I've been sick for about a year and am being assessed for heart disease amongst other things....like cancer, etc... There are days I can barely function. We have three small dogs and I feel overwhelmed trying to care for them. The male dog belongs to my kid and she doesn't live here and I've threatened to taking him to the humane society and letting them find him another home--IF she doesnt take him with... But everytime I think about it, I feel so guilty. He's like a member of the family after all of these years. One of the other dogs has been with him since birth....which complicates things a bit more. The smallest dog....the only one that can't jump on the furniture....is the easiest to care for and I've considered just keeping her and letting the others go.... But then I feel sick over that too..... I just don't know what to do. No ones playing with them anymore.... or grooming...or walking..... I really need some good advise as to how to handle this delicate situation.
2007-01-04 13:20:50 · 17 answers · asked by Brenda 6 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Is it possible for you to pay someone to walk them, maybe a neighborhood kid or something? I know it can be financially draining (even with the best insurance) when you have health problems (I work in a chemo infusion center) but getting rid of your pets will make things harder for you. Do you have any family or friends that can stay with you through the really hard times?
Your pets will help to keep you sane through all this. I would hate for you to have to give them up, but I understand your dilema and appreciate your responsible approach.
Added...I also wanted to caution that getting rid of two may cause behavior issues with the one you keep. It will miss the other dogs. If you have to get rid of them, it would be best to try and keep them together, although difficult to find a home for three dogs.
Wish I had a better solution for you.
ANOTHER IDEA...Maybe call your local shelter, explain your situation and ask if they know of anyone who might be willing to help you out by walking your dogs. The shelters are full of people with HUGE hearts. They don't want to see any more pets homeless. They just might have some ideas to help you keep your dogs.
2007-01-04 13:26:21 · answer #1 · answered by KJ 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Dear Lady with the biggest heart ever,So sorry this burden has been put upon you.If you have children they should definitely step in and if they don,t you must insist.I think most parents go through this I don't want something but I want Mom and Dad to take care of it.It is sad that this thing was a living breathing pup.Children or adult children that is think we will live forever!!Get on the telephone and call the daughter first then call the vet and tell him exactly what you told us,he will know Foster parents and who knows you might get your health straightened out and take one of them back or at least be able to visit and hear from them.You know when the care of these babies become a chore and only you know your feelings.We can,t always predict what the future holds as far as our health is concerned.Do not feel guilty,pray that you will find perfect homes or temporary homes for your beloved pets.Do not even think of the humane society there they will be euthanized for sure.Good Luck and Take Care of yourself now and you have done the best thing for both the pets and yourself.
2007-01-04 14:05:03 · answer #2 · answered by mcnatt c 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Are there some young kids in your neighborhood? Some children that aren't allowed to have pets would probably love to walk and play with them for free. Maybe their parents would even warm up to the idea of 'fostering' your pet(s). Your own kid should step up and take responsibility for the dog she left behind. Perhaps you can enlist a neighbor or family member (providing one lives close) to help you during this difficult time. You've yet to be diagnosed, so your systems may be treatable. I was at the point where I could barely function last spring and waited months before going to the doctor. Turned out it was fibromyalsia; more debilitating than one would think! Causes extreme fatigue as well. You may want to mention this to your doctor if your tests turn out to be normal. Either way, good luck to you!
2007-01-04 13:38:17 · answer #3 · answered by bfwh218 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think it is best to find your dogs a new home. And don't feel guilty, you are doing it in the best interest of the dogs. And you don't have to take them to a shelter such as the humane society. There are many NO KILL shelters and rescue groups that place dogs into foster homes until they can find their forever home. Do some research and ask around about the different rescues. I'm sure your local humane society and vet clinic will know of some shelters in your area. You can also visit petfinder.com just to see the different shelters in your area. But please don't feel guilty about it. If you take them to a rescue group they will find a home for them that is better suited for them, where they can get more attention, exercise, and the grooming they need. And if you feel you can take care of your smallest one, then it is fine to keep just one. I find having an animal around also can help you get through tough times. I am so sorry that you are sick, but please don't feel guilty if you want to find your dogs a new home, i think it is nice that you are thinking in the best interest of your pets. Good Luck!
2007-01-04 13:37:29 · answer #4 · answered by Stark 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i understand that you are sick and that is terrible for you. because probably at this moment you pets are your best friends. i know that when im sick or down i always turn to my pets because they will be there for you no matter what.
have you thought of hiring someone to come over and feed them and do all the other doggy chores that are required? that way you will have your best friends with you. you have to sit down with your kid and explain that you cannot look after this pet anymore, explain that your sickness is making you not function as usual.
your right, your pets are part of your family as soon as they enter your life, and it is so hard to let them go. so im suggesting that you hire someone to help you out a little. maybe if you hire a young person like a teenager you dont have to pay as much.
im in australia and im assuming you are in US, but if I was in the US i would come and help you!!!! if only.
Hope you get better and good luck!
2007-01-04 14:24:28 · answer #5 · answered by Bella>Beautician 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First of all, I am so sorry to hear of your illness. And to top it off, you are bogged down with the sadness and guilt of just the thought of letting your pets go.
But you need to do what is best for you, and them. Fortunately (and hard to take as humans) is the fact that they will adjust to another home quite quickly. I would try to put them into a good home before you give them up to a shelter, however.
There are many online sites that let you post for free if you can't afford to take out an ad.
You know in your heart what you can and cannot do. If you are having trouble caring for yourself, then it would be wise to let someone else care for them.
Hey, post another question and ask someone on this site if they are interested in taking your animals. Perhaps someone lives in your area and can help you out!
Good luck and take care!
2007-01-04 13:26:32 · answer #6 · answered by debra62 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
This isn't your fault and you would be doing the right thing.
If you do give them to a humane society they WILL find good loving homes.
19 out of 20 people come in looking for small dogs. They are in high demand and they usually get adopted within days. Plus the humane society will screen potential adopters for you.
shelters are not humane societies.
2007-01-04 14:09:37 · answer #7 · answered by Zoe 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
well, you could get a sitter, but i would probably opt for the "rescue" option. since they are small dogs they have a very high chance of being adopted successfully. talk to the local humane society about your options, they should be able to help you out. they are also very, very strict about screening potential homes for their dogs.
it may be that giving them up is the best thing for you and the dogs. there are so many people looking for 'little dogs', i'm sure they could make some new owners very happy.
2007-01-04 14:45:43 · answer #8 · answered by sgdrkfae 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should keep the small one, keep pressuring your kid to take the male dog and see if a friend that you trust is willing to take one or two of the dogs, maybe even just to take care of them for a while. If not try to sell them, at least you can have some comfort that they have less of a chance of being put down if someone else buys them.
2007-01-04 13:30:53 · answer #9 · answered by kass9191 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Dogs who are given to shelters or other programs often live the rest of their lives in fear, but if you can't take care of them...ask your neighbors if they or anyone else they know is looking for a family dog, you should figure out how to keep them all together, maybe a caregiver or neighbor can help you. Maybe your daughter can pay someone to come to yourhouse and take care of them. Best of luck and god bless you and your dogs.
2007-01-04 13:32:50 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