I live with a friend who owns a dog. The 3 of us have lived together for almost a year now (the dog is just over a year old). This dog has become my best friend and will now follow my command over my friends.
The dog is really attached to me as I am now her primary discipliner, play mate and cuddle buddy. The dog will even follow me to the bathroom to watch me shower or bath. She sleeps outside my bedroom door on nights she does not sleep in my bed.
In February my friend and I will be going our seperate ways and losing the dog is going to kill me!!!! I know she will be affected aswell. What can I do to make the seperation anxiety less traumatic for the both of us?!?!
Just 4 the record: I can't ask to keep the dog as my friend got her as a birthday present last year!
2006-11-21 18:42:23 · 7 answers · asked by Kridwen 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Hi Krid, If you want to make things right with you and the dog.I would still ask if you could take the dog with you. Even if you have to buy her.She will not be happy with her owner. She as bonded with you and that is who she will want to be with. Besides breaking your heart, you are also breaking hers. A dog has a deep since of love and companionship.She could just give up on life and die. I have seen dogs do this. It's a very sad and heart breaking thing to see. They won't eat or drink any water.It's like they don't care without their true friend and companion. You my friend, need to try and get her for both of your sakes. Been there and done that. A Friend.
Clowmy
2006-11-21 18:59:00 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Two possible solutions for the best interest of the dog.
1) Slowly start to disattach yourself from the dog. Insist that your friend be the one to feed the dog. To discipline the dog. To work on obedience with the dog. To groom the dog. To be the dog's primary caretaker, in other words. Stop doing these vital tasks yourself, so the dog attaches to your friend.
2) Discuss the possibility of your keeping the dog. If it keeps things on the up and up, get your friend an appropriate compensation gift in exchange for the 'gift giver's' benefit.
IMO, giving a living creature as a gift is often a mistake. The recipient of said 'gift' should be the one to decide whether or not they are willing to commit to years of caregiving, not the person who chooses a live animal as a present. Just my opinion!
2006-11-22 04:18:24 · answer #2 · answered by Lori R 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Birthday present or not, surely your friend can see how attached the dog is to you. What's in the dog's best interest? I would definitely have a chat with my friend and figure things out.
2006-11-22 03:01:32 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes you can ask, your friend is not blind. It is well known that the dog is attached to you, so explain to your friend your feelings about the dog and discuss the possiblility of a change of parents. (dogs are like kids right?) Offer to replace the dog with a puppy or better yet a shelter rescue of their choice.
2006-11-22 02:52:55 · answer #4 · answered by Paul S 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you can visit your friend everyday for a week after you both go your seperate ways. then the few weeks after that go every other day. then after awhile just every once in awhile. i am not sure how that will work for your schedule. i resently moved into an apartment and was unable to take my dog who i have had since she was a puppy(2 years now) and its been real hard for me. but i visit her quite a bit but now i am getting more busy and not able to see her as much. but yea i would see if you could make it the easy trasition possible if it works for u and your roommate
2006-11-22 02:48:51 · answer #5 · answered by meg red 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You suggest shared custody or visits often, you could offer to buy the dog or buy you your own dog.
2006-11-22 02:52:28 · answer #6 · answered by MagikButterfly 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
oh my, that is hard.
have u tried talking to your friend about this?
2006-11-22 02:47:37 · answer #7 · answered by 1MonthPreggy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