how did you feel?

Question

i rehomed my dog cos i could no longer give her the time she deserved and she has gone to a wonderful new home. but my house is so quiet and empty without her.have you ever had to do it?

hey i was ready for my dog but had a terrible year in 2006 and couldnt predict what was going to happen. dont be judgemental!

yes i am a cat person aswell.

Answer 1

I've had to rehome three dogs; I know, I know, I'm a horrible dog owner. My first dog was a cute Schipperke named Bear-Bear. She was the love of my life for a year, but then my ex-husband got violent and threatened my life. I had to hide from him and no one was willing to house both me and my dog. Rather than put her through the trauma of an uncertain life for the next year while I settled down in a new state, I made the decision to give her to a close family friend. She is very well taken care of now, but I still miss her every now and again.

My second dog was adopted from a local shelter; a beautiful German Shepherd scheduled to be euthanized. Honestly, I got her for the wrong reasons (always wanted one but ex would not let me get one while I was married to him). I named her Aurora and stuck with her through two bouts of mange, assorted training classes (she was trained in German!), and she slept on my bed every night. Unfortunately, the shelter failed to tell me she was dog aggressive to the point of almost killing a roommate's dog (they said she liked other dogs!). I tried everything I could think of to get her to at least ignore other dogs (even kicked out the roommates) but it became an even more critical issue. She started lunging at people and dogs everywhere. I think she was trying to protect me; but her instincts were a little too much. I had to find her a new home, or else severely limit her life (we lived in a busy city). I found her a home in the country, with a lot less traffic, and she is well loved by a small family and their daugher. Now that she isn't overstimulated by the city, she's settled down a lot, and even plays with other dogs!

My third dog was a random stray that happened to come up to me while I was sitting outside. I couldn't find her owners, so I paid for her vet care, and kept her. She was perfectly happy until I both developed severe asthma and moved to a house without a yard. She started to get very excitable, hard to live with, and I realized it was because she wasn't getting the exercise she needed. I made the very hard decision to give her to a friend who had wanted her since I found her six months prior. She now has a 60x60 foot fenced yard, and four other dogs to play with, instead of being stuck in my 6x10 dog pen.

Rehoming any of these dogs was a gut wrenching decision for me, but I didn't know my ex husband was going to threaten my life, I didn't have a clue the German Shepherd was going to be overstimulated by the city, and the asthma issues were a pretty big surprise. Sometimes, you have to do what's best for the dog, and sometimes that means a new home. Sure, you are sad, but your dog is happier, and you will be happier knowing that your dog is having the best life possible. I'm not saying that rehoming is the answer to everything; since a lot of issues can be worked out if enough time and patience are applied, but there are situations where it really is the best option. And for those who would judge us; please reserve it for someone else. No one can judge us until you've walked a mile in our shoes.

As for me; I researched a ton of different breeds and now I've got a cute Pembroke Welsh Corgi puppy. With those short legs, he's content with just a daily walk, and he's small enough to be happy in the pen when I'm at work.

I'm sure that if you ever decide to get another dog, you will find one that fits your lifestyle better and will be perfectly happy with the time you have to spend with her.

Sincerely,
Rita

Answer 2

No never had a dog re-homed, but I have had to have my dog put to sleep (due to age and illness). I know what you mean by the house feeling strange and empty without your dog there, but it does start to feel more normal in time. There's a lot of responsibility and hard decisions in having a dog, but as long as you make those decisions with the animals interests at heart (although personally they might be difficult) then you're probably doing the right thing. It must be hard to let your dog go, and I think it's very brave for you to recognise that you couldn't give your pet all the time it needed and let them go to home who could.

Answer 3

It must be hard for you but you made the right decision if you couldnt give her the time she deserves ,nobody has the right to have a go at you because things happen to everyone , a new job for etc,at least you gave her a great new home and didnt stick her into a dogs home ,best wishes it will get easierxxxx

Answer 4

when they are young, before they hit 5, they need lots of attention. Smart dogs and dogs bred to be outside, like labs, retrievers, shelties, shepherds, poodles, all need lots of attention because their brains and bodies need stimulation. If they are left on their own alot, they tend to wreck the house. Whereas a "dumber" breed, like a pug or english bulldog, is more placid and less likely to rip your house apart when you are gone.

If you can't live without a dog, consider a more placid breed. Our dog takes team-work, so I really feel for you. There are many people in our household who can take over dog-duties, and many friends who are our children's age that we can trust to look after her when we go away. I would suggest a cat for you since they are independent creatures, but I don't know if you are a cat person.

Answer 5

yes i have been through this a few years back.for health reasons had to part with one dog [had two] went to a good home but kept coming back for a while when he got loose,had to be firm with him in the end and tell him off ,he settled eventually [but i never realy got over the guilt]

Answer 6

no l never had to give up any of my dogs. and l would fine a new place to live before this happen. l do not know how l would feel. but one thing for sure, it would be hell.

Answer 7

I would feel sad but, proud that I did what was best for the dog. Proving to myself I was a responsible owner.

Answer 8

NO I ABSOLUTELY HAVE NOT.. anymore than i would rehome my child,,,, i thought it completely thru before i got my dogs,, they are a huge committment - one that i was ready for....

Answer 9

A little like when I threw out partner No. 1, although he never made much noise laptopping it in gay chatrooms.

Answer 10

no but i heard its painful for the former owner