The Seattle Times ran an article on the lame excuses people have for giving up their animals, and the frustration rescuers have in dealing with such irresponsible people. The most common reasons for ejecting the non-human members of the familiea from their home are: having children, moving, new significant others, and divorce. The article cites not just the pathetic excuses, but the ridiculous—such as the dog not going with the new décor or that they never wanted the animal in the first place. Even if people don’t want animals living in their homes anymore, they should pay for the animal’s care for the rest of his or her life.

Photo here is from PetFinder, of Dixie, a 7-year-old husky mix who was adopted, but is now being given up because her family is too busy having and caring for children to take proper care of her. She is available from Save A Dog in Framingham, MA.