Kristie, Scoobs, I can completely understand your feelings. I shared them when we adopted our pup from the pound. I've had dogs my whole life and couldn't comprehend how someone could just give up their dog. It breaks my heart to walk through the pound and see 7 year old dogs that a family just decided they couldn't handle anymore. Honestly, it angers me.
Having said that, I have to disagree that a dog is a family member. It's been tough to change my feelings on this matter, but I've had to be realistic about her place in the family. She is a loyal pet, and a friend, but she is an animal. It was very difficult for me to come to the decision to find a new home for her, but I feel it was the right decision for her and for us. I decided that, giving my family the time and attention they need, I can't give my dog the kind of home she needs.
Like many of the posters here, I am usually gone 4-5 days out of the week. The 2-3 days I am home are filled with menial chores, mowing the lawn, going shopping, basically doing all the stuff most people do after work. After getting the necessities done, I have precious little time to spend with my wife and daughter. As much as possible, I spend that time with the dog, as well, but there's just not enough left over to be fair to her. When I'm gone, my wife spends time with her when she can, but running a househould and raising a baby leaves little time for playing catch and going on walks. Maybe in a few years we would have the time, unfortunately, we have to deal with now.
Millie is a sweet, loving dog, she needs more time with us than we are able to give her. She's safe dry, and well-fed in her dog-run in the backyard, but she needs more than that. I don't think it's fair to her to expect her to live in solitary confinement, with 2-3 weekly visits. She deserves better.
I considered her a member of the family and had no intention of giving up on her (that's how I saw it.) Knowing what I know now, though, I will be very, very careful before ever getting another pet. I accept that it was probably a mistake to adopt her. I will never again adopt a puppy from the pound. To borrow from Mr. Gump, pound puppies are like a box of chocolates (you never know what you're going to get). What we got was a sweet-tempered, highly intelligent dog that, due to her strength and energy level (along with a furlough and three moves) had to live outside.
I've learned a lot from this experience. My wife and I have both had pets our whole lives, and until now have never had to find a new home for one. It is one of the most difficult positions I've ever been in. I'm not asking for pity, but please understand we didn't make this decision lightly.
