Our group has received yet another e-mail with a family wanting to give up their family pets.  The family will be having a new addition of a baby.  I have never understood why you would give up a pet just because you are starting a family.  I have always had pets and raised three children at the same time and, by the way I was not a stay at home mother.

Other than the usual reasons for giving up a pet such as, I lost my job, the dog is bigger than I thought it would be, I can't housetrain it...etc. the two most common reasons are having children or getting a divorce and can't keep the kids and a pet too. 

I wish people would think through all of these scenarios before adopting or purchasing a pet.  It is a lifetime committment.

So....if you have the child first and then see a cute pup or kitten and want to take it in, do you put your child up for adoption?   Just a thought...