This fall into the category of "I don't get it!" A pet rental business called FlexPetz is springing up around the country (not in Chicago yet) for people who want a dog, but only part-time. According to its website, the concept of FlexPetz originated with a group of dogs lovers who couldn't take care of a dog full-time. Reasons include, restrictive pet ownership rules where they lived, regular business travel involving days away from home and/or a busy family schedule. Keep in mind, renting a dog from FlexPetz isn't cheap. For a one time fee of $150.00, plus a monthly membership fee of $49.95, and an annual account maintenance charge of $99.95 and a weekend rate of $39.95 (per day), or a week day rate of $24.95 (per day), plus tax, FlexPetz will provide its "members with local access to a variety of dogs, all of whom are rescued or rehomed, very lovable and fully trained." Dog drop-off and pickup at a home or office is an additional $35. An "inconvenience fee" of $75 a day is added for dogs brought back late.

Animal rights groups are really upset about FlexPetz. Some believe it "promotes dogs as disposable items". Others say, "dogs need stability in their lives, they need a long-term commitment, and they need a secure environment."

I'm not an over-the-top animal lover, I don't have any pets, in fact I only had a dog for about a week growing up. So again, I say, I don't get it. If you want a pet, make the long-term commitment the dog needs and deserves. Otherwise, let someone else who has the time and desire provide the dog with a long-term home. Am I alone on this one?