http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/can-a-pet-be-clutter-in-your-life The community for people interested in home and office organizing. en-US Mon, 13 Feb 2012 21:22:17 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q http://unclutterer.com/discuss/search.php http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/can-a-pet-be-clutter-in-your-life/page/2#post-6772 Mon, 21 Jun 2010 18:35:54 +0000 lucy1965 6772@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>We have three cats and adopted all of them before we had confirmation of how allergic DH is (note to the group: when someone you love is undergoing allergy testing, the correct response to a noticeable reaction is NOT "Oh, wow, dude, this lump is the size of a quarter!" He's forgiven me for it. *grin*); while he's two years into an immunotherapy program, we've decided that we won't adopt any more cats after these three die, but will donate the amount we pay in annual vet bills to a local group affiliated with Best Friends.</p> <p>It's been a hard decision to come to: we love the furry little lumps, and he's getting these injections -- sometimes twice a week! -- because he refuses to give them up. But compromising his health (he's also asthmatic) isn't an effective way to help assure that every companion animal has a loving home. :-( </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/can-a-pet-be-clutter-in-your-life/page/2#post-6120 Tue, 01 Jun 2010 19:28:27 +0000 ArtGal 6120@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>I think animals can sense what you are feeling about them and this probably escalates the bad behavior while you are away...you shouldn't feel wrong in finding this dog a new home...you will both be better off and rid of the tension between you :) </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/can-a-pet-be-clutter-in-your-life/page/2#post-6117 Tue, 01 Jun 2010 18:24:08 +0000 ceduke 6117@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>I have seven pets (a dog, two cats, four snakes) and plans to add another dog and a few more scalies once we're moved. They're my friends and family, not clutter! </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/can-a-pet-be-clutter-in-your-life/page/2#post-6114 Tue, 01 Jun 2010 17:46:16 +0000 bandicoot 6114@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>we've got six cats. and room for more.<br /> we joke about being cat hoarders all the time.<br /> we love our cats...they aren't clutter, they are family! </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/can-a-pet-be-clutter-in-your-life/page/2#post-6110 Tue, 01 Jun 2010 17:26:37 +0000 Kamakazi 6110@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>We had a pet at one time then decided to get rid of it for a variety of reasons. We actually found a friend who wanted it in a few months when she moved, so we just held onto it until then and then gave her most of the stuff that went along with the pet, the stuff she didn't want we either threw away or put on a Craigslist. I realize that this most definitely doesn't work for everybody, I guess we just got lucky. </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/can-a-pet-be-clutter-in-your-life/page/2#post-6099 Tue, 01 Jun 2010 15:58:31 +0000 JuliaJayne 6099@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>You can minimize the animal clutter by getting rid of old collars, expired tags, toys they don't play with. </p> <p>If you have the space, those plastic storage drawers are great for sorting supplies.<br /> Grooming in one, toys in another, etc. The food dish can be washed and put away, but the water has to stay out. A simple yet stylish water dish on a tray can look good.<br /> The litter box - I struggled with this when I had cats. I too had 3 at one time. There furniture that you can buy to hid the box, but that doesn't solve the problem of where to put it. </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/can-a-pet-be-clutter-in-your-life/page/2#post-6098 Tue, 01 Jun 2010 15:47:49 +0000 chacha1 6098@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>My cats are decor, not clutter. :-) But then, they were both very much wanted. I like dogs, but if I had to take one in, in our current living situation, I would feel imposed-upon no matter how much I cared for the person who needed help. Is there any update from Loren? </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/can-a-pet-be-clutter-in-your-life/page/2#post-6097 Tue, 01 Jun 2010 15:44:16 +0000 djk 6097@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>my green-eyed monster, who mocks the meat she feeds on, (with apologies to Othello) is a queen in this house and will be until the sad day she dies. She will never be clutter. Her shedding, and litter box, on the other hand, is not so loved. But she? adored and petted unapologetically. </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/can-a-pet-be-clutter-in-your-life/page/2#post-6094 Tue, 01 Jun 2010 15:39:18 +0000 terriok 6094@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>Animals are precious. </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/can-a-pet-be-clutter-in-your-life/page/2#post-6092 Tue, 01 Jun 2010 14:54:52 +0000 Patch 6092@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>First off, I 2nd the recommendation of "Best Friends." I've been to the Utah sanctuary in person, even donated a carload of stuff, leftover from when my dog was alive -- I think, no, I know that she would approve. Anyway, Best Friends carefully screens and follows-up on the animals that they place in "forever homes"; those