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I saw an ad on Craigslist today that made me stop and think. Someone was looking for a small breed puppy or young dog for their 4-year old daughter with cancer. They said you're welcome to bring the dog to the little girl at the hospital so I don't think it's a scam. The little girl had specifically requested a small, female dog so she could "cuddle and play dress-up."
I also often see people looking for dogs or puppies, often small breed, as companions for very elderly or sick people.
I can see why someone who is facing a serious illness and even their own mortality might want a dog. I can also see many ways that this set-up would NOT be in the dog's best interest.
Just curious about what your thoughts are on this? Whose needs/wants come first? The child who is going through chemo and radiation therapy and just wants a little dog to love and snuggle and play dress-up? The lonely elderly person who may not have much longer and just wants a dog for a companion? Or the dog who probably doesn't want to snuggle and play dress-up with a 4-year old and may become unwanted when its elderly or terminally ill owner passes on?
I also often see people looking for dogs or puppies, often small breed, as companions for very elderly or sick people.
I can see why someone who is facing a serious illness and even their own mortality might want a dog. I can also see many ways that this set-up would NOT be in the dog's best interest.
Just curious about what your thoughts are on this? Whose needs/wants come first? The child who is going through chemo and radiation therapy and just wants a little dog to love and snuggle and play dress-up? The lonely elderly person who may not have much longer and just wants a dog for a companion? Or the dog who probably doesn't want to snuggle and play dress-up with a 4-year old and may become unwanted when its elderly or terminally ill owner passes on?