I'm finding it too hard to take care of my dog.?

Question

I am 14 years old and am struggling to take care of my 4 year old golden retriever, Bonzo.

I feel I am the only one in my family who walks him, plays with him and generally takes care of him. My dad also occasionally walks him but he works away most of the time. My brother could also walk him but he's too lazy!!

Also, I fear he is not getting the excercise he should be gettin because I'm not allowed to go to the only areas suitable for letting Bonzo off the lead. I walk him (on the lead) twice round a 1/4 mile stretch of grass beside the main road. Then I play with him in my back garden until he gets tierd.

I love taking care of him but I have exams soon and I'm afraid I won't have time for Bonzo.

There is also the problem of the fact that my dog isn't even allowed around the house! He stays in a cupboard under the stairs and is in the garden most of the time.

I really need help!!!

I am 14 years old and am struggling to take care of my 4 year old golden retriever, Bonzo.

I feel I am the only one in my family who walks him, plays with him and generally takes care of him. My dad also occasionally walks him but he works away most of the time. My brother could also walk him but he's too lazy!!

Also, I fear he is not getting the excercise he should be gettin because I'm not allowed to go to the only areas suitable for letting Bonzo off the lead. I walk him (on the lead) twice round a 1/4 mile stretch of grass beside the main road. Then I play with him in my back garden until he gets tierd.

I love taking care of him but I have exams soon and I'm afraid I won't have time for Bonzo.

There is also the problem of the fact that my dog isn't even allowed around the house! He stays in a cupboard under the stairs and is in the garden most of the time.

I really need help!!! I REALLY don't want to rehome him I KNOW something can be done.

Answer 1

Okay, so aside from the dog issue, you're probably a little stressed because of your impending exams.

Firstly, if you can, I'd recommend telling your family how you feel about it. They're probably unlikely to help much though - it sounds as though you look after Bonzo because he matters more to you than he does to them (good for you!).

So, my main advice is that while you're doing your exams you need something to take your mind off all of the studying anyway. Use your time out with Bonzo to switch off from everything else. If you can, try to stop worrying about how no one else cares about him, and view him instead as your lifeline - one of the things in life that you most enjoy.

Good luck with all of it!

Answer 2

I commend you on your care and concern for your dog and for the responsibility you are taking for him.

Is this a family pet or was the responsibility specifically given to you because the dog was given to you? Even if it is "your dog", I think other family members should help out on a regular basis. Usually a dog in the house means it's a family dog. Have a family meeting, share your concerns with everyone present and see if a schedule or routine can be worked out. Is your mom living with you and could she be part of the plan? You know your circumstances but I don't think your brother should get out of helping with the dog just because he's lazy. He might just see how wonderful it is when you spend time with a dog.
One thing that concerns me is that your dog has to stay in a cupboard under the stairs! This is plain cruel. Is your dog not trained to act properly in the house? If it's shedding, then comb the dog regularly. Ask what's really important and what's fair and humane for the dog. If the dog needs some training, there are courses that can help. A dog should not be locked up in a house. Please see if you can get that one changed.

Anyway, I hope these suggestions help. Your dog is getting some nice exercise and attention through you and I'm sure he loves you very much.

Good luck.

Answer 3

you could find a new home for him, but iff you do make sure you check out the house and people before you give him away.Make sure the house is fairly clean and the people seem to bond with bonzo first.Or you could explain to your family that you are struggling to take care of him.if your brother loves bonzo he should help if you say you might have to give him away if you cant look after him. Try working out a sceduel e.g you walk him in the morning and feed him in the afternoon and your brother walks him in the afternoon and plays with him in the morning. i am 13 and want a dog, and that is what i would do if i was having problems. hope this helps.

Answer 4

Your parents are beeing very irresponsible to keep him under the stairs in a cuboard and its no life for your poor dog.Dogs are social animals and they crave company and affection,a goldie should be getting at least 2 30min walks a day and ideally some free play.It's not your fault and your family shouldn't be expecting you to do all the work.Have you discussed this with your parents?how do they feel about the dog?If you dont feel you can cope tell your mum n dad that you are struggling and need help with his care,maybe in the best interest of your dog it will be wise to consider rehoming him,you could do this privatly by advertising in papers etc [obviously make sure your parents are aware of this] Give them a 2 month trial to see whether anything changes and discuss your fears for the dog with them.Good luck i hope things improve.

Answer 5

Go to www.dogpages.org.uk and find him a new home. Living in a cupboard is cruelty im afraid, you cannot let that carry on he will go mad. The people on the website can offer you great advice and also help find him a new home, which is probably what you will need to do. At least you are trying, and are obviously worried about your pet.
Good luck, and well done for asking for help.
The fact is you are 14, and not legally old enough to have responsibility for a dog.

Answer 6

Keep up the good work mate, and get your father and lazy *** brother a talking too!

I wouldn't worry about the effect on exams to much, as if you wake or indeed get those two to wake up 20mins earlier Bonzo can still get his excercise.

This cupboard business I don't like that is for Girlfriends only!!!!

Live strong Bonzo loves you for it dude!

Answer 7

You're doing a great job and I'm happy to know that you are taking on such responsibility. Pets are like kids, they need lots of love and attention, exellent diets and plenty of exercise. It sounds like you have a lot going on, and yet you still find time for Bonzo.

I have to agree with the above answers - call a family meeting, let them know that you see this as a huge issue, and try to resolve it through rotating schedules, etc.

If that doesn't work, I would begin contacting Golden Retriever Rescue associations - if you list where you're located, I can give you some resources.

good luck - and great job on caring for your pup! Hang in there..

Answer 8

Putting a dog in a cupboard under the stairs is animal cruelty and is totally unacceptable. You should try every means possile to rehome this dog, and although you will be upset to lose him, it sounds as though there's only you has any interest in him. He needs to be with a family who has the time and commitment to giving him a proper home and happy life. Good luck.

Answer 9

You are doing great with what you are doing , how ever a Golden Retriever needs to be exercise as well as any other dog . They are so lovable . Not only that you have to be able to keep them maintain with there shots , Vet visits and it sounds like it would be best if you could find a good home for the dog .
Its hard when you have to leave them go , but you would be doing your dog a great justice .
What ever you do make sure that she goes to a good home and not put her in a shelter where they may put her to sleep .
I wish you luck

Answer 10

Call a family meeting, if you need help, ask for it, sounds like Bonzo needs someone to speak up for him! Good luck.