they can't place stay there as long as needed, even for the rest of the animal's natural life. There may even be a BF affiliate near you: <a href="http://network.bestfriends.org/GoLocal/Default.aspx" rel="nofollow">http://network.bestfriends.org/GoLocal/Default.aspx</a></p> <p>Secondly, my third cat (shhhh, according to my landlord I only have two) I got from a person I was supposedly doing a favor for by taking. The cat is 5 years younger, bigger, and more aggressive than my other two so at first I sort of regretted having taken him in. But in the five years since I have had him, he's settled down quite a bit and all three manage to co-exist without bloodshed, which I consider a success. </p> <p>And when I thought about it, the persons whom I got this 3rd cat from are thankfully long gone from my life, but the three cats and my purse (and myself) are the only things in my home that I could not easily replace or live without, so win/win for me. :) </p> <p>My only problem now is how to be a minimalist with three cats...is it possible? Not to hijack your thread, but I'd appreciate any follow-up leads/links anyone. </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/can-a-pet-be-clutter-in-your-life/page/2#post-3643 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 11:53:57 +0000 Gil 3643@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>Nope..I never consider my pets 'clutter' and frankly, they are a treasured extension of our familiy. I will NEVER give them away and the only thing that will separate us is death.</p> <p>I do respect those who aren't pet people and we are all different in that regard. </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/can-a-pet-be-clutter-in-your-life#post-3502 Tue, 02 Mar 2010 23:49:35 +0000 nellieb 3502@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>Hi, Loren,</p> <p>As an avid animal lover and rescuer (I never meant to end up with 8 cats, 4 of which arrived in less than one year, LOL!), I am adding my two cents worth!</p> <p>There are rescue groups who will help you even if you are out of state. The Internet is full of animal rescue groups and many will respond with even more suggestions than you have received so far from this forum. </p> <p>I also agree about calling your local SPCA, not to take the dog there as they often put animals to sleep (a polite way to put it) when they are not adopted quickly.</p> <p>Best Friends Animal Society in Utah is a wonderful organization that does not euthenize animals. <a href="http://www.bestfriends.org" rel="nofollow">http://www.bestfriends.org</a> They often have community ties and I would start by contacting them for help. Another group to contact is Fetch Pet Care. They are a franchise that provides pet sitting and care. See if there is a franchisee in your area as they may know of a family who would be willing to give a good home to your dog. The one near me will rescue and foster until she can place the animal in a good home. </p> <p>In Kentucky, you can find a list of "no kill" shelters at: <a href="http://www.nokillnetwork.org/d/Kentucky" rel="nofollow">http://www.nokillnetwork.org/d/Kentucky</a>. </p> <p>Here's another Kentucky resource where they foster the animals (or ask you to) until the animal is placed (and they are a no kill group, too): Pet Lovers United, Inc.<br /> PO Box 1701<br /> madisonville, Kentucky 42431<br /> Phone: 270-825-4267<br /> Email: <a href="mailto:belindaadcock@hotmail.com">belindaadcock@hotmail.com</a><br /> Website: <a href="http://www.petfinder.org/shelters/KY97.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.petfinder.org/shelters/KY97.html</a></p> <p>And since I do not know where in Kentucky you are, here's another resource for you:</p> <p><a href="http://shelbycohumanesociety.com/" rel="nofollow">http://shelbycohumanesociety.com/</a></p> <p>The Shelby County Humane Society is a non-profit, no-kill shelter located in Shelbyville, Kentucky. "No-kill" means animals stay with us or in foster homes until they are adopted. No animal is euthanized unless it is medically necessary</p> <p>Please consider the downside of placing an advertisement, particularly in free listing services. Unfortunately, there are people who scour ads for animals to be used in laboratory experiments or who plan to do harm to them. </p> <p>Best of luck to you! </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/can-a-pet-be-clutter-in-your-life#post-3490 Tue, 02 Mar 2010 18:51:04 +0000 klutzgrrl 3490@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>That's true, HappyDogs, but it seems wrong that a sense of obligation has meant that Loren is stuck in a difficult situation like this. If she can find another home, she should.</p> <p>An animal, and especially a dog, is a big responsibility and not one people should be railroaded into.</p> <p>There needs to be a great deal more done to prevent breeding, and purebred breeders need to take a good hard look at themselves too. But I'll shut up now before I start ranting on that topic.... </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/can-a-pet-be-clutter-in-your-life#post-3483 Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:57:55 +0000 HappyDogs 3483@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>The sad truth is, there are only so many homes who can take an unwanted dog. In this economy, well-loved dogs are being dropped off at shelters everywhere. Sometimes, an adequate home is the better alternative, when the only other alternative is death. </p> <p>Sorry to be such a downer, but this is the hard truth.