat to you with respect, and I doubt that B9 would not do the same.[quote]If Taiwan had more “cruel guys” like me, Animals Taiwan would be out of work.[/quote]Maybe not out of work, but it sure would help a lot. :wink:

I don’t think we can compare helping an animal out of the goodness of your heart, your case, and leaving animals behind out of selfishness, the cases described and ranted about by the OP. This said while fully understanding that there are sometimes extenuating circumstances, of course.

This, however, is not what I consider to be extenuating circumstances:

[quote=“Namahottie”]The teaching market alone in Taipei is dwindling and people are having to work longer hours.
On top of that, a person does need to get out and socialize, and that takes a wee bit of money in Taipei…

[/quote]Totally agree… And that’s exactly what people have to think about BEFORE adopting a pet, so that they don’t end up having to decide between going for a night out, or bringing their pet home. :noway: In that case, why not just get a dog off the street, an find him/her a home when you leave Taiwan? There are so many of them. :frowning:

[quote]Also, while I do become very emotionally attached to a pet and try to love and care for it just as I would a child, comparing a pet to a child is a pretty extreme view for most people.[/quote]You are exaggerating. There is a vast difference between comparing two living beings, and pointing out the fact that there are similarities.[quote] I would venture to guess that most of the people who hold this view don’t have children themselves. I certainly don’t! (…have children, that is.) [/quote]My experience is quite different. Most parents and pet guardians I have known, including my own parents, will tell you that caring for a pet or a child is not comparable, but that there certainly are similarities. Both require patience, for example. :wink:

[quote]The people you see posting adoption ads here on Forumosa are actively seeking good homes for their beloved animals and if they didn’t care for their animals at all, I imagine they would just put them out on the street or take them to a shelter like some people do. [/quote]The point you make there is invalid for two reasons. I don’t think it’s accurate to say that people either care a lot, or not whatsoever. Some people do put animals on the street, some people do take them home with them, some people try to find a home and are willing to even pay sometimes to find a home for an animal, while others will try for a bit and just put the animals on the street if all else fails. Some take them to the pound, some put a rubber band on the animals head and drop them off an hour away by car. Some throw the dogs and cats into The Love River here in Kaohsiung, etc, etc, etc…

The other reason why your point is invalid is because face it, 99% of the time it’s a matter of money. It always about money. Oh I love Fido, but I can’t afford to keep him. The flight costs so much… Again, that’s something people have to think about before hand.

[quote]Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans.[/quote]That’s right. And adopting an animal means that you need to include that animal in your plans, whatever they are. :fume: Where is the emergency? :fume:

Now why do I say pick dog on the street instead of adopting one? Why do I care that animals are fostered, re-homed or adopted for life? After all, as long as they are not on the street, that what matters, no? At least that’s what Maoman appears to be suggesting when he asks what the difference is between fostering and adopting a pet. The answer to that is not that difficult.

If you rescue an animal from the street, you’re helping the animal, and you’re also contributing to helping the problem of strays in Taiwan. OTOH, if you adopt an animal and re-home it before you leave, you are not helping.

Most of the animals we rescue are on the street because of poor guardianship. The very problem we dedicate our time for is caused by a lack of education in regards to caring for animals leading to poor guardianship. The least we can advocate for is a life time guardianship for the animals who fill our days, and our hearts. Moreover, it’s hard on a pet. Have you never heard of animals who stop eating when re-homed? Animals can suffer emotionallly.

At the end of the day, action speaks louder than words. I think some of us on this board do enough for animals that we should be able to advocate against the very things that create more work for us without being labelled self-righteous bullies. What a ridiculous claim that is anyways. People complain about problems some species are facing such as dolphins, whales, pandas, elephants, etc, etc. There is never any claims of self-righteousness in threads where some animals are illegally hunted for example.

