First off, I understand "leave him behind" has very negative connotations, but some background is in order. I simply want what's in his best interests, not mine, and in this case it's unclear to me. I recently moved to Europe and, although my apartment is large, it's in a rather urban environment, which is quite different from where the dog was living with me in the US (I lived in a heavily wooded area, several acres of property, and zero traffic). He's a happy-go-lucky, young black lab, and is currently staying at my father's large farm in the US. My father has another dog, several cats, horses, ponds, and all the other trappings of that type of life. But here's the catch. Although the environment is better there for him than it would be here, and my father is very good to his animals, he keeps his dogs outside in a kennel and so the dog does not get as much special attention as he would from me. That said, he seems happy there, but of course he always seems happy! Thoughts, advice?
2006-10-07 10:12:35 · 8 answers · asked by pat800 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Right, let me clarify. To the first respondent, I'm hardly as naive or irresponsible about the decision as you imply, and had intended for the past 8 months, in fact, to bring him with me. I spent a considerable sum (nonrecoverable) in hiring an international pet relocation specialist to transfer the dog here, conducted all of the preliminary quarantine bloodwork, innoculations, and paperwork (it is legal to bring domestic pets right through without quarantine if you begin the process 6 months prior to leaving the US), and planned the dog's interim stay with my father as a way to avoid being kenneled in Europe. So spare me the reactionist judgments about pet ownership and responsibility--there's nothing you can say on that score that I haven't already considered deeply and with my dog's best interests in mind.
2006-10-07 10:33:23 · update #1
My dogs are part of my family and I would never want to leave them behind if at all possible. Your situation is a little different. You have already moved to Europe without considering what will happen to your dog, and now you want to decide what to do. I hate to see a dog in an outside kennel all the time. Dogs deserve love and attention too. If you transport your dog to Europe, he will have to be in quarantine for a period of time and will definitely not get the attention he deserves. Perhaps finding a home where he can live indoors and still enjoy the country would be a better idea. You may not get to see him again, but if he gets a loving home, it's worth it - especially if you want to do what's in his best interest.
2006-10-07 10:19:43 · answer #1 · answered by TJMiler 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
honestly it would not matter to your dog. your dad could even turn it into a full time working dog and your dog still would be happy go lucky. for the first week it would be sad that you left, after that it would return to its normal self. Labbies are fairly easy to take care of , they don't need high amounts of attention, just plenty of exercise. They are hardy dogs too so keeping it outside would not harm it's health unless it swallowed some pesticides or poisonous plants.
Taking it to Europe is an ok option too. the dog will learn to adapt quickly, it's not like it's being kept in a big empty apartment 24/7.
So it boils down to you.
2006-10-07 17:30:36 · answer #2 · answered by Langdon 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, even thou it depends on the race of the dog (some dog is a single mastered, and some is multiple, but still there's only one real master for him/her) i can tell the the best interest of a K-9 is to always be with his/her master. A dog could adjust him/herself to almost any condition, but without his/her master.
But, consider if you bring your dog and something bad happen (hit by car, caged in a pound, etc.) then i would say you better leave him/her, only if there's this kind of possibilities.
But, the best for your dog is to bring him/her with you
2006-10-11 02:04:09 · answer #3 · answered by N-Rue 7 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say that most dogs adapt pretty well to new environments, as long as they'e well cared for. I would just advise you to make sure he gets a lot of exercise, lots of walks etc. You're really the only person that can answer this question. You know your dog better than anyone else.
2006-10-07 22:31:44 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it would be nice if you can bring your dog with you. A dog's not all about environment. The dog can easily adapt to your new home as long as he's with his favorite person in the world. You will need time to take him out for walks occasionally... Best of luck.
2006-10-08 00:25:55 · answer #5 · answered by fantasiiazn 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Many places in Europe would require a 6 month quarantine for your dog. Check first before you make your decision.
2006-10-07 17:20:04 · answer #6 · answered by redunicorn 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Could you possibly find another farm site where he could run?
I just cant see how kennel dogs can be content. They need exercise. Your dog would be happy with you wherever you are but I can understand the change of country to city. Could you walk him daily where you are going? Would you mind having to do that? m
2006-10-07 17:23:31 · answer #7 · answered by Mache 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bring him with you. He will become acclimated to the new environment before you know it.
2006-10-07 17:26:50 · answer #8 · answered by Maggie 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