Pet Owners vs. Pet Lovers

Okay, this is another thing that just eats at me.  Every day I look at the "pets" section on Craigslist.  As many of you know, we rescued Sami from a very abusive situation from a woman on Craigslist almost 2 years ago.  From the moment we saw him, Lisa and I knew that Sami was to be our "boy".   As anyone who has a dog or cat or other animal, they are not just pets, they are members of our family.  Which brings me to my "pet peeve" today.  I see ads all the time of people who are trying to "re-home" their pet. Now, this dog or cat is now 9 years old, and they have had this pet since he/she was a puppy or kitten, and now, 9 years later, they use the excuse that they just found out they are allergic to them, or they are working full time and can't spend quality time with them, or some other lame, bullsh*t excuse.  And they are usually asking a small re-homing fee.  WAKE UP PEOPLE ... you have had this pet for 9 years.  You are the only family this pet has ever known.   How dare you decide now that you have to get rid of it.  Do you not think that this animal has an emotional bond to you?  Do you really think that he or she will be a sweet & loving dog to another family?  Would you give up your child because you are working full time and can't spend quality time with them?  Its the same with a pet - a member of your family; your pet will not understand why mommy & daddy aren't there.  They will become depressed (yes animals get depressed); and they will probably end up in a pound or shelter to live out their remaining years in a caged area (if they are in a no-kill shelter).  People don't go to shelters looking to adopt 9 year old pets, they want puppies or young dogs or cats.  You basically have handed your pet a death sentence.  Lisa and I knew when we met Sami, that we were in it with him for life.  We could not picture our lives today without him.  He brings us love and happiness and laughter.  We may spoil him, but in so many ways he has spoiled us.  I know that my friends who have and love their pets feel exactly the same way.   I just wish others did.   And that is my Thought For Today.