InACorner, I couldn't agree more. I really hate parents who give their kids, or allow their kids to have, a pet, with the idea that it's solely the kid's responsibility. If the kid doesn't care for the pet, parents who don't take on that responsibility (or give the pet to someone who is responsible) are just as responsible for the pet's suffering as the kid, maybe even more. I have never advocated giving a kid a pet without being willing to take over if the kid doesn't do what s/he should. That doesn't mean the kid gets away with it; you punish the kid...criminally, if necessary...but you don't let the animal suffer. It's a life, people!!!

And Liberada, I was actually thinking the same thing. Did it say the puppy was four weeks old? I missed that! You're right...four weeks is too early!