Why do people decide to get a pet?

[slimsid2000]

This is something i have been wondering about. Obviously you have to have a liking for the particular animal in question but even then there is a possitive decision to make. There is a difference between liking cats (for example) and deciding to go out and get one or more.

 

Your thoughts.

[JoeP]

Well, all the cats I've had have sort of come to me. They've either turned up on the doorstep, been bought home by one of the other cats or have been adopted 'sight unseen'.

 

It's not a good answer, but because of the experiences I've had over the years with cats I'll probably wait until another one comes to me rather than actively go out and seek one. It feels 'better' that way.

[tony2311]

my daughter is a only child and its great companion when she is home from friends house/school etc

[msbehavin]

My main motivation has been to give a rescue dog a home. I have had four dogs (and fostered two) and all have been from rescue centres. To me these are the ones who NEED a home and some help. I'm a sucker for waifs and strays!

 

And it does help that I love dogs

[Lotti]

I've got the cats, in all honesty because mum adopted them when I was 9...

 

I've got Takara because I always wanted a dalmatian and after spending most of my teenage years quite ill, I was quite removed from society, a little depressed and very lonely. I didn't have any friends my age because the things that concerned them didn't concern me in the slightest.

I wanted a friend who would love me for me, keep me busy, and get me out into the world.

Despite all this, I never knew how much Takara could have done for me. She gives me a reason to get out of bed in the morning, she makes me get out there and meet people, she forces me to go out and see the real world, the wildlife that's out in the morning - why on Earth would I walk through the park at 6.30am without a dog she helps me to appreciate what a magnificent creation we are part of, she makes me laugh when I'm down - she often makes me cry from frustration, she gives me a challenge with her training but she also makes me feel so good. Just to see her eyes light up when I've done something right by her. She's also, alongside Eddy helped me to choose what I want to do in life.

 

Eddy - I got him because he was a welfare dalmatian needing a home at 11 1/2 years of age. His owner was leaving and he had nowhere to go. I had to work hard with him as he has some behavioural issues but he, along with Takara has helped me realise I'd love to be a pet behaviourist and trainer in the future.

 

That was a litte deep wasn't it...

[SamMT]

Some of our pets have found us too. I am also a sucker for waifs & strays! Other reasons, well they are such good company. When I feel ill my cat comforts me. I love to come home to a warm welcome and the affection and seeing them playing and having fun. Never a dull moment! Dogs also keep us fit as we have to walk them and getting fresh air is a good thing. And you meet other people (we know so many neigbours this way). I think it makes my life and my heart full having so many little souls around (though always room for more-love doesnt divide it multiplies or so they say!). Sadly I think some people get pets as accessories, too look cool, hard or outdoorsy and then get bored of them when they realise it can be hard work

[msbehavin]

I feel another bout of 'fostering' coming on when Rainrescue gets her next intake of dogs saved from Death Row in the council dog pounds. I never realised what a problem it was in Sheffield and how high the number of dogs being put down was (after only SEVEN DAYS!!).

 

If anyone feels able to look after a dog for a short space of time until she can find a permanent home for it via her wonderful web site then please consider it. I would rather give a dog a temporary home and everyone make a bit of space and time for it than it be destroyed.

 

I just wish I had room to take more of them. The RSPCA in Sheffield is temporarily closed until it moves into new premises. These are only still in the planning stage! Unfortunately lost dogs cannot wait for planning regulations to be approved and will be destroyed as there is simply nowhere to keep them. They move out to the vets for the last time when the next intake of 'losties' moves in and so it goes on and on.

 

Also - fostering a dog is a good way for potential full-time dog owners to get an idea of the type of dog they are looking for, the reponsibilities and how much they like pounding the streets in the dark, wind and rain on a night!!! It's NEVER too bad weather wise for a dog to want to go out - believe me

 

Just something I hope people will consider

[gnomi]

My main motivation has been to give a rescue dog a home. I have had four dogs (and fostered two) and all have been from rescue centres. To me these are the ones who NEED a home and some help. I'm a sucker for waifs and strays!

 

And it does help that I love dogs

 

Ditto :hihi:

[sooz22]

I am completely an utterly won over by a sob story. I fall helplessly in love with any poor creature which has been abandoned or mistreated and if I am in a position to help then I cant resist.

 

*eagerly awaits pic of next foster bunny to be sent tomorrow*

[medusa]

I have always known that I didn't want my house to be empty other than me, since I was very small. My mum knew from when I was about 5 or 6, that at my first opportunity I would get a cat. I couldn't have one as a child because my dad's allergic to almost all fur and feathers.

 

I got my first cat 6 weeks after moving into the first house where I made the rules- I just can't imagine how empty my house would feel without a little face (or 4) saying hello in the mornings, and welcoming the car when I get home.