When Babies Come ... Pets Have to GO!

One of my friends just had her first baby. I couldn't make it to the shower, so I dropped off a gift at her house. As I oohed and aahed over the newest addition to the household, I couldn't help but notice that another member of my friend's family was missing.

"Where's Snickers?" I asked, looking around for the dog.

"I had to get rid of him," my friend stated matter-of-factly, "Because of the baby."

Further questions into the specific reasons why my friend was "forced" as she put it to surrender the dog at the local animal shelter revealed no allergies or other health threats. The dog wasn't displaying any aggressive behavior toward the baby either. The reason for getting rid of the pet? According to my friend, taking care of two living creatures was too much hassle ... and too much work.

I hope my friend doesn't have any more children.

I'm trying to be understanding, but it's hard. How many people are really and truly so overwhelmed by a new baby that they can't remember to feed their dog anymore?

Unfortunately for animals, we live in a disposable society. When something becomes inconvenient or something better comes along to replace it, we don't think twice about tossing it to the curb. This is sad, not only for the pet, for also for the pet owner who probably had really good intentions, but not the best foresight.

The vast majority of pet owners are responsible and committed to their animals. If you're someone, however, who plans on getting rid of your cat or dog when you get married or pregnant, do everyone a favor: don't get a pet in the first place!