Renting Dogs by the Hour

[AmyMay]

Did anyone see Justin Lee Collins last night - Turning Japanese?

In Tokyo they rent dogs out by the hour to those who want a pet, but can't have one for various reasons.

He had the most delightful little dog, who didn't seem to be distressed by the process, although perhaps a little bewlidered - and looked in very good health.

However, with much of what has been shown in the programme it made uncomfortable viewing.

 

[PucciNPoni]

I didn't see it, but I think I've heard of this before. But I wonder if anyone would take my three??? LOL

 

[AmyMay]

I didn't see it, but I think I've heard of this before. But I wonder if anyone would take my three??? LOL

Anythings possible...........

 

[Baileyhoss]

It's a great idea, We can't have a dog due to the hours we work. I have been known to knock on neighbours doors and ask to 'borrow' their dogs to take for a walk. :O walks just aren't the same with out dogs. I also have friends dugs over for sleep overs if they are going out.

 

[Vizslak]

Pure genious that is...I'm taking bookings now!

 

[CorvusCorax]

Our last bitch would have loved it, you could have given her to anybody to walk, we used to loan her out all over the place and used to let competent guests take her out.
Did we not discuss this before, or am I going mental?!

 

[Galupy]

Here's an article about a company wanting to start it in the Boston area. I'm not sure if they ever did or whether the ban went through, I just remember the articles about it:

http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2008/06/ban_proposed_fo.html

Two of mine (the beagles) would hate it. Willie would probably do okay but he would have to have a "real" home and people to come back to because he's pretty needy as well.

 

[UnaB]

There is an american company that has opened a branch in London offering this service.

I dont agree with it, a dog should have a stable home, not a different one every week

http://www.flexpetz.com/index.html

 

[KarynK]

In think with mine the customer would ask for their money back and compensation!!

Cattle dogs don't like strangers too much so they would probably totally ignore the person on the end of the lead!! They embarrassed me before, a lady in a wheel chair admired them and despite her desperate attempts to attract their attention they ran straight past her, I had to call them back and hold them for her to say hello and they looked the other way and when I let go ran straight off again!!

I can see the advantages though but what would worry me is what happens to the companies dogs when they get old and frail, or cost a lot in vets fees???

 

[jendie]

I think this idea is horrible. The poor dogs would have no sense of security. Dogs are pack animals and they need to know where they belong.

I visited Japan a few years ago and found a 'Dog Zoo' close to our hotel. The luckier dogs were kept in small enclosures with their own little houses. The less fortunate spent their days in crates that were so smalll they wouldn't be approved by airlines.