What to do about the dog?

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We are moving overseas shortly and am really struggling with what to do with our adorable Boxer/Bulldog cross. Before anyone blasts me, this is our third move with animals and we have always taken them with us!
The issue this time is it is to NY which only has apartments and lofts. We think its really unfair on him even though we know we can take him for walks etc. But given he does like to go to the toilet whenever he needs, that is also unpractical. We can't bare to give him up though (he is 4 and just the best dog ever!) so are completely torn.
We have asked friends but they all have animals and don't want to put an ad up as you don't know who will get him and if they change their mind in the future etc. Its just so tough because we love him and like I said, his is brilliant with our 3 kids.

[daisydoodoo]

Lots of new Yorkers have dogs. I'd guess that you'd need to train him to not just go to the toilet as and when but only on walks. My dogs seem fairly regular so I know they need a walk first thing then dinner time and before bed. You can get those puppy pads but that would work out expensive long term.

Other than that us look for a proper re homing service with a boxer or bulldog rescue charity or a local dog charity. One that conducts full visits of the new home and needs to see all family members interacting with the dog.

[PeriPathetic]

Ignoring the fact that I'm extremely jealous of you moving to NYC I think taking him would work. Plenty of New Yorkers have dogs. Get an indoor toilet pad affair.

My only, but major, concern would be the flight. Bulldogs don't travel by air very well, apparently, and many airlines will not take them.

[ithastobeNAICEham]

Only thing I could suggest (other than the jumping up and down and shouting "I'll take him) is a rescue, they love dogs that are good with kids and haven't been mistreated.

I wish I could take him but I'm 37 weeks pg already have 2 dogs (I've just this week lost my big dog)

[BehindLockNumberNine]

I think you should do whatever you can to take him with you. He is obviously a much loved family member and you will all be destraught to leave him.
Plus, your children are already leaving their familiar surroundings / friends / school, don't make them lose their dog too...
(sorry, that sounds bit dramatic, am picturing how we would feel leaving our dog behind, sorry)

Plenty of NY ers have dogs afaik, there are big parks for regular walks. Could you get an appartment with a balcony so he can have his toilet place there should he get caught out?

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Thanks. We haven't been certain and are travelling to NY to try and find a place that can be suitable for us all. The issue is whats available. We were already told that asking for a 4 bedroom was very difficult (we have 3 kids) so narrowed us dramatically. Then having animals (we have 2 cats as well) would reduce it substantially again because most landlords say no to animals. Even those that are ok with animals need to also have the CO OP agree and most of them don't. So for next week the housing people have identified only 3 properties in the entire Manhattan.
So we had always thought he was coming but now we are struggling to do whats right for him, us and to be able to get us across there in 2 weeks (don't ask....).

[RedwingS]

If it's an expat deal that covers a four-bed apartment in Manhattan, surely it will cover one that will allow animals?!

It sounds like you have some leads on properties. What about the cats? Did the agent say it's easier to find a place that will allow cats than dogs? It seems that lots of New Yorkers have dogs. I know some north american places have a height limit on pets, but yours should fit within that. Sometimes having to ask for permission is just a way of putting a veto