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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Original poster

Need to rehome my dog

112 replies

snortwithmirth · 30/10/2011 09:38

My lovely 10 yr old terrier cross bit my toddler a few days ago (toddler tripped over her) it all happened so quickly, but it drew blood and on her face:(
Now my husband is insistent that the dog must go, and by tomorrow.
I've phoned everyone I can think of as well as numerous rehoming centres, who all say they're full. My local dogs trust in Harefield has a 6 month waiting list for taking dogs in.
I'm desperate now, I can't bear the thought of her being put to sleep, she's a lovely dog, very easy, very healthy, just no good with young children.
Has anyone any ideas? Or know anyone? She'd be perfect for an older couple/person.
Many thanks

OP posts:
Original poster
snortwithmirth · 30/10/2011 09:39

Forgot to say, I'm in Buckinghamshire.

OP posts:
coccyx · 30/10/2011 09:42

Poor dog.

jamandposterpaint · 30/10/2011 09:43

Sad good luck snort, hope you manage to find a lovely home for her.

ObviouslyOblivious · 30/10/2011 09:44

Can you keep them separate? A 10 year old in a rescue :(

Original poster
snortwithmirth · 30/10/2011 09:53

I've tried keeping them separate, as I knew that my dog is nervous of my daughter, and has growled at her previously, but our house is only small and open plan and my daughter can climb over safety gates now so it's been quite difficult keeping them apart.
I can't bare to think of her in a rehoming centre either. So sad.

OP posts:
ObviouslyOblivious · 30/10/2011 10:02

I'm sorry :( Have a look at www.oldies.org.uk/

Original poster
snortwithmirth · 30/10/2011 10:16

What a lovely organisation, I'll email them, thankyou.

OP posts:
3cutedarlings · 30/10/2011 10:19

Have you had her checked over by a vet? long shot but it could well be that there is some reason why she isnt being very tolerant.

DogsBeastFiend · 30/10/2011 10:23

What will your husband do if your dog is not gone by tomorrow?

Original poster
snortwithmirth · 30/10/2011 10:26

Yes, she has been seen by a vet. Unfortunately she has got a nervous disposition, it's just her temperament and I always knew it wasn't an ideal mix, but did my best at keeping them separate, and really hoped for the best.

OP posts:
Kormachameleon · 30/10/2011 10:27

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
snortwithmirth · 30/10/2011 10:28

He's talking about taking her to be PTS. God I can't bare it.

OP posts:
DogsBeastFiend · 30/10/2011 10:33

BTW, I'm a rescuer with contacts in no kill rescue across the UK, would need more info if I am to be able to offer help.

Please can you tell me:

  1. Is she spayed?
  2. Is she up to date with vaccinations?
  3. What's she like with other dogs?
  4. What's she like with cats?
  5. What sort of terrier cross is she?
  6. Any other history? I won't say "history of aggression" because I don't believe that she is an aggressive dog going on what you say, merely a dog which has snapped in self defence because she got shocked/hurt, but also from what you say there appears to be no convincing your DH.

Anyway, I digress.

Please can you tell me which rescues you've tried? Please can you read this it's about taking on a dog BUT gives essential advice on being careful on how and to whom you rehome and explains why. You don't want your dog in a pound or non no kill rescue or he'll be dead within a couple of days, I can promise you.

TheBrideofFrankenstein · 30/10/2011 10:35

And if dd tripped over him, she probably
Hurt him - I don't think he can be blamed for snapping

I don't think anyone's blaming the dog for reacting as a dog does, but there's no realistic way to prevent a re-match. How would the Op feel if the dog really goes for her DD next time and scars her for life? Sure, you can teach a toddler certain things and 90% of the time they might remember. What about the other 10%?

Original poster
snortwithmirth · 30/10/2011 10:36

My toddler is very good with the dog, and rarely bothers her but there are times when their paths do cross, it's unavoidable in our house. Or when I take them for a walk. It used to be easier when my daughter was younger, I let my dog sit on the landing, but now if I'm cooking etc and my back is turned my daughter will rush upstairs on her own for something. It's very hard, I'd keep the dog in the kitchen if it wasn't the size of a postage stamp.

OP posts:
DogsBeastFiend · 30/10/2011 10:37

snort, over my dead body will he allow her to be PTS! Not on my watch! Wink

Don't stress, we'll sort it between us. Happy to help, happy to find her a rescue place I've been doing this for years and have never lost a dog yet whom I've been allowed to save... I ain't gonna make your dog the first.

Next questions - are you or DH able to transport her to a rescue?

Are you able to offer rescue a standing order for her upkeep or a sum to provide for her? (It helps, rescue will struggle to rehome her so she will probably be with them some while, they know that and thus are loathe to take on dogs like her without some help towards her food, vet bills, keep etc).

DogsBeastFiend · 30/10/2011 10:40

Oh, PS, my views as an animal rights activist/extremist, call me what you will, are 100% no kill regardless of time, trouble or money unless the dog is suffering beyond all help and I won't work with rescues who would have it any other way.

Toughasoldboots · 30/10/2011 10:43

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

yesbutnobut · 30/10/2011 10:46

Ten years is a long time. Poor pooch.

DogsBeastFiend · 30/10/2011 10:51

It's at times like this I wish we could have taglines like other forums do, it would leave no need for lengthy explanations.

I need " I work for the DOG, not the owner, not the prospective owner and not for myself" and "No kill, no excuses, no limits, no fear" on mine.

LadyMontdore · 30/10/2011 11:00

How sad. Hope DD is okay (has no one else thought of this!?)

It is terribly sad but you are doing the right thing in putting your dd first. In the mean time could you get one of those cage things to put the dog in so that you know that DD is safe.

Please don't make yourself feel worse than you do by taking the OTT dog lovers comments too much to heart. IME your duty is to try and find a new home for your dog but if you can't you know that you can't keep her, you would never forgive yourself if she really hurt DD, accidently or not.

saffronwblue · 30/10/2011 11:00

DBF I just want to say how much I admire you. I love the way you always appear in this kind of thread and are so strong and consistent.
Your fan
saffronwblue [shy emoticon]

WitchesBrewIsMyFriend · 30/10/2011 11:05

right OP, I live in Bucks too, where abouts are you? Between DBF and myself we will help you out. There is absolutely NO NEED for the dog to be PTS and if needs must the dog can kip at mine for a little while until a rescue is sorted out. I have 2 children and 2 GSDs but believe me, your dog will be fine with us.

DogsBeastFiend · 30/10/2011 11:06

Blush Go 'way! I don't deserve compliments! Blush

Am worried that the OP has not returned too.

Snort please FGS, don't rehome to family/friends or anywhere other than via NO KILL rescue cos if you do and then that new owner can't keep him they might not turn to MN but take your dog straight to the vet for PTS instead. If you rehome to a reputable rescue they will ALWAYS take her back, even in 6 years time.

peggyblackett · 30/10/2011 11:08

You need to put your dd first (and I say that as a committed dog lover). We had our 16 year old collie PTS after she bit dh. Her hearing, sight and continence were all failing - after much heartache and discussions with vets we decided it was for the best. The vets suspected she was going senile, so she was highly likely to bite again. Heartbreaking though.

However your dog is much younger and fitter, so if you can rehome her to a childfree home that would be a much better outcome.

Unmumsnetty hugs.