What is so different about stray animals suffering on the streets? Who is responsible for that one? Why is it self-righteous to advocate for a certain behaviour that will help solving this alarming and often heart-wrenching problem? Most of us have witnessed the severity of the stray over-population in Taiwan… Advocating that adopting a pet is for life seems perfectly appropriate, and necessary, IMOHO.

Especially when addressing those in a hurry, to make it home for Groundhog Day.

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I whole-heartedly agree with you. There is a vast difference between pointing out the similarities between between caring for a pet and a child and stating that children are equal to pets. I’m pretty clear about which point I was responding to. See here:

Most people don’t see animals as equal to humans. This is a rather extreme view.

I agree that caring for pets and children share several similarities, but again that’s not the point I was making. What I said was that the people who consider pets equal to children most likely don’t have human children themselves. I’m certain that that’s the case for the vocal minority posting this view here on Forumosa. My parents taught me to care for and respect pets too, but if you ask your parents who is more valuable to them, you or their pet, I certainly hope they say that you are. :wink:

[quote=“bobepine”] [quote=“Erhu”]The people you see posting adoption ads here on Forumosa are actively seeking good homes for their beloved animals and if they didn’t care for their animals at all, I imagine they would just put them out on the street or take them to a shelter like some people do.[/quote]The point you make there is invalid for two reasons. I don’t think it’s accurate to say that people either care a lot, or not whatsoever. Some people do put animals on the street, some people do take them home with them, some people try to find a home and are willing to even pay sometimes to find a home for an animal, while others will try for a bit and just put the animals on the street if all else fails. Some take them to the pound, some put a rubber band on the animals head and drop them off an hour away by car. Some throw the dogs and cats into The Love River here in Kaohsiung, etc, etc, etc…

The other reason why your point is invalid is because face it, 99% of the time it’s a matter of money. It always about money. Oh I love Fido, but I can’t afford to keep him. The flight costs so much… Again, that’s something people have to think about before hand.
[/quote]

Regardless of the reasons why, the people posting adoption ads on Forumosa ARE seeking loving homes for their animals. What do you or Animals Taiwan gain by condemning them? A feeling of superiority?

And how do you know what their intent was when they took in the animal? Maybe it was a stray animal that they took off the street and intended to keep only for the duration of their stay in Taiwan. You simply don’t have all (or in some cases any) of the facts, yet you (collectively) are ready to condemn.

Several people pushed to have the adoption pages added to the regular forums and now the very people posting ads in that forum are being attacked. That’s pretty despicable, in my opinion. Or was the adoption forum only intended to be used for AT animals? Perhaps that should be clarified.

That’s your opinion, and you are welcome to it, but not everyone has to agree with you and that doesn’t make them wrong. I left my cat with my parents back home because I concluded that an international move would be too difficult on her. She’s a VERY high strung and nervous cat. I almost didn’t move to Asia at all because I was so worried about what to do with her. Lucky me that I have parents who love me enough to love and care for my cat in my absence. If I didn’t have them, I’m not sure what I would have done. I wish that everyone had the support system that I have to ensure my pet would be looked after when I wanted to move, but others may not have that. Those people should at least be allowed to post an ad on Forumosa without being outwardly criticised for doing so. And I’ll give myself an Amen to that!

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I thought people were animals. :astonished:

You learn something every day.

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I thought people were animals. :astonished:

You learn something every day.[/quote]

You can’t argue the point, so you argue semantics? Nice one! :bravo:

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Sort of a ‘last refuge’ kinda thing.

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[quote=“bobepine”]

  1. Remember if someone takes a dog from AT, they aren’t, under the current rules, adopting or becoming the sole owner. They are only the guarantor.

2)I think anyone taking on an animal will make plans, but sometimes extenuating circumstances arise that must be dealt with and that can be out of your control. In life you have to make choices. Again, to judge or condemn someone for making a choice is just really unproductive.

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[quote=“bobepine”][quote=“Maoman”]What’s the difference between fostering and adopting? The animals can’t tell the difference.[/quote]Good point. It hurts the animals just as much to be left behind either by a long term foster or by an “adopter”. You are asking the wrong question, though, Maoman. A better question would be: What’s the difference between adopting, and rescuing an animal? The foster is just a third party helping the rescuer care for an animal temporarily.

