Reply #14: It's called Zyrtec or Allegra. [View All]

While I very much appreciate your desire to do a little work to find the dog a good home, with all due respect it is my opinion that it is totally reprehensible and irresponsible to even consider putting a healthy, happy, loving dog to death just because you get allergies.

I personally would advise you to fully and completely exhaust any and all breed rescues, as many here have advised you to do. You may not have thought you'd get allergies to the dog and had the best intentions when you got her, but the fact is by taking her into your home you made a commitment to this dog. If you insist on giving the dog up, you owe it to her to find her a replacement home and not just put her down.

Also, many people are unaware of the dangers of giving a pet away for free. All over the country, people take pets they find in "free to good home ads" and do horrible things with them, including selling them to laboratories for research where most wind up being put through horrible conditions before dying, or living in unsanitary, unfit conditions because the person who takes the pet doesn't, or isn't willing to care for them properly. Some people even use animals from the free ads as bait in training other animals to fight, as food for other animals, or in cult religious practices. Statistics indicate that only one in five animals in "free to good home" ads actually goes to a permanent, loving home. I urge you NEVER to place "free to good home" type ads. If you insist on placing a "free ad" remember that you cannot guarantee where your animal will go, but there are some ways in which you can screen potential "adopters". For these tips to work, you must be willing to make the effort and check out the new owner BEFORE turning over your pet to him/her.

If you are still considering an ad, word your advertisement carefully. Sounding "desperate" to get rid of your pet is more likely to attract people interested in taking advantage of the situation.

Ask for a reasonable fee instead of giving your pet away through a "free ad". People who sell to brokers usually sell them for $10 to $25 a piece. With so many free animals advertised, they are less likely to pay for yours if their motives are shady. Honest individuals should be more than willing to pay a small fee, especially if you explain the reasons. If they cannot afford the fee, how will they be able to afford food and veterinary care for the animal? If you don't want to keep the fee, donate it to a shelter or pay to have an animal spayed or neutered.

Also take the time to screen callers on the phone before inviting them to come to your home to see your pet. When you meet, don't let the urgency of having to place your pet cloud your judgment. Trust your gut feelings. If you have any doubts about the person or the potential new home, say, "No". It's better to risk sounding rude than to be sorry later.

* Ask each prospective owner for his/her veterinarian's name as a reference and check it.
* Ask for identification in the form of a photo I.D. Write down the information.
* Ask for a phone number and explain that you'd like to check on how the animal's doing. Again, an honest person will gladly share the information with you.
* Have the person sign an "adoption" contract concerning your pet stating that they will not go to research. Having this in writing gives you legal recourse.
* Ask to visit the place where your pet will live before your release the pet to the new owner.

Don't assume because someone brings their wife or children that they are honest and will give your pet a good home. There are documented case in which "brokers" brought their children with them when collecting animals so that they would look "legitimate".

If time is of the essence and you must leave your pet, please take it to a reputable public or private shelter rather than give it away free to someone you don't know anything about.

Unlike selling a used care or appliance, finding a home for your beloved pet is an emotional as well as practical experience. If you act with your heart and avoid acting in haste, you'll be headed in the right direction.

I hope I didn't sound too harsh - it is not my intent at all. But please - this poor dog has likely come from unspeakable horror and trauma from the puppy mill past she has. Please do not just put her to death - there is always a solution if you're willing to do the right thing and be patient.