My mother is a horrible dog owner, and I don't know what to do.?

Question

For a couple of years, my 7 year old dachshund has been limping because of his back right leg. I have asked my mom multiple times to take him to the vet, but she always has an excuse. She spoils herself all the time, and she just bought a basically new Acura, and navigation system. She is extremely self- centered and cares about spoiling herself more than our dog who is in constant pain. Our dog is also a little aggressive, so I don't think a dachshund rescue will take him. Today, my mother picked him up and threw him on the ground, causing him to limp more extremely, and its really hard for me to witness how she treats our own pet. He is our only dog, so more than half the day he is alone in the backyard and neglected. I play with him and pet him when I can, but I get busy, and I know he has a bad life, but I don't know if I can bear it if we get him killed by the vet. I don't erally have any options, but what should I do?

I'm 16 and the our dog will probably need surgery, and I doubt I have enough money. Our dog is also pretty aggressive- if you try to take a bone away he will bite, if you come into our house he attacks, and attacks other dogs when we are around

Also, it's not like shes abusive all the time, every once in awhile she'll hurt him, and not always on purpose, but she doesn't even care when she does...at least not enough to do anything about it.

Answer 1

Where are you located? I work with Disabled Dachshund Society, and know of other rescues that may be able to take your Dachshund, as long as your mother signs the animal over to them. What your mother is doing is animal abuse, and in almost all states this is at least a misdemeanor.

The most important issue right now is to get the animal away from an abusive situation, then get it seen by a vet. It may not be too late to solve the dog's problem if he is still feeling pain.

Please post your plea for help on the board at Dodgerslist (www.dodgerslist.com), and on the DDS board (www.ourdds.org). We'll make sure rescue organizations contact you to rescue the dog (that is, if your mother will sign the animal over to rescue).

Regarding the dog's aggressivenes, you'll also be aggressive if you'd be feeling pain 24 hours a day. Enough said.

Answer 2

First, you're very brave to ask this question. Obviously, you have a conscious and a heart. Do no wait any longer. Call the humane´s society in your area immediately. The longer you wait, the longer the dog will suffer. He needs a vet...and at least there he can live a comfortable, safe life until he is adopted or put down. About being euthanized.....it's a painful reality. But many animals are better off going to sleep peacefully then constant neglect. Imagine the next 10 years of your life in fear and pain? Wouldn´t you rather help your dog? Get the phone book and call tomorrow.

Answer 3

I don't think there much you can really do!! If your mother is that self-centered she probably wouldn't take the dog to the vet to be put down!!! She'd probably would let the dog suffer in pain and misery for the rest of it's terrible existence. Sometimes it's better to be put to sleep and end cycle of pain and abuse.

Is there a humane society there or a dog warden you could report your mother's cruelty. Now I must warn you ahead of time that the dog could possibly be to sleep!!! But continuing on in that household it's no wonder the dog is mean!!! And it is no life to live with that constant abusiveness and neglect.

It's wonder that you didn't grow up mean!!! Is there a dad you could live with or another relative? You shouldn't to deal with her cruelty and abusiveness towards you or any animal!!

Also, your mother sounds like she mentally ill. If you can't her to seek help!! (which you can't anyways) Then you need to get counseling to be better able to deal with her craziness and to understand that you can't do anything to change her. And, you need to counseling so you can repair the damage that she has done to your life!!

I wish you good luck!

Answer 4

I am so sorry about your situation. You sound wonderful and brave, and willing to do the best thing for your pet. There are no kill shelters that may be able to help, they often will take care of injured pets, and give them a large room to live and play in until, if, they get adopted. Another option is finding a friend who will help take care of your doggy -- you can even offer to help bring him stuff and stop over to help him heal. How old are you now? It doesnt sound legal, what your mom is doing, but like you said it may not be best for your pet to turn him over to the county authorities. At worst, see if you can build him a comfortable doghouse out of something, and put pampering things inside.... keep him away from your mom and as comfortable as possible if you can. I am sorry your mom is so heartless, and I am glad you are not taking after her.

(Don't go to Humane Society or a similar place that will put dogs to sleep, look around online for a local no kill shelter and explain the situation. They will see that you are being responsible. A lot of people turn over dogs because they are too lazy or selfish to take care of them, but in your case this may be the best thing. You will have a lot of wonderful animals when you grow up).

ADD We are not saying your mom is all bad, but the dog is acting out because it gets hit sometimes -- being hit or kicked even once will badly affect any living creatuer. And the pain from the injury is also going to make your pet bite all the time, he really needs that surgery. Thanks again for caring about him.

Answer 5

I am so sorry, it has to be very hard for you. I would call the dachshund rescue and discuss the problem with them. They might be able to foster him and train him to change his behavior. Just getting in a situation where he is not in pain may change him personality completely. Unfortunately his aggression may be due to more than just the pain he has but the abuse he has suffered.

You can't change your Mom is she doesn't want to change. I'm relieved that you realize what your Mother is doing is wrong, this means you won't repeat the pattern of abuse in your own home.

The abuse has got to stop, talk to her about it in a kind but not accusatory way. But do call the local rescues and see if they can't get foster care for your dog to see if he can be rehabilitated and have a better life.

I wish you the best!

Answer 6

I would take your dog if I didn't already have one! Sorry! Sounds like a bad sisuation! Get rid of the dog! I think it's great that even though you love you're dog you're not selfish in wanting ti keep it! Admirable! I would post it in local classifieds! Sounds like he just needs alittle TLC! Post free! Don't explain that he needs vet care until someone contacts you! Let them know he's worth it! Maybe call the humane society and talk to someone who's commpassionate!

Good LUck!
If you live in or near Ohio I might be able to help you!
My family has and shows Dachshunds!
[e-mail]

Answer 7

Are you an adult? If so, move. YOU should not be subject to this.

Are you a child? YOU should not be subject to this. Maybe if you did contact the dachshund rescue and presented a human being to your mother who wanted the dog, she would give it up. An aggressive dachsund doesn't scare me.

Maybe she is striking out against the dog because she feels like a martyr and that is very destructive.

Answer 8

Get a job, save some money, and take the dog to the vet. Or call dachshund rescue, they'll take him even if he's nippy. Biting is a very common behavior problem in this breed.

Answer 9

I can feel your pain from your message. Yes, she's your mother, but you know she's doing wrong. You can't change your Mom, but you CAN do something to help your poor pooch. Please, contact a Dachshund Rescue group. They will take care of his medical needs, and rehabilitate him to ease his aggressions. Then, they will find him a home where he can be loved and cared for the way he should be.
You show courage and caring in recognizing this problem and in your desire to help your dog. Please take it one step further and take the action that will stop his pain.
Good luck. I have a feeling that someday you will be the responsible and loving pet owner that you wish your Mom was.
Lois

Answer 10

First of all, don't assume he needs surgery. Go to the vet yourself, and then the vet can tell you whats wrong.

Second, some dogs get aggressive with bones, its just how they are. Everytime he tries to bite, tell him no.

Third, he probably attacks other people when they come into your house, or other dogs because he's trying to say, she's mine, don;t touch her.