Rant: Impulse buying pets

[Bettacreek]

Personally, one of the things I find most disgusting are the tons of ads on Craigslist of people getting rid of their cats or dogs for various reasons, most of which make no sense to me. "Just had a baby and now we need to get rid of the dog". Why? Not enough love to spread around to the precious baby and your faithful companion? How about "moving and the new apartment doesn't take pets". Well find one that does. While it is sad when reptiles are passed around from person to person because people get bored of them, they don't have feelings of love towards an owner or the inevitable feelings of abandonment when they are kicked to the curb. Dogs and cats most definitely do. I couldn't EVER imagine giving up my dog. In my opinion, the people that do are selfish and uncaring. Pets are a commitment. If you can't commit to taking care of an animal for it's whole life, then don't get one.

The stupid excuse of "having a baby" drives me INSANE. Hubby and I are both young, but, when we got pregnant with our son, our pets stayed here. It was a given that the cat was NOT going anywhere, she was here first, and we consider her our son's furry older "sister". When our son was 5 months, we ended up with two puppies. Yes, sometimes it can be a hassle, but, it's not really all that bad. I think that media is partially to blame. They make it sound like once you have a baby, your life is over, you don't have 5 seconds to spare to do anything. Some will make it sound like you can't even shower or brush your teeth or you're a bad parent because you weren't up your baby's ass for that few minutes. Yes, the first three days after our son was born was like this, granted, I went 52 1/2 hours without any food or sleep because I was having contractions every 3 minutes, but, after I finally caught my sleep, it wasn't much of a hassle. Anyways, I think the media scares a lot of new parents into abandoning their pets. Most will probably feel guilty afterwards, because they abandoned their best friend because they might have a week of craziness. Anyways, as far as moving goes, this one I'm slightly on the fence about. I've been homeless before because nowhere would allow my pets. It obviously wasn't for long, a few days, but, still, it CAN be difficult to find a place that even allows pets, let alone one in price-range for some people.

[ballpy1234]

I bought my ball python before i even knew what ball pythons were...and we r doing fine

[simplechamp]

I bought my ball python before i even knew what ball pythons were...and we r doing fine

It is possible for an impulse buy pet outcome to be a positive one, but you have to realize you are the exception here.

Why did you think it was OK to buy a pet you knew nothing about? What did you plan to do if your BP turned out to be a pet you didn't want after all? Were you thinking about your wants and needs or the BPs wants and needs when you made the purchase?

[tigerlily]

The simple fact is that nothing you do can change people. People have to change themselves, and all you can do is make the information they need available.

I try very hard not to let myself get so frustrated and angry because ultimately that doesn't help anyone. I am more than happy to help in any way that I can, but bashing someone over the head when they already know they made a mistake accomplishes nothing. Do what is in your power to do, and make the best of the rest.

[simplechamp]

I am more than happy to help in any way that I can, but bashing someone over the head when they already know they made a mistake accomplishes nothing.

IMO the problem is that most people who impulse buy pets do not know or admit that they made a mistake. That's the whole point of this thread, to help people realize the mistake and prevent it from happening again. I think "Bashing someone over the head" is a little bit of a hyperbole for what has been said in this thread. It might sound harsh to call people out like this, but if it's what needs to be done to bring the problem to their attention, then so be it. Sometimes people need a kick in the rear end to realize they need to change, because sugar coating it won't get results. People aren't going to change until they have a reason too, and they won't have a reason too until someone points out the error in their ways. I'm not going to be apathetic and believe there's nothing I can do. Like someone already mentioned, if one person reads this thread and doesn't go out and impulse buy a pet then it's worth it

[tigerlily]

IMO the problem is that most people who impulse buy pets do not know or admit that they made a mistake. That's the whole point of this thread, to help people realize the mistake and prevent it from happening again. I think "Bashing someone over the head" is a little bit of a hyperbole for what has been said in this thread. It might sound harsh to call people out like this, but if it's what needs to be done to bring the problem to their attention, then so be it. Sometimes people need a kick in the rear end to realize they need to change, because sugar coating it won't get results. People aren't going to change until they have a reason too, and they won't have a reason too until someone points out the error in their ways. I'm not going to be apathetic and believe there's nothing I can do. Like someone already mentioned, if one person reads this thread and doesn't go out and impulse buy a pet then it's worth it

Well then I'll just have to disagree with you.

I don't think an aggressive approach does anything but make the object defensive. Once that wall is thrown up, they never 'hear' anything. Not to mention some people just don't care, and no amount information or bashing will make them warm fuzzy people.

There are many ways to be successful, this is just my preference on how to deal with this type of situation.

[mainbutter]

I've been homeless before because nowhere would allow my pets. It obviously wasn't for long, a few days, but, still, it CAN be difficult to find a place that even allows pets, let alone one in price-range for some people.

This is too true. The "find an apartment that DOES allow dogs!" remark just can be impossible at times. I was apartment hunting over the summer, and in the entire city of minneapolis(a city with hundreds of thousands of people, and a large university here so it's got tons of apartments) I only found one apartment that allowed dogs over 20 lbs.

