I just need a little support. My father is an elderly man with emphysema and is an alcoholic. He is not in good health (getting dressed takes all his strength). He bought a dog almost a year ago against my wishes. Now the dog, which was never house broken, takes care of all her bathroom needs in his bed, where my father continues to sleep. For health reasons I am planning on taking the dog away. He LOVES this dog and I know by taking the dog that he will FREAK! Am I doing the right thing?
2006-06-11 03:45:33 · 13 answers · asked by hossnme 1 in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
Explain that you have thought about his desire for companionship and the potential threats to his already compromised health and that it is best for all concerned that if he can't take care of the dog in the way it deserves, and can't take care of himself the way he deserves, that it is safer for all concerned that the dog have a different home.
Unfortunately, we often end up having to be parents to our parents and this is one of those times.
2006-06-11 03:54:40 · answer #1 · answered by blueowlboy 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As far as taking your father's dog away for health concerns i would say yes..But i've also a question for you; Are you capable of housebreaking the dog yourself? Or taking care of it yourself?
The reason i ask this is because if your able to take care of it, then you could bring it over to your fathers house for a visit..Your father would love that...As far as gettting the dog against your wishes, well some elderly find themselves getting lonely and need a four legged companion...
One last suggestion for you; if you cannot care for the dog yourself and yet know that it would benefit your father to have an animal with him, why not take the dog to the local humane society to be adopted by a loving family. While your there, you can take several snapshots of cats, which take care of themselves for the most part..And make great companions..Show these to your father and let him chose the one best for him...
2006-06-11 03:54:55 · answer #2 · answered by lil_lelorina 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. Please make your father's limited time here as happy as you can. The dog brings him happiness. The dog probably can not get out of the house to take care of its business.
It is not the dogs fault either. Go to www.homedepot.com and buy a "petsafe" door. At your local store as if they might know of someone you could hire to install it. Or if you don't want to put a hole in a good door use an old screen door with the solid bottom.
It is Summer time and your father may not make it past next fall so screw the door.
If he is on oxygen make sure he uses it..... if he doesn't the extra stress will weaken his heart unrepairable. Also, fans help make the patient feel better especially in the later stages. Oh, also a humidifier, to put moister in the air, helps a lot. Oxygen is very drying.
Remember to pray for your father. Pray to forgive him as Alcoholism is a disease. "Cunning Baffling and Powerful" The disease wants to kill your father and hurt you and your family. (I believe God will bless you!)
Good Luck.
2006-06-11 04:04:12 · answer #3 · answered by Brandysmom 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's a very tough question. On the one hand, if the dog makes your father happy, he is of sound mind (which I don't guess he really is when he's drunk) and the disgusting conditions which he chooses to live in don't bother him, then maybe he should be allowed to keep the dog even if the conditions end up killing him. But you have to think of the welfare of the dog, too, and it doesn't sound like it's receiving the best treatment. I'm sure the animal welfare people would have something to say about a dog being allowed to live like that.
2006-06-11 03:50:59 · answer #4 · answered by partlycloudy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Please make sure the dog gets proper care. She was shortchanged from the beginning by not receiving proper training and may have trouble adjusting to a new environment. I feel sorry for all 3 of you in this situation. Maybe you can find the dog a home close by so your dad can enjoy visits? That would probably be the best option. Good luck.
2006-06-11 03:50:57 · answer #5 · answered by ladybugewa 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probably if you think abt it from your point of view, yes u are doing the right thng as your dad will be in a safer and healthier and cleaner atmosphere
But put yourself in your dad's place... Probably the dog's the only 'friend' your dad has... ppl get attached to pets real quick.
Try if you can make any arrangements so tht the dog will pee outside.. Else, its the best thng to take her away
Good luck!
2006-06-11 03:51:20 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, unless you want to take the time to train the dog and build a dog door in your Dad's house. What is going on is not healthy for your Dad or the dog. My heart aches for all of you.
2006-06-11 03:48:36 · answer #7 · answered by PariahMaterial 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What I would do is would first get my father a new bed, then would take the dog to a training facility, which can train him to GO outside. And if your father is unable to get to the door and let the dog outside, you might want to put in a ***** door.
2006-06-11 03:49:53 · answer #8 · answered by Brandi 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
this dog needs special care too
first explain the situation to the animal care people before removing the dog. if the dog goes to a No Kill place it would be best..
no reason to setence the dog to death for being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
2006-06-11 03:48:45 · answer #9 · answered by Linnie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
train the dog...if that's difficult, leave the dog with your father but keep her out of his room at all times, make her sleep out.. get someone to walk the dog at least twice a day.
2006-06-11 03:52:18 · answer #10 · answered by viking 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