Rent-a-dog???

[leelapops]

This appalled me:
http://www.flexpetz.com/

Dogs are LIVING creatures, not playthings! The damage that can be done by passing an animal from person to person is all too apparent in our full-to-bursting refuges and rescues. Disgusting.

[B00]

I saw this a few weeks ago and remember being equally as disgusted then.

Technically these dogs don't have any one owner or home, how confusing, frightening and stressful must that be for them?

[leelapops]

Tonight was the first time I heard of it BOO. Words failed me. I saw something on the Blue Cross website, so I Googled it, thinking it was some kind of mistake....Sadly not. It says these dogs are all rescue dogs. As if they need any more instability, confusion etc. in their poor doggy lives?

[jules77]

I agree with your thoughts, but there is a positive side to it. These dogs are rescue dogs that would either be shut up in a kennels awaiting a new home, or have been put to sleep.

At least they are being well fed, walked and loved, and the people who are renting out these dogs are not having one for the sake of it, that may end up in rescue because they dont have the time to look after it.

There are dogs a lot worse off.

[leelapops]

jules I see your point, but there ar eother ways of doing that for a dog. People can visit rescues and take dogs for walks, or help to socialise them by sitting with them and spending time with them in an environment that the dog is at least familiar with, even if it isn't ideal. I just think it must be such a stress, even for "well-adjusted" dogs. The website just makes them sound like objects, and it really gets me.

If people can't dedicate their time to a real dog, they should get a Tamagotchi or buy Nintendogs. I just can't see this as a positive thing no matter how hard I try.
However, the notion of a "trial run", as you imply, jules, would at least help prospective owners to figure out how it is to have a dog in your life full time.

[lankeela]

Better they take a dog just for the weekend than get one and leave it at home alone all week.

I am sure some of mine would love to be 'rented out' and be happy to come home afterwards! They love going to my friends when I go to a show or am working long hours.