It was "co-op" style apartment living, where you buy a "share" of a building on top of paying monthly rent, the room cost the same as the one I'm in now(howeverthe one I'm in now pays heating) but was only 2/3 the square footage, and on top of that because it was a "co-op", the tenants were required to do chores around the building.. That means everything like shoveling snow, mowing the lawn, vacuuming the hallways. There was a weekly chore list with rotations for who was responsible for what, and you got fined like $50 if you didn't do whatever you were supposed to for the week. In essence, a completely lame living space. If I owned a house, yeah keeping my home clean is my job, but if I'm paying monthly rent somewhere no thanks.

This apartment wasn't cheap either. There are absolutely no "affordable" 1 bedroom apartments in minneapolis that allow dogs over 20 lbs, and the ones that allow dogs up to 20 lbs are few and far between, AND most charge "pet rent"

[simplechamp]

Well then I'll just have to disagree with you.

I don't think an aggressive approach does anything but make the object defensive. Once that wall is thrown up, they never 'hear' anything. Not to mention some people just don't care, and no amount information or bashing will make them warm fuzzy people.

There are many ways to be successful, this is just my preference on how to deal with this type of situation.

We each have our own preference and viewpoint on the situation, and that is to be expected. I do see some of the merits of your opinion. Maybe you see some merits of mine, maybe not. We respectfully disagree with eachother. How often do you see that on "teh internets" these days!?!?

What's important is that no matter what approach either of us may believe in, the message is the same: a pet is not something to buy on a whim or impulse.

I want to get a puppy Daschund right now more than anything in the world. I have ever since the Daschund of my childhood passed away a few years ago. But I know that I don't have the time and means to give it the life it deserves, so I will have to wait, most likely many years, before I can get one. But when that day comes it will be well worth it.

[Pandora]

<RANT>

Pet stores allowing impulse buy pets, and consumers who make the impulse buys are the worst. It makes me so mad that both sides can be so greedy (stores) and irresponsible (consumers and stores). Unfortunately we live in a society that, in general, wants instant gratification while putting forth little to no thinking or effort.

I think I'll buy this cute itty bitty Burmese. Oh, it gets how big, and eats what? Meh, I can just ditch it in the woods after the first time it tries to choke me out.

What's that you say little whining offspring? You won't stop that incessant screeching until I buy you the cute little lizard. You promise you'll take care of it you say? Well thats good enough for me! While we're at it better buy all the wrong husbandry supplies and inadequate enclosure too at the advice of the salesperson! What's that now? It's only a week later and don't remember what a lizard even is? Don't worry, I'll do just enough to keep it alive until I finally get sick of that and flush it down the toilet. Problem solved

Uugghhh makes me sick, I've seen it at every reptile show I've ever been to. This young couple is picking out a little baby tortoise and when the breeder informed them the tortoise would be alive long after they were worm food they replied "Well we don't want him that long anyway, we'll give him to the zoo or let him go or something, we only want him while he's little and cute." and the breeder still made the sale. I know you gotta pay the bills, but have a little dignity. I can almost guarantee that tortoise is dead or close to it.

I decided I wanted a snake in November 07. I decided I wanted a BP in February 08. I bought my setup in June 08. I bought my BP in July 08. Not saying this is how long it takes to make a good decision. Just saying it really gave me time to think, learn, and make sure it was what I wanted.

So if you're reading this, and are all pumped up to go out and get a BP, or any pet, listen up. Take your time. Hang around the site. Learn as much as you can. Make sure you really want it. You will have a much better experience and a healthier, happier pet.

</RANT>

This really works both ways. Impulsive shopping can be a good or a bad thing. I agree that with animals you have to be very careful and responsible. However, in some ways I take offense to this thread because I bought my Australian Shepherd very literally on impulse. I've loved animals my entire life but never thought I would own a dog. In fact, I prefer big masculine dogs to smaller ones. I saw Roxy in the window and asked to play with her for a few minutes. I was hooked and decided that she was the dog I wanted. I did my research on the breed and got everything I needed for her ahead of time, came in everyday to see her and within a week, she was in her new home. I have a big enough house and backyard, knew I could afford her medical expenses and even though she was purebred and WAY overpriced from the pet store, I got her anyway. I've given her the perfect home and she couldn't be happier with anybody else. I just recently got into Ball Pythons and snakes but I knew I wanted to get a snake eventually. I did my research for weeks before I purchased mine and I know that I'm making a 30 year commitment to this thing; otherwise, I wouldn't have put nearly as much money as I already have into owning her. So this impulsive shopping for pets thing really depends on the situation. That is all.

[Muze]

If you know any of the breeders that you got snakes from, you can ask them about taking your collection when/if you die. That's what I did.
Yes, I have provisions in my will as to what happens to my pets. I've discussed with the various people what I do and do not find acceptable as to re-homing my pets. Mostly I trust the people I am leaving it up to, but there's always a "Make sure you NEVER give any of my dogs to XXX, because she's a wacko!" type thing.

That's what I was considering. They would have the resources, experience, etc. so they probably would be the best people to leave them to. I'm just not sure how to approach the subject...Thanks for the input!