Have to give my dog away UPDATE....

[ankh]

This is a rant and a question, My dh has just lost his job and we may have to live with my Mum and Dad for a while. She has a dog who is old and angry, we have a beautiful black Lab who we LOVE, but they fight, We cannot take him with us and we don't know how long we will be there.

I am devastated that it could come to this, but cannot put it off any more.

I am still hoping someone will look after him for a while, but know this is a huge thing to ask.

What should I look out for with potential new owners?

Should I sell him? If so for how much?

Giving him him to someone worries me as they might not be good enough for him and doing it for the wrong reasons (I know that sounds nuts...)

Ugh this is horrible. Has anyone ever had to do this?

[gumby74]

I haven't been through that and pray I never have to, but still wanted to offer my words of support. My one thought was to contact the local humane society and see if they have a foster parent willing to take the dog until you guys are back on your feet again. These are people who are used to dogs of many different breeds and would provide a safe and loving environment for your dog that no doubt is also going to be going through seperation from you guys. It would also allow you guys the oppoortunity to still see the dog until you can take the dog back. Best wishes! I hope it all works out in yours and the dog's favor!

[ankh]

Thats a brilliant idea! Thank you. I will look and see if they have them in the uk.

[greenmagick]

So sorry

If you cant find someone to foster him, I would look into a reputable breed specific rescue. They are much better able to match up new owners and will follow the dog throughout its life.

[angie7]

Since your only problem is living with the other dog, you can always seperate them. It isn't easy to do but I know many people that have done it many times b/c one dog is aggressive, etc. It can be done if you want it bad enough. Re-homing any animal should be the absolute last resort.

[Sailor]

Why can't you separate the dogs? I live in a condo, so my dog doesn't have his own yard. I have to take him out for exercise - and I have a high energy GSD.

You could keep the dog confined to your room or your area of the house, and just meet his exercise/play needs by going out for long walks or to the dog park or for games of fetch in the yard, while the other dog is inside.

If this is the only issue - the other dog - I would simply keep them separate. Re-homing should really be your LAST resort - as in, you've tried keeping them separate, and it hasn't worked.

If you must re-home, do so through a breed specific rescue. Let them know you're willing to keep the dog until a potential owner comes. I wouldn't try rehoming yourself, unless you know the next owner VERY well. With a breed specific rescue, when your dog is placed, they will know what's happening with that dog. If the next owner, God forbid, can't keep him, the rescue will take the dog back. Don't sell your dog either - frankly, no one would buy an adult dog when they could go through a reputable rescue.

Still - I would keep the dog and just separate the animals. There was a time when I had to move back home with my mom, who has a cat. My dog is high prey drive, and would chase the cat unless I was there 24/7 to supervise. Obviously, I couldn't be there 24/7 since I had a job. So, I kept the dog in my room and made sure to exercise him very well - mornings, afternoons, and evenings.

[ankh]

Good points, all of them. My Mum has said no to the dog coming at all. I will have another talk...

thank you.

[ankh]

Just to add;

I have spent the last few days emailing and calling various organisations, pet shops, people who like dogs etc all over the country..... It was looking really bad and suddenly out of the blue a neighbour knocked on the door and will have him for a few months! :

Their dog just died, she isn't working right now and said she couldn't get it out of her mind, she knows where I walk him and will carry on until we have a place of our own!(I know she will be great with him as well.)

Now I just have to worry about food, money and a home.....funny what our priorities are

[angie7]

That's great news! But just a word of caution, get everything in writing. I have known people that work out an arrangement like this and the people that were suppose to be watching the dog fall in love and then keep the dog. After a certain amount of days (here it is 14) it is considered abandoment and they can't reclaim their dog. So definately get it in writing that she will only be caring for your dogs from months X to month X. And if you have to make it longer, make her sign something else.

I know this may sound extreme but I've been involved with rescue for many years and have seen it happen a lot.

[ankh]

Originally Posted by angie7

That's great news! But just a word of caution, get everything in writing. I have known people that work out an arrangement like this and the people that were suppose to be watching the dog fall in love and then keep the dog. After a certain amount of days (here it is 14) it is considered abandoment and they can't reclaim their dog. So definately get it in writing that she will only be caring for your dogs from months X to month X. And if you have to make it longer, make her sign something else.

I know this may sound extreme but I've been involved with rescue for many years and have seen it happen a lot.

Yikes. Will do thanks.

[gingerstar]

So glad to hear the happy update - hope it works well for all involved, and you are soon independent again!