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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

‘Never get another animal’ - AIBU?

130 replies

Gettingpets · 08/10/2021 14:25

I see this on here all the time.

Fair enough if it is ‘we got a puppy last year but we both work full time and the kids aren’t interested and walking him at weekends gets in the way of all the non dog friendly activities we like to do …’

But AIBU to think this just gets trotted out completely meaninglessly? I’ve twice been in the horrible position where I’ve had to rehome a much loved pet and I did so very responsibly but in any event, one instance was in 2004 and the other in 2012. In both cases I am light years from the person I was then!

AIBU to think it’s a daft thing to say?

OP posts:
Kk789 · 08/10/2021 14:47

If you've had to rehome pets twice, I personally think you should stop getting pets, yes. You have been unable to commit to the lifetime of a pet twice already. You don't need a pet, just stay without.

Unless I've misunderstood the question here?

SameToo · 08/10/2021 14:45

I dunno. I think the majority of people really don’t think about how much owing a pet can impact your life style or the costs associated with them. A lot of people shouldn’t own pets.

PineappleTart · 08/10/2021 14:32

There's a difference in getting a puppy during lockdown then realising it needs care when you return to the office and having a change in circumstances/ finances that mean you need to rehome

icedcoffees · 08/10/2021 14:32

I agree.

Not all pets suit all situations, and I would argue that it's FAR more responsible to re-home a pet that's not suitable for you than it is to persevere and keep it just so you can say you "never gave up".

YerWanIsGettinNotions · 08/10/2021 14:30

Yes I agree. Sometimes circumstances change and as long as you do your best by your animals, it shouldn't preclude you from pet ownership if circumstances were to change in the future (eg having to rehome through long term illness and then recovering).

I was in a living situation that was difficult and uncomfortable for my pets and us living with them. They were toileting in inappropriate places and shedding hair everywhere. I tried to rehome them and failed, I wouldn't let them go into rescue kennels as they've only ever been in-home pets so I kept them with me. Circumstances changed, we moved, the pressure eased massively overnight and the cats are much happier and so are we. And now the only inappropriate peeing comes from my son!

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