This may be a difficult article to read, as it addresses a subject people dislike discussing. It is this very reason why it is necessary to read this article before you considering re-homing your dog.

Every day dogs are listed on websites like Craigslist needing to be re-homed. A person can decide to re-home his or her dog for a variety of reasons, which will be explained below. But in the eyes of most people, re-homing is never really "okay," unless you have tried all your available options. The idea is to look at your reason for adopting out the dog, to make sure it's a real reason and not just an excuse.

If you have ever talked with someone adopting out there canine companion you have likely heard one or more of these reasons for surrendering him/her:

• I can't care for him anymore

• I can't handle her behavioral problems

• I can't give him the attention he needs

• I'm moving to a place that doesn't allow dogs.

• I am having a baby.

• He/she needs a yard.

• I/a member of my family has allergies.

Because these reasons have become commonplace, most people believe that these are valid reasons to give their pets up for adoption. While this may be true in some rare instances, and pardon this, as it may sound extremely harsh, the truth is that most often the reasons listed above are nothing more than excuses. Justifications made by owners who find themselves overwhelmed by their animal, and not willing to put in the time and effort to resolve the situations. As you will see below, there are things you can do to resolve most of these issues. Deciding to adopt out your pug, Otis, is a decision not to be taken lightly. Placing him in a new home must be a last resort option, not a quick fix.

Solutions:

• If you can't care for your dog anymore, examine the problem more closely. If it's a financial reason, then you may be justified in surrendering him. Although job situations can change without warning, it is also your responsibility as the dog's parent to fully understand the implications of dog ownership. This is especially the case with the financial commitment. If you purchased or adopted the dog without considering the cost of providing his needs, then you are responsible for finding an acceptable solution to the problem. Perhaps this means that you get more work, or spend more wisely.

• If you are giving away your dog because of behavioral problems, then you will need to take responsibility for them. Difficult though this may be to hear, ultimately, you are responsible for your dog's poor behavior, either because you have not put in the effort to train him properly, or because anything goes in your house. If you're adopting Otis out because he barks too much, chances are someone else won't want him either. So instead of relinquishing him because of the barking, get some help. There are a variety of obedience classes and professional trainers to help you.

• I can't give him the attention he needs. While this may be true in a society where people's schedules have gotten busier and busier, do you give up your children just because you can't spend time with them? That was of course rhetorical. You make an effort to re-organize your schedule. The same applies to your dog. You may not have time for an hour-long activity every night, but your dog just wants to be with you, so even if you just spend 15 minutes playing ball with him every day, will do wonders for Otis.

• I'm moving to a place that doesn't accept dogs. This is only an acceptable reason after you have made an exhaustive search for places that are pet friendly. If you put in a little more time and effort toward your housing search, there are places out there that happily accept pets. It may be a little more expensive, and it may be a little longer commute to and from work, but if you get to keep Otis, isn't it worth it?

• I'm having a baby. Unless your dog is aggressive, and you have done all that you can to correct this behavior, most dogs can acclimate easily to the presence of a baby. All it takes is early introduction to the infant, and an intention to facilitate harmony.

• He needs a yard. While it's true that all dogs need exercise, and a yard appears to provide for this opportunity, it's not a necessity. Most dogs with yards end up sleeping in them, and not using them to exercise themselves. Any dog can adjust to any living situation, as long as they are exercised adequately, and given numerous opportunities to get up and move.

• I/a family member has allergies. There are a variety of allergy medications, as well as alternative medicines to help you address allergies. Also, before you ever introduce a dog to the home environment, you should be sure that all family members are able to tolerate his hair and dander. But sometimes even these precautions are no help. In the case that you or your family member is suffering from severe allergies, you may have no other choice than to adopt Otis into another family.

In the end, you must make your own decision about what is best for the dog. But before you place them up for adoption, take advantage of all resources, put in some effort where your commitment is needed, and please take responsibility. Otis needs to be treated like what he is: a living, breathing, feeling, entity that deserves your respect and love.