You never made a commitment to care for these cats, as you said, you just helped them. [/quote]
What if I had made a committment to the cats? Would they know that this was it, that this wasn’t a rescue or a foster situation but an adoption? Would the commitment ceremony have to be officiated in order to be valid? Would the stray cat have to wear white? :stuck_out_tongue: Like I said, to the animal, there’s no difference. They don’t know the difference between being given away because the owner was killed by a falling grand piano, or being sold to pay gambling debts.

And what helps Animals Taiwan more - people who foster an animal for 10 years or 10 weeks? What places less stress on the animals? On the system? Please address these points. I submit that people who look for good homes for their pets when they are no longer able to care for them are not “sickening” or “irresponsible” or “selfish”. The are the answer to prayers of groups like Animals Taiwan. It’s the people who DON’T look for good homes for their animals that you should save the indignation for. It’s because of them that there are any animals on the street.

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[quote=“Erhu”]

That’s your opinion, and you are welcome to it, but not everyone has to agree with you and that doesn’t make them wrong. I left my cat with my parents back home because I concluded that an international move would be too difficult on her. She’s a VERY high strung and nervous cat. I almost didn’t move to Asia at all because I was so worried about what to do with her. Lucky me that I have parents who love me enough to love and care for my cat in my absence. If I didn’t have them, I’m not sure what I would have done. I wish that everyone had the support system that I have to ensure my pet would be looked after when I wanted to move, but others may not have that. Those people should at least be allowed to post an ad on Forumosa without being outwardly criticised for doing so. And I’ll give myself an Amen to that![/quote]

I’ll give you 2 Amens and a Hallelujah for it. :notworthy: :bravo: :bravo:

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[quote=“Erhu”]Regardless of the reasons why, the people posting adoption ads on Forumosa ARE seeking loving homes for their animals. What do you or Animals Taiwan gain by condemning them? A feeling of superiority?[/quote]I fail to see how advocating a certain behaviour that is part of the solution regarding the over abundance of stray animals would be interpreted as a need to feel superior. I think you fail to see that many animals are left behind for unjustified reasons. You seem to believe, and advocate, that animals do not deserve the same respect and considerations as humans do. To each his own, and thanks for your opinion. :notworthy:

[quote=“Maoman”]
Like I said, to the animal, there’s no difference. They don’t know the difference between being given away because the owner was killed by a falling grand piano, or being sold to pay gambling debts. [/quote]Of course they don’t know the difference, but how relevant is that to the topic at hand? The fact that the animal doesn’t understand the circumstances, doesn’t mean that it’s not hurt by it all? It doesn’t mean that the animal doesn’t suffer the same. How do you think Gustav would feel if you dropped him off today at someone else’s place never to return? The poor dog would go through depression because everything he has grown to be attached to is taken away from him. His life falls apart. I don’t think it’s right, and I’ll admit to be surprised being called self righteous for saying so. :frowning: Again, I’m talking about situations where there are no real extenuating circumstances, which is what the OP is ranting about. Fair rant, IMOHO.

[quote]And what helps Animals Taiwan more - people who foster an animal for 10 years or 10 weeks?[/quote]I’d say ten years is more help, but on day to day basis, both are pretty helpful. I’m not sure I understand the relevance of your question. [quote] What places less stress on the animals? On the system?[/quote]This, on the other hand, is an excellent question. [quote]Please address these points[/quote]No problem.

You’re asking two questions… What’s better for the system, and what’s better for the animals. It’s simple, really… What is better for the animals is better for the system. If people keep animals for life, that’s the best a pet can hope for, and it is by a long shot the best help the system can hope for. I rescue animals and I spend my time helping them out, and raising funds to pay for it all. Moreover, I see the suffering these animals endure, and what they have to go through. I want nothing but the best for these animals, and I think everyone will agree that the best is for an animal to be in a home for life. With 10 000 animals being abandoned annually in Taiwan, the least we can ask for, is for the lucky ones that crosses our path to be taken home by people who agree with our policies, and are willing and able to live up to them.

