Explaining to Children Why They Cannot Have a Dog

Well, I would say that still isn't necessarily true that there is "no way that this family can own a dog". At the time when I first wanted to get a dog, I lived in an apartment, worked 8+ hours a day, and didn't really have anywhere to take a dog to go to the bathroom. I lived in a bad part of town at the time, I wouldn't have wanted to walk my dog too far anyway. So I researched what my options were, I found chihuahuas could be pad trained and not need to be taken outside and they're small and don't need much exercise per day. They can be fed by leaving kibble out and they nibble along as they're hungry. Also, they don't shed much which was a nice plus. Granted, I would still drive her to the park or a grassy area to run around somewhat often, but I do think there are options for your situation. A small dog could run and play fetch a little around the apartment, I did that daily, and her pad training allowed her to use the bathroom whenever she needed to while I was at work for long hours. Sure, it's not as fantastic as a dog getting to run around in a yard whenever it wants, which luckily I can provide for my dog now, but I think it's a darn sight better than being in a cage in a shelter. But that being said, if the family feels a dog can't work for their situation, it shouldn't be forced either and end up with the dog being neglected or back in a shelter.