I have a colleague and sort-of friend, let's call her Sophie
Sophie lives in a very small flat, on the 3rd floor with no outside space. She lives alone. She works an hour away from home, full time often 8am - 6pm. She also plays sport and has many holidays booked this year. She is currently training for a marathon and will be going oversees in the autumn to run it.
She approached some rescues about getting a dog and they mostly refused, for the full time work / no outside space / small flat reasons. She was told that she could possibly be housed with an older dog but Sophie doesn't want that, she wants a cute puppy.
She has found a puppy on a pre-loved website and I feel so damn sad for it. The puppy is a cross of some sort and the owner says that they "rescued" the dog from a cruel owner, but now the puppy is too energetic for this new owner so they are getting rid of it. The puppy also snaps, and is destructive. If the seller doesn't get rid of the puppy in a few weeks, they will take it to the shelter.
I pointed out to Sophie that this dog isn't suitable for her. The dog clearly needs time and attention devoted to it and a stable home. Sophie's house isn't suitable and it's just not fair to bring a dog to another home where it's owner won't be around. It will become even more destructive. Sophie's argument is that she will give the dog more love and a better home than the dog shelter.
I really want a dog too but I work full time and live alone in a flat, and explained all my reasons for not getting a dog. I pointed out how unfair it would be for this rescue dog to live with Sophie and that the rescues have had good reason for saying she shouldn't have a dog. I have even pointed out that she has no floor to ceiling windows so the poor dog couldn't even look out the window when it's by itself. Sophie has now said that maybe she could put the dog in a bit of shared backyard during the day when she's at work. This is beyond stupid and I feel angry at her.
Sophie is now moaning that everyone is telling her what a terrible idea getting this puppy is but she will not listen.
I feel so sad for the life of this puppy already, even before it ends up living in such inappropriate quarters. The dog doesn't need someone to love it, it needs a master and care and attention.
I can't really say much more to her. She's my colleague so I can't be too brutal to her in the way that I would to a friend.
Not sure really why I am posting, just out of anger and frustration and sadness at the absolute stupidity of this person. So unfair for this poor dog.
Is there anything else I can do do you think?