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Adopting a pet is definitely something admirable to do but unfortunately there are some who give adoption a bad name.
Recently, a owner who decided to adopt a dog attempted to return it after deciding that it “didn’t match the sofa”.
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While the pandemic has seen a positive rise in pet adoption , former CEO of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home Claire Horton is urging people to thing twice before adopting a new pet.
Appearing on the BBC’s Desert Island Discs, the CEO shared that a heartless owner had been banned from the rescue center after they attempted to return a pup because it didn’t match their sofa.
She warned would-be owners to think hard about the reasons why they actually want to get a pet and really consider if it’s the right choice for them before attempting to give a pet a forever home.
Claire shared that she estimated around 10% of dogs who are adopted are sadly returned at a later date.
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“Usually it will be a very genuine change in circumstances [why people return], so it could be an illness. Someone might die,” she shared some reasons.
“It might be a relationship breakdown, and people get divorced, and we see that a lot,” she added.
She went on to say that the cost of pet ownership combined with a loss of income due to the pandemic has also forced some families to rehome their pets.
Others have less genuine reasons for returning a pet.
“We’ll get people who will bring them back because they hadn’t thought it was going to wee on the carpet or chew the bottom of their door,” Claire said.
“We even had a dog come back once because it didn’t match the sofa!” she added, sharing that the person has now been banned from the rescue center.
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Claire however praised the hardworking team at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home who try to find as many suitable homes for the animals in their care.
“That’s the point of the whole Battersea premise around ‘rescue is our favourite breed,” she said. “It’s not about what breed it is, what colour it is.”
“It’s about just being a rescue, just being an animal that you’ve given a chance to that needs a wonderful life and is begging for a fantastic home,” she continued. “And all it wants is love.”
“And what you’ll get back from that is unconditional loyalty and love forever.”
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It’s great if you’re thinking about adopting a pet and giving it a forever home, but please be sure that you’re doing it for the right reasons.
Remember, a pet is a big responsibility so be sure that you’re able to take care of it and give it a loving home before adopting.
Have you adopted a pet before? What’s the best part about adoption? Let us know!
Info via LADBible