Some people...

**beeniesmom** · 10-10-2011, 05:21 AM

I joined a mommy group several months ago but just recently started bringing Laura to playdates. These ladies seem to be really nice and educated but I was shocked at what I heard yesterday. I'll explain: We had a mommy brunch and the children were at home with thier fathers so we had more time to talk. The subject of dogs came up. Of the 6 women there, ALL of them, had gotten rid of thier family pets when thier children were born. Excuses varied from the dogs/cats hid from the baby to 'puffy' growled at so and so. I was in awe that noone had tried to find a better solution. I didn't want to start anything so I just listened but had to say something when they were talking about what thier 'next' dog would be shortly. The whole thing just rubbed me the wrong way. I told them that they shouldn't have animals unless they were sure they could take care of them for the rest of thier lives. I may have ruffled some feathers but I don't care.

**pomtzu** · 10-10-2011, 06:41 AM

People like that really irritate me. Sure, there are times when a pet just doesn't adapt to a new skin kid, but I really believe that those times are few and far between. These people just appear to have throw away pet mentality - and the pets are no longer wanted/needed now that the new baby is here. Too sad........

**happylabs** · 10-10-2011, 06:57 AM

Makes me sad. People feel pets are disposable.

I think you did the right thing speaking your mind at the meeting.

When my son was born we had two Labs, Maggie and Jasper. Jasper immediately started sleeping under Caleb's crib when we brought him home from the hospital. All I remember is the dogs loving the babies. We made them part of the process. I have many pictures of my kids with the dogs. I think pets make a family whole.

I should scan some pics of my kids with the dogs when they were little and post them.

**Freedom** · 10-10-2011, 08:32 AM

GRrrrrrr

Glad you spoke up!

**Taz_Zoee** · 10-10-2011, 09:31 AM

Good for you for saying something!! I would have said something too. People that know me know I will not sit quitely when talk of animals is brought up.
In fact, a co-worker I was talking to the other day apologized to me before she even told me that her dog was not fixed.........yet. She said they are going to be getting him fixed soon. I just laughed. She knew I'd lecture her about it.

My brother and SIL got rid of their cat when my niece was born. But that was because even before she was born they just weren't giving him the attention he deserved. It had nothing to do with the cat and the baby living together. They found a good loving home for him. My SIL was sad to let him go, but knew it was best for him.

**Alysser** · 10-10-2011, 09:35 AM

That sounds like a horrible conversation to be stuck in.

Must've been very awkward for you, especially seeing how much you love your babies. Being educated doesn't help ignorance sometimes, hopefully, they do not get any other pets.