by Trent Rosser
During my first year of marriage to my wife, I learned some of her pet peeves, just like she learned some of mine. She says that the first year was the hardest, and I agree. It is the time when we are learning more about each other than what we already knew. For example, my wife hates how I water the yard. It is one of her pet peeves. One of mine is watching the gas gauge get below a quarter of a tank. Now, there is one pet peeve that I agree with her on. I can let it go, but it is something that really ticks her off. We will be in the living room, watching T.V. and through the corner of my eye I see it begin. I can tell she is on Facebook and know what is about to happen. We constantly are on our phones, playing games, texting friends and family, reading crazy things that people send us through the emails and instant messengers. Come on people! 1 or 2 things a day should be sufficient. No need to flood our mailboxes with a bunch of crap. But anyway, one of the things we constantly do on our phone is look through Facebook and the want ads that they have. There are all kinds of groups that sell and buy things. Quite a few of the groups are for pets. That’s right, you can sell or buy a dog right there off Facebook now. But what ticks my wife off so bad? Rehoming fees.
What is a rehoming fee? According to some, it is a fee to ensure that the animal will go to a good home. This is what gets us upset. Are you using the money for a background check? What is the purpose of a rehoming fee. Why not just tell it like it is, you are selling an animal. No need to sugar coat it and call it a rehoming fee, unless there is an administrative thing going on that we do not know about? How are you checking the people out that are paying the “rehoming fee?” Just by charging someone a “rehoming fee” will ensure that they are going to a “good” home? What dictates the “good” home anyhow? Where is the manual on this?
I was told that the “rehoming fee” is to weed out people who are wanting the animals for bait for fighting dogs. Really? Here is the problem with that. If someone is training dogs to fight, (which I DO NOT condone in any sense, form, or fashion) and they are needing the so called “bait” they will pay for it just like everyone else. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but they will get what they want. Think about it, we spend extra money for treats for our cats and dogs. Like bones, cat nip, and dental sticks, so I am pretty sure someone will purchase a small animal for a small fee as a treat. I know its evil, but unfortunately it happens. Yes, a $10 “rehoming fee” might deter a couple of people, but I am sure that some will still pay. Now, don’t get us wrong. It's not charging people for an animal but calling it the rehoming fee. If you are going to call it a rehoming fee, so you can make sure that the animal is going to a good family, then you need to follow through and do the background check. Make sure there that no one wanting the animal has been charged with “abuse to an animal” or any other similar charge. If you’re not actually going to check out the prospective person or family, then just say you are selling the animal. Just put “for sale,” no one will think less of you.
Here is a secret. Hunter the Dog…. he was bought from Facebook. The lady flat out told the truth. “Mix breed puppies. Husky, Lab, German Shepard and Red Heeler. $10 apiece. They are ready to go now.” There ya have it. Hunter is a 10-dollar dog! To tell the truth, one of the best dogs I have ever had.
So, if you are “rehoming” a dog or cat, just tell the truth. You are selling it. If you are trying to recover shot fees or vet bills, then say it like that not “rehoming fee” Nothing is worse than seeing a cute little puppy looking at the camera and the caption says, “Free puppy! Free to good home, just a slight rehoming fee of $50.” Some would argue that if you can not pay the rehoming fee, then you could not afford the pet. Really? I would rather spend the money on a new dog bowl, maybe a new collar. I would especially get a new name tag with my address and phone number in case the animal decided to get out of the fence. Plus, if someone wanted to pay top dollar for an animal, just go to the shelter and save a life. Adopt an animal from there!
In the meantime, I will watch my wife’s blood boil every time she sees that awful word on Facebook, and I will go ahead a post what I’m selling on Facebook as well. How does this sound? “Free 2015 Ford F-250 with less than 50,000 miles. All bells and whistles. Heated seats, leather, ac very cold. It is free! First come gets it! Will be a small rehoming fee of $29,999.”
