In Reply to: Responsibility posted by Jane on May 14, 1999 at 09:44:38:

Thank you so much for addressing this!
I understand that there will be some inevitable problems in some situations, allergies, etc.
But I fear that some people ask themselves "Will this be an animal that will be compatible with my apartment/landlord/etc. and they buy the animal BEFORE they are certain.
I think too many people feel that if it doesn't work out- that there will be a place for the gliders when they need it and they just take the rescues for granted. They don't seem to take into account the cruelty of bonding and abandoning and the impact that they have when the Glider is young.

: I will get blasted for this but it is what I feel.
: Gliders live for 10-15 years if all goes well and when buying a glider this should be considered. In the recent past if you look at the board you will see people selling their gliders as they are moving apartments, going to college, or just being plain busy. My feelings are that all these are completely foreseeable.
: If you are going to be going to college in 1-2 years and will not be able to have a pet then buy a pet with a two year life span. If you want a pet then be prepared to find only pet friendly living accomodations. If your employer wants to move you and temporarily houses you ask for consideration for your pet. you would not move and abandon a child why should a bonded pet be different.
: The people here are partially being responsible but are now trying to get people to take on their responsibility. If you are looking to buy a glider please look at these abandoned gliders and see if you could be in that position 2-3 years down the line. If so then have you really the right to get an animal that lives for 10 years?
: I know that I am a minority but I also know taht I went househunting for six months last year at all times we went into houses saying how would our pets fit in here. Then four years ago when i had been searching apartments the first q I asked the landlord was what is your stand on pets. Can we all please just show a little consideration before buying a long lived animal. If you can not say what your situation will be in four years buy a pet that will not be around then to clutter your life.

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