Hear me loud and clear, we are not interested to adopt out animals to those who think that re-homing an animal isn’t a big deal, as suggested by your questions, Maoman. Pick one off the street, and re-home it later, you saved an animal. But adopt one from us and re-home it later because you think it makes no difference to the animal, and you potentially wasted that animal’s life, providing that the person you adopted that animal to has the same opinion as you, and the next person, and the next person, and the next person, etc. That is not helping us, and it’s not helping the animals. It’s putting more stress on the animals, and it’s putting more stress on the system.

We have ability to feel emotions. Animals such as cats and dogs have the same ability. To say that animals are not like humans is right, but to say that their own feelings and emotions are not worth the same level of considerations as ours, is sanctimonious and regrettable IMOHO. A quick look on the street will show you how regrettable it is.

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[quote=“bobepine”]
We have ability to feel emotions. Animals such as cats and dogs have the same ability. To say that animals are not like humans is right, but to say that their own feelings and emotions are not worth the same level of considerations as ours, is sanctimonious and regrettable IMOHO. A quick look on the street will show you how regrettable it is.[/quote]

IMVVVVHO, I really think you are projecting to animals. Both of my dogs are re-homed dogs and neighed showed signs of depression during their transitional phases. Confusion, yes and that would be understandable. The only time Chocky was depressed was when his sister ran away. And the lucky bastard was only depressed for 2 days. :fume: :laughing: I suspect that older dogs are more inclined to depression.

The dogs on the streets here look pretty darn good I would say. If anything, I think they are bit better off than their homed counterparts, i.e. the one’s that have to live with the few Taiwanese who believe in caging their dogs, or cultivating the aggressive side in them because the owner needs to feel a sense of ‘power’ in some form or fashion.

Really, I think that the animal world would do better without human involvement.

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I’ll tell you, if Gustav were found on the street, and I knew that I could take great care of him for ten years, but that at the end of that period I would have to find him a good home, if the alternative were life on the streets. Remember, animals adopted from Animals Taiwan form a tiny percentage of street animals that are given homes by people. For the OP to criticize a person who is insistent on finding a good home for their pet when they are no longer to care for it is callous. We all do what we can. The alternative is to do nothing. Leave the dog/cat on the street, because we know that if the time comes when we are no longer able to care for an animal, all we will get is condemnation from you.

The OP referred to a woman giving away her 11 year old cat and another giving away her 2 year old beagle because she is never home. I gave away my cats to a good home after many years together. There’s the relevance. If you agree (and you already did) that animals don’t know the difference between adoption and fostering, and if you agree (and you already did) that taking care of an animal for 10 years is pretty helpful and in fact more help than fostering an animal for 10 weeks, then what the heck are you posting critically for? It’s inconsistent.

No problem. You’re asking two questions… What’s better for the system, and what’s better for the animals. It’s simple, really… What is better for the animals is better for the system. If people keep animals for life, that’s the best a pet can hope for, and it is by a long shot the best help the system can hope for. I rescue animals and I spend my time helping them out, and raising funds to pay for it all. Moreover, I see the suffering these animals endure, and what they have to go through. I want nothing but the best for these animals, and I think everyone will agree that the best is for an animal to be in a home for life. With 10 000 animals being abandoned annually in Taiwan, the least we can ask for, is for the lucky ones that crosses our path to be taken home by people who agree with our policies, and are willing and able to live up to them.

