Pet Problems Solved!
Dear Apartments.com,
I think I’m finally at the point where I just can’t care for my German Shepards the way I want to be able to. My apartment allows them; I even paid the extra $250 pet deposit. The problem is that since I moved here I’ve taken a new job and I’m working between 60 and 70 hours at the office. My dogs are getting so lethargic from having to spend so much time indoors and it’s breaking my heart. I want them to be with someone who can take them to the park every day like I used to do. Do you have any ideas for finding a good owner for my dogs?
Yours truly,
Desperate in Des Moines, IA
Dear Desperate,
Giving up your animals is probably one of the hardest things that you’ll have to go through. It’s also pretty devastating to your pets. As you probably know, they’ve become very attached to you and they will go through a grieving process if they lose you. Before you surrender your pets, have you really thought out your decision and have you looked at every option you can? Is there a neighbor that is home during the day who can take your dogs out in the afternoon? Is there a dog walking service provided by your building? (You can also find a dog walking service through the phone book or the Internet too.) Do you have a friend or family member that wouldn’t mind looking after your pets when you’re working late? Have you spoken with your new employer about your schedule? Perhaps your boss will let you take a break in the afternoon to head home to take care of your pets. Can you afford doggy day care? (Many cities have companies that offer this service.) Is this work situation something that you foresee lasting for an extended period of time or is it a short term situation? If you’ve exhausted every possibility and still the only answer is to place your animals in another home, first look to trusted family or friends. If someone that you know and trust will be able to take your animals, give them the exercise, love and companionship that they need, the change will be more manageable for both you and your pets. Hopefully, you’ll still be able to visit. Please, though, no matter what you do, don’t go and post signs advertising the fact that you need to find them a home. If a friend or family member can not take them the only other thing you should do is find a no-kill animal shelter that will accept them. If you place your pets with a stranger, you really don’t know what kind of person or home they are going to. Most reputable no-kill shelters actually have adoption applications that need to be completed by the potential new owner. If the potential new owner has other animals, these shelters may often require a meeting of the existing pet and the new pet to make sure they get along well. Although this is a horrible situation to be in, finding the right shelter for your animals will serve to provide some comfort.
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