Rent a dog

[Gob]

NEW YORK(CBSNewYork) — A New York City graduate student has come up with a novel method of raising money for her favorite charity.



Katherine Long operates a ‘Rent-A-Dog’ business in Central Park. When Long lived in New York she had always wanted to own a dog, but the cost of living, and the pace of life in the city prevented that from happening.

“When I lived in New York City, I always wanted a dog, but knew my apartment and lifestyle in New York would not work with a dog. But I always thought it would be great to have access to a dog temporarily while in the park,” she told DNAinfo.

Long set up shop in Central Park with her Collie-retriever ‘Ocho’ and a handmade ‘Rent-A-Dog’ sign. For $5, customers could take Ocho for a twenty-minute walk.

Proceeds from Long’s ‘Rent-A-Dog’ operation will be donated to the Ruff Start Rescue, the shelter that brought Ocho to New York.

“Not only is it an amazing idea, but it was awesome that she did it. It’s like multi-tasking. I’m very grateful to her,” said Lori Canale of Ruff Start.

In her first day of operation Long raised over one-hundred dollars, but perhaps more important than the money is the service that she provides.

“Every single person who stopped by had a great big smile on their face. I had families rent for their kids, couples rented who were considering adopting their own dog, and of course the single guy used it as a ploy to perhaps attract a date,” she told DNAinfo.

And while some New Yorkers may be concerned that a stranger could just walk off with a beloved pet and never return, Long said that she isn’t worried.

“I lied, I said I have a tracking device on him,” she said.

Long is planning to set up shop in Central Park again on July 1, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. inside the West 85th Street pedestrian entrance.

http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2012/06/24/ ... ent-a-dog/

[BoSoxGal]

Uh, nope.

Lying and saying there's a tracking device in/on the dog is unacceptable as a means to safeguard the wellbeing of her canine companion. This scheme displays a shocking lack of concern for the welfare of her dog. Maybe if the terms included her following behind at a short distance . . .

I'd sooner let a total stranger borrow my car than borrow my dog.

[MajGenl.Meade]

But BSG, like, it's like OK because "It’s like multi-tasking". Well it isn't but you know what she means... er that is. Still it does bring to mind "Does your dog bite?"

Meade

[BoSoxGal]

No kidding, huh? HUGE liability concerns!

I can't believe the dog shelter enthusiastically supports this concept.

[rubato]

Biting aside, and many dogs are not 'biters', I don't see that the risk is greater than during otherwise normal operation of a dog. Some dogs might run off and be difficult to find, but then some dogs run off already even with the best of care.

I just hadda stroke of genius! A puppy and kitten vending machine! Sure-fire idea.



yrs,
rubato

[loCAtek]

Not to mention, the stress it causes the dog to be in the hands of strangers.

I, La Loca, in my younger years, used to love to work as a pet groomer, kennel cleaner and care-giver. While I tried to show as much kindness and love to the temporarily displaced canines (and cats); they were obviously distressed at being away from their loved ones, even a few hours. What made it all worth it, was the unbridled 'Joy of Reunion' expressed by the sweet souls, who thought they had been abandoned by their packs/families.

...it's why your dog is so happy to see you at the end of the day.

Her dog may, in a sense, get used to it- but she doesn't really like it. Even therapy animals, aren't usually far from their handlers.

[Joe Guy]

She is a pimp.

She should call her service "Pimp a Pup".

It seems innocent & harmless at first glance but the poor pooch could end up getting hurt by some weirdo.

Her heart might possibly be in the right place but her brain is definitely up her thoughtless Wanting-to-be-profit-making ass.

[dales]

Read the article from the URL, joe.

Proceeds from Long’s ‘Rent-A-Dog’ operation will be donated to the Ruff Start Rescue, the shelter that brought Ocho to New York.