Hear me loud and clear, we are not interested to adopt out animals to those who think that re-homing an animal isn’t a big deal, as suggested by your questions, Maoman. Pick one off the street, and re-home it later, you saved an animal. But adopt one from us and re-home it later because you think it makes no difference to the animal, and you potentially wasted that animal’s life, providing that the person you adopted that animal to has the same opinion as you, and the next person, and the next person, and the next person, etc. That is not helping us, and it’s not helping the animals. It’s putting more stress on the animals, and it’s putting more stress on the system.[/quote]
So you admit that Animals Taiwan crosses paths with only a small fraction of the 10,000 animals being abandoned. Given that, do you still want to criticize the people who want to help an animal for only a couple of years? In order to escape criticism, all one has to do then is nothing. A person can say to you, well, I’d like to help a stray in the pound or on the street, but I can only guarantee a good home for the next few years. After that, even though I’d be more than willing to look for a good home for Rex and Pudding, I wouldn’t want to offend my friend bobepine, so I’ll wait for someone who can guarantee a lifetime of devotion. Hopefully Rex will find an owner before he gets put to sleep, and hopefully Pudding will find a home before she dies from being hit by a truck or by being eaten alive by parasites. And do you think there would be more or less animals on the street if people took your criticism to heart?

Here’s a true case scenario. My cats were given away to foreigners who specifically stated that they were not interested in taking the cats back with them when the left Taiwan. I said that was no problem, I would be happy to take them back when and if that time came. So who is the cruel disgusting, selfish irresonsible party in this scenario? Me for giving the cats away having raised them for almost ten years, or the couple taking care of them, knowing that they are not making a lifetime committment. For the record, these cats were advertised for months and months on Animals Taiwan and I didn’t get one call. Not one. Should I have left the cats on the street ten years ago? Or brought them straight to you and Stray Dog?

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[quote=“Maoman”]
Leave the dog/cat on the street, because we know that if the time comes when we are no longer able to care for an animal, all we will get is condemnation from you.[/quote]How many times did I say in this thread alone that if you get an animal from the street you are doing a good thing and that it is a better option for you if you are unsure either you can commit to that animal for the duration of its life. Should I quote myself? There’s no point in having this discussion with you, if you are going to avoid reading what I wrote 17 times already.

[quote]So you admit that Animals Taiwan crosses paths with only a small fraction of the 10,000 animals being abandoned. Given that, do you still want to criticize the people who want to help an animal for only a couple of years? In order to escape criticism, all one has to do then is nothing. [/quote]For the 18th time, no, do not do nothing if you are concerned. Pick one on the street, and re-home it before you leave.

[quote]Here’s a true case scenario. My cats were given away to foreigners who specifically stated that they were not interested in taking the cats back with them when the left Taiwan. I said that was no problem, I would be happy to take them back when and if that time came. So who is the cruel disgusting, selfish irresonsible party in this scenario?[/quote]No one. Just a nice guy who saved cats from a terrible life on the street. How can you twist my words so much. That’s weird, boss. [quote]Should I have left the cats on the street ten years ago? Or brought them straight to you and Stray Dog?[/quote]OK, well, here I go quoting myself… Didn’t think I’d have to do that with you… :frowning:

Here’s what I wrote earlier:

[quote=“I”]If you rescue an animal from the street, you’re helping the animal, and you’re also contributing to helping the problem of strays in Taiwan.[/quote]Have I not acknowledged that this is precisely what you did with you cats? What are you going on about? Here’s more:

[quote=“I”]why not just get a dog off the street, an find him/her a home when you leave Taiwan? There are so many of them. Sad [/quote] Again, what is YOUR criticism about since I quoted above the many times I said that saving an animal on the street and caring for it for however long is the best thing to do? You’re saying the same damn thing. :s

