I have a question about who "should" be allowed to have a companion dog?

I believe people should get a pet with the *intention* of keeping it for its lifetime.

Sadly, a lot of people get a dog on a whim or impulse and don't think of what their circumstances will be in 5 or 10 years, and some people get rid of a dog the first time they run into any obstacles, rather than getting professional help to try to overcome the problem. Those are the people I get angry with.

However, as you said, sometimes things happen that people can't plan for--a death, loss of job, ill health, etc. If an owner can't afford to give their dog necessary health care, or if they have a work schedule that means the dog will be alone almost all the time, then they should do what is in the best interest of the *dog*. The vast majority of dogs adapt very well to a new family, as long as care is taken to find a suitable home.

A dog should be a responsibility, but not to the point of being a millstone that drags a good person down, drowning him in a sea of guilt because he can no longer properly provide a good life for it. Under those circumstances it is best for everyone, including the dog, to find it a new home.

@Tessa: "When you buy an animal, it is family. it is not different to a daughter or son."

You're only 13. I think--and hope--that as you become an adult you'll realize that there is a HUGE difference between a pet and a child. Parents should always love their child more than anything--more even than their own lives. Though sadly, all too often that's not the case, and some children suffer horribly in neglectful or abusive homes.

If you find yourself in a position where you cannot properly take care of your dog then there is nothing wrong with re-homing them and giving them to someone who can provide a good life. As long as you don't dump them at the shelter to be killed, then I don't see a problem.

I had two cats that I managed to keep during a years long bout of homelessness. I wouldn't let them go for anything in the world. If you don't have that kind of heart then don't get an animal.

you can't sell or rid of family. When you buy an animal, it is family. it is not different to a daughter or son. you can't sell family. just I can't fathem it. I believe it's quite different with animals such as horses, cows etc since they are a HUGE commitment and take a chunk out of your budget and people can't afford land.

I consider my dog, my daughter.........but, what if she were terribly ill and I couldn't afford the vet bill....the only way to save her, was to re-home her. She also may need additional medications and doctors visits the rest of her life.

my dog is a lifetime comittment if an allergic person moves in with me he has to go not the dog. i put her first if I have to do without internet and tv that is what i do i did it for a year to afford her

From the moment the dog comes into the house, it is understood that he is a part of the family. He will be there until the day he dies. Good, bad or indifferent.

About half the dogs we get from the shelter into the rescue system seem to be "dumped" at the shelter, often in the "night slot" so they don't have to fill in paperwork or pay the fee to leave them there. I cannot understand anyone who willingly gives up their dog to the shelter.

75% of the adult dogs are perfectly well adjusted and trained. The rest come in as matted messes or have behavioral issues. One trip to the groomer and half an hour of one-on-one time with the dog and they also become ladies and gentlemen. We take them and foster them with a pack of 3-5 other dogs and they become socialized and exercised.

... guess what? Nearly all become perfect pets.