Being a pet in a big city can be difficult. From the lack of space to air and noise pollution, pet owners can find themselves struggling to create a happy home for their four-legged or feathered friends.

The choice that remains? Give the pet away or move somewhere else yourself.

While both choices are difficult, here are five stories compiled by The Dodo – of Esther the pig, Bree the rooster, Dagwood and Bucket the dogs, Zeus the pitbull, and Ziggy the travelling pig – where parents gave up a little more so that their pets could have a happier life.