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after a long time… my gawd you people sure are getting personal on this issue… where all of you are making valid points and yet only a few are being heard… you are sounding like divorce attorneys not giving much thought of the little bits in between and yet these are the bits that are the most important…
the thing is animals are in much need of care, homes, love and this country sure does have a lack of it when it comes to these helpless little guys!!! when people are told about merchanidise that was made by children and in places where child labour is implored what do people do??? i would hope the right thing and protest against this!!! do what they could to change these circumstances… when people are told that a nuclear waste site is about to go up in their backyards what would people do??? protest against it and try to change it!!! so when people are aware of the issue here in Taiwan with unwanted animals being abused, abandoned, used as breeding bitches, loved and cared for and then left because circumstances are just not fitting anymore… what do you do??? ADD to the probelm!!! i would hope not… here i know… lets ignore all the problems in our surroundings cuz well it just does not suit my need for going out! or it may cost a little more money and i can’t get that extra pair of “made in taiwan” prada boats!!! or wait lets use the excuse ’ i supported the little bastards for ten years and now they must move on!!! '… really!!! come on people! you are just adding to the problem and think you may have done your bit to aid the situation… but in reality you are just running… oh it is soooooo easy isn’t it!
ps… i am down with being self righteous!!! especially when it comes to speaking up for those who cannot do it for themselves!!! i am tired of seeing the injustices laid upon these poor beings! and for what reason!!! well i can count on the numbness of those who just don’t care about other living beings because A) they are not educated enough to realize the difference, and B) they just don’t give a crap!.. this is what happens to an oppressed and frustrated nation!!! blind! but what is your excuse??? f^&^… you don’t have any that i see justifiable!!!
grow up and and learn to feed your loneliness with a bath or two… get a picture of that cute and lovable doogy in the window and then demand that the shop owner cease its indignification to the animals having to pop out these adorable puppies… sure rescue the animal… get it fixed and then give it a fighting chance to survive its cruel demise in this society!!! save it even by taking it in but if you do this then make that everlasting decision!!! i have seen too many animals be put back on the streets by foreigners who had to just leave… the animals stick around the house, waiting and wanting… sadness in their eyes!!! so think before you do something so impulsive!!! you have the right to speak out against the injustices that you see all around you… open your mouths, poster your thoughts around your community… begin to make a difference by taking action… don’t wait for organizations to do it for you and then give them more work cuz you can’t handle the situation with your animal(s) anymore!!!
ok sorry… this is a rant… maybe in some small way it could make a difference… or it may have just peed you off even more… i don’t judge those in this forum… but i sure can speak out aganst the injustices being brought to these speechless beings…

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bobepine, you’re right. You and I aren’t that far apart on this issue. My beef is with the OP who didn’t distinguish between people with different motivations for giving away animals and painted them all with the same brush. I wish she would respond in this thread.

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Here’s the OP:

I don’t know WHY I do it…I try to stay away from the pet classifieds. It makes me sick to my stomach how cruel people can be. A woman giving away her 11 yr old cats because she can’t take them home? Another giving away her 2 yr old beagel because she is never home.

If youre not home enough…drop the dog off at a daycare…or get it a companion.

Why are people so sick.

Gotto go self-soothe… :loco:[/quote]

I don’t see too much of this that I disagree with.

I’m not sure I would label people as cruel for giving up their companion animals once it is no longer convenient to care for them; moreso that the act is cruel and the owner ignorant as to how he or she is adding to the plight of unwanted companion animals in general. I often state how sad it is that an animal is being abandoned, and I just as often see the ‘owner’ taking offense. I presume this is out of guilt, as no offense is intended and in fact my previous posts about such events only state my concerns for the animal, with no mention of my personal feelings about the person. You can often tell which owners do truly care for the companion animal because they will respond that they too think it is very sad - they have no need to be defensive. :wink:

I agree that it is sickening to see a cat turfed out of the home he or she has known for most of his or her life because the owner hasn’t pursued ways to take their feline friend with them when they leave. I agree that people should consider the needs of a fellow animal and their willingness or ability to cater to them before they bring one home. And I agree that getting a companion for ones companion animal is an excellent thing to do in any situation, as is doggy daycare, which is becoming increasingly popular these days.

But I fall short of calling people sick or cruel. As I said before, it’s the act that is sick or cruel, and the person is probably not intending to be like that, but instead, out of ignorance, misunderstanding, or, dare we say, selfishness, has not stretched his or her responsibilities towards ones family to include the family ‘pet’.

