.Ok this is serious so please only serious answers. I really dont know what to do. I have recently visited a dogs home and found 2 dogs that I could offer a home, a lurcher and a jack russell both lovely dogs that we felt a immediate bond with but we can only offer a home to 1 of them. We spoke to the staff who informed us that the lurcher had not been assessed yet but her records noted that she may suffer from eplipsey although she showed no signs in the kennels. They are doing tests Tuesday 5th December before we know for definite. But the jack russel is assessed and ready to be homed now.Its a busy rehoming centre so she could be rehomed at any time if someone else also likes her. So do I contact them and rehome the jack russel or wait to see if the lurcher is epeleptic. If she is unfortunately we cant rehome her incase she fits while we are at work. I am emotionally stuck .Help me do the right thing. What makes it hard is that I feel the lurcher picked us if that makes any sense.
2006-11-30 10:45:46 · 20 answers · asked by tewittdewoo 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Yes, her picking you makes sense. I say if you can give a home to the "medically challenged" dog, you should. Anyone would be willing to take the Jack Russel, if you pass by the lurcher, it may be that no one else would consider it.
Two questions...
Can you afford the vet bills?
Can you find someone willing to faithfully look in on her throughout the day while you are at work?
If you can answer yes to these questions, you should definitely take the lurcher.
2006-11-30 10:53:58 · answer #1 · answered by MotherBear1975 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What you said about the lurcher "picking you" makes perfect sense. It doesn't always happen when you go to a rescue, but when it does, you do get an instant feeling of warmth and a bond with the dog. However, if you really can't take the dog on with epilepsy then it would not be fair on either you or the dog to take it on. It may take a while, but a suitable owner will turn up for the lurcher eventually.
The tests will be carried out on Tuesday, so (even though it probably seems like it) it won't be long to wait.
As for the Jack Russell, maybe somebody will book her at the weekend. If that does happen, then you can at least rest assured that she has found a good home. If not, she'll still be there waiting for you.
Dogs move in and out of rescue all the time, even on a worst case scenario (ie lurcher has epilepsy, Jack Russell booked by someone else), there will be more dogs coming in and maybe they will be the dog that is right for you.
A final note - somebody above has questioned whether you should be taking on a dog if you go to work. It sounds from what you have written as though the rescue is a responsible one - If the rescue had any doubts about whether the dog would be happy to live in your house, they would not re-home the dog to you.
I wish you the best of luck, whichever dog you decide to go for.
2006-11-30 23:33:46 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only ever having owned lurchers I'd say the lurcher. But saying that dog homes should let you bond with the animals first, for example visit the home and take them both, separately, for walks and see which you warm to. If the russell does go in the mean time at least you'll know it will be to a good home and there will be other opportunities to give a dog a good home. Best of luck.
2006-11-30 15:02:37 · answer #3 · answered by Mac 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
wait. You clearly feel more attatched to the lucrcher and perhaps she really did choose you! (mine chose me in a similar fashion) It's possible the lurcher may have epilepsy, and in which case she needs to go to a home where her new owners can look after her despite her condition, and you'll have to choose another dog - by which time the jack russel may have gone. You'll need to decide whether the lurcher is worth the risk. If the Jack russel does go to another home, maybe it's meant to be, and I'm sure it'll be a good home. Perhaps you need to let go of the idea of the jack russel, so that you can wait it out for the lurcher without feeling like you're missing out on something. Then if she doesnt have epilepsy, you did the right thing and got the dog you wanted (and who it sounds like wants you) and if she unfortunately does, you search to rehome another dog - it's not the end of the world.
and hey, maybe the jack russel will still be there?
2006-11-30 11:02:24 · answer #4 · answered by tasha 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If it is of any help to you, my youngest dalmatian was diagnosed with epilepsy earlier this year and it is (touchwood) controlled with medication. I also mind what food she has as well as there can be things that could trigger a fit. I work during the day and go home on a dinner to take my dogs out so the dog should be ok, remember you cannot be with them 24hrs a day. I will warn you however, it is very upsetting seeing a dog have a fit especially the first time, but you do tend to get used to it. For more advice on epilespy in dogs do a search on the internet, but don't take to heart every thing that you read.
If you feel that the lurcher picked you then follow your heart, what have you got to lose, I think she will be a lot harder to rehome if she does have epilepsy. The home will not let you take the dog if they think that the circumstances are not right for her.
Good luck with your decision, I hope it all works out
2006-11-30 17:03:26 · answer #5 · answered by rappa29 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best way to decide Should be to find out about both breeds first!
A quick trip to your local Library will give you access to books about both! The breed book describes standard behaviour! after reading if you feel the lurcher is more the type of dog for you and you feel like you have chosen each other then forget the Jack Russell and wait, but if it fits your idea of a dog more then take it. The lurcher will go to someone else who likes it or is prepared to take on an epileptic dog!
All dogs are great in my eyes but neither of those would suit me or my life style!
Thumbs up for Rescuing A Dog !!!
2006-11-30 11:26:41 · answer #6 · answered by willowGSD 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You must feel a stronger bond to the lurcher or you wouldnt be waiting for tests to come back, what if the lurcher has is that going to make you decide to take the jack russell. Think you should go with the lurcher, leave it to faith.
2006-12-01 02:31:59 · answer #7 · answered by nichennichennichen 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Lurcher has a bond with you you got to choose that dog. Any dog can have something go wrong We had a dog when I was a kid that was healthy and vet checked and a week later had a heart attack for no reason. The lurcher is meant for you.I saw a dog in the pet store and had a bond with this puppy and a week later I bought her 7 monthes ago a few months ago I was having alot of health problems and got depressed the dog helped me and made me happy and laughing she is the best dog I have ever saw!
2006-11-30 11:03:31 · answer #8 · answered by Sue 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Leave to fate, wait for the Lurcher to be assessed and see what the results are and take it from there, if the Jack russel is still there so be it if not then it wasnt meant to be. I have a border colliee who suffers with fits, not often but every few months or so you can get medication for it but I just make sure he has a healthy life style and you can get cod liver oil for him which helps too. Best of luck
2006-11-30 10:57:50 · answer #9 · answered by flowerpower 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well if you cant rehome the lurcher anyway then i'd go for the jack russel.i understand where your coming from though,it really depends on what you feel though if the lurchers tests come back clear then you will proberly feel upset you didn't get her and lurchers have a tough time finding homes as it is.if she does have epilepsy then it may make it even harder for her to get rehomed.epilepsy [depending how severe]can be managed with treatment.good luck
2006-11-30 12:29:07 · answer #10 · answered by Heavenly20 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