</p> <p>--- the dog trainer </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/can-a-pet-be-clutter-in-your-life#post-3476 Tue, 02 Mar 2010 15:24:09 +0000 klutzgrrl 3476@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>Terriok, that's not always true. And sometimes even if it is true, that affection can become a little suffocating. There are days when I want our menagerie to just GO AWAY AND LEAVE ME ALONE but animals don't understand personal space.</p> <p>And, if you're not connecting with the animal, they'll benefit from a home that does. </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/can-a-pet-be-clutter-in-your-life#post-3470 Tue, 02 Mar 2010 12:07:49 +0000 terriok 3470@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>No one will love you as much as your critter does. </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/can-a-pet-be-clutter-in-your-life#post-2668 Fri, 05 Feb 2010 16:33:11 +0000 angelicious 2668@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>Please do not feel bad! Some people are "dog people," some people are not. I have a dog that I like a lot (a beagle) and two cats that I adore. I will happily clean up after the cats, even if I'm a bit irritated that my 16yo Liv is barfing *again.* When the beagle makes a mess, I find myself muttering under my breath. I am not a dog person, but the rest of my family is... so I just deal with it. If I didn't have them, I wouldn't have a dog.</p> <p>If the pooch isn't fitting into your family, and you find yourself resenting her, a new home might be the best choice for both of you. I was foster-mom to my friend's dog while they had a remodel (an unplanned remodel - pipe freeze destroyed a good portion of their house) and, while I loved the sweet little pooch, she wasn't mine and I didn't have that connection. It was a relief when they took her back. So good on you for being a pooch foster mom; when she finds the right home, she'll have been treated well and will (believe it or not, our canine friends are very sensitive!) appreciate it.</p> <p>(BTW, I offer zero apologies for not being a dog person. I live in dog lover central - Portland OR - where everyone has a dog and even takes them into grocery stores. I just grew up with cats and like them better. Doesn't mean I'm a lesser person or dog lover is a better person, or vice-versa. It just means different strokes for different folks! :) </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/can-a-pet-be-clutter-in-your-life#post-2594 Wed, 03 Feb 2010 18:34:51 +0000 klutzgrrl 2594@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>It sounds like he might suit an older person who is home a lot. A lot of the hard basic training has been done, and the fact that he is house trained is a huge bonus. Does your RSPCA over there have a legacy service like ours does? You can make a donation to the RSPCA and they will promise to care for the pet for life, if you should pass away. It's a great thing for older people who are afraid that the pet will be left unwanted, so are afraid to get a pet - and pets can be so nice for lonely people.</p> <p>I adore my cat and dog but they are a big responsibility. I certainly wouldn't want pets that I didn't love to bits. I was going to get chooks (chickens) for homegrown eggs, but at the moment I'm having second thoughts, as yesterday our cat went missing for a while and I was so beside myself with worry, I thought, I just don't want to have to deal with loving more living creatures! It's too painful!</p> <p>As a busy parent I need 'me time' and sometimes I get a bit frustrated with them following me all the time. I can hardly go anywhere without them. Right now the cat is asleep between the keyboard and monitor, I have to keep sliding his paws off the keys.</p> <p>Good on you Loren for taking the dog in, you probably saved your friend a lot of grief, and saved the dog from destruction in a shelter. Good luck with finding a permanent home. </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/can-a-pet-be-clutter-in-your-life#post-2590 Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:55:10 +0000 opadit 2590@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>Oh, absolutely, pets can be clutter. Even if the pet is yours and you obtained it on purpose!</p> <p>When my ex and I split, I "got custody" of the two cats because he's allergic. (While he was OK with taking meds and vacuuming frequently when we were together, it just made more sense for me to take the cats when I left.) Now, 6 years later, one of the cats has since died -- and, frankly, I'm just marking time until the other one goes, too.</p> <p>The cats were a lifestyle choice that made sense for me (us) when we got them. But now I'm a single adult running my household with no help, and cat care gets on my nerves. At least children learn how to clean up after themselves, and you can take them on vacation with you!</p> <p>All this to say, I hope you don't feel guilty that you resent the presence of the dog in your life. Your feelings are your feelings. You made an error in judgment when you said "yes" to taking the dog, that's all. Getting an unwanted pet out of your life is more problematic than cleaning up a cluttered basement -- there's no 1-800-GOT-UNWANTED-PETS -- but yes, it's de-cluttering and in a lot of ways it's the same thing. </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/can-a-pet-be-clutter-in-your-life#post-2567 Wed, 03 Feb 2010 12:30:33 +0000 Gypsie 2567@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>You can also try freecycle to find him a new home. Sometimes, a little advertising is all it takes to find a new home. </p>