I just read an article yesterday in the Wall Street Journal about dog timeshares.Is that what our fast-paced world has become? As a dog and cat owner, I take my commitment to Luna, Beanie and Corona very seriously. Maybe I am little too serious. Just ask my vet, who will tell you I am their best customer! When I adopted each of them, I made a commitment to them to give them a good home, food and love. And in our circus, they get plenty of each.
But as it seems, I could have just taken an easier route. I could have just rented a dog for a day. At first, I considered that the dog probably gets so much attention that its a great life for the animal. But then I remembered that to much shifting in their environments can lead to potential behavior problems, anxiety and fear—which would end up hurting the animal. And I can’t bear to think about ruining an animals life. I do however salute all hotels, restaurants and establishments that allow my four-legged friend to accompany me. But the article also mentions that some high-end hotels (see the full article for hotel names) are now even allowing guests to pay to have the hotel dogs spend time with them. My vet has a cat in the office, but I kind of expected that the staff fell in love with a stray and hey, the medical attention is stellar! But, rent a lab while you are away from home? Does the guest have their own dog, if so then the guest should have bought Fido along.
A dog is not an accessory. It’s a family member. The animals that live their lives in the shelter, all they want is a home, a family and love. It’s the best thing in the world to have unconditional love. I guess in the end, as long as the time-shared dog is happy and healthy it’s a good thing. I just never thought it would come to this.
kym