Just my tuppence-worth.

Sean

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I agree. They do come across a bit like over-zealous crusaders, like modern day equivalents of 19th century missionaries civilizing the natives.[/quote]

This is a very common perception towards many animal-welfare organizations, and it’s one that we knew we would see cropping up on ocassion. We are reminding people of their responsibilities towards other animals, and we do that because people so often forget. In return, we can get labelled ‘self-righteous’, ‘on a high horse’, ‘on a moral high ground’, and even ‘over-zealous crusaders’.

Well, guess what? We are an organization with a mission. :wink:

39

I haven’t been home all weekend so wasn’t online to check.

I responded to what the ad about the cats said. "I am moving and unable to take them’ Afterwards I did say that I DO know there are individual cases that have good reasons.

And yes, that did make me angry. And you are free to get angry back!

Sure, I know the story behind it now, but isn’t it much harder to rehome two old cats? They have bonded now and need to be taken together…and now is the time they start getting ill…

Anyways…like I said again…in the ad the girl goes on about how great the cats are, then says shes moving and cant take them. Now of course that got me going…

Here is my story…

I clicked on an ad here that advertised a dog being kept in a cage for 6 months, then locked up in an empty apartment for another couple of months. My heart died and I wanted her. Went all the way down to Taichung and got her a week later. Things were going fine until I took her to a different vet who felt that she had a weak knee so we took X-rays. The vet saw the X-rays and told me to not adopt her…she needed a hip replacement (due to sitting in a small cage while growing) and it would cost NT$ 300 000 for both hips. I was devestated because I can’t afford that.

I then went online looking at places in South-Africa to buy (for when the two of us return there) and I found that a lot has changed while I was here (5 yrs) Virtually no apartment allowed any animals (even on the 1st floor with a garden) So when I did return to SA I would need to buy/rent a real house. Again, gutted…I don’t have that cash. After a couple of weeks I called Sean and asked him if he could find a new owner for her.

But I couldn’t go through with it…I clicked on the ad…I took the responsibility. I can’t just place that into someone elses hands. And I got attached too.

So here I am, a year and a half later…and I have said good-bye to South-Africa. I would probably have started going back now if it wasn’t for her. I go on shorter holidays, I don’t go out on Fridays anymore (used to take her on the scooter with me, but her hips and knee is so weird now, that if she sits in one position for too long she limps) She is on medication every day, is 2 yrs old, but has the arthritis of an 11 yr old dog.

If I knew all of this before, yes, I would propably not have taken her…but I did take her and I can’t imagine my life without chewed up pieces of books lying around. :slight_smile:

Pity that AnimalsTaiwan got dragged into this. Its very easy to condone AT…I just spent the whole of yesterday jet blasting the place…hanging out with limb-less dogs, trying to figure out where to throw all the poo…and it is TIRING…and I do this for a couple of hours. I can’t imagine living there. And yes, you bond with the animals, and you are extremely happy when they get adopted…and then people decide to leave the country and give them back. And they need to return to the holding facility.

I’m angry at people who adopt pets without knowing how much it takes to take them home. It’s always posted on Forumosa what the procedures are, and people do their homework before they buy a phone, camera, get a baby…they should do the same for an animal.

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[quote=“Namahottie”]

Children and Pets aren’t the same thing. If I wanted to give up a child because I knowing admit that I couldn’t provide for them, I would probably be more commended than chastised.

I don’t get where the ranting on people’s choices. Why? Because, ultimately we need human beings to assist with the animals in staying off the streets. So, if anyone is criticizing others for making a personal choices, then there is an introduction of fear to even getting involved in the first place.

I call all of it bullying on a lower level.[/quote]

This is funny. You get angry that people assume things about you and yet you assume that people getting upset does nothing to help animals themselves…because they are scared to get involved?! Where do you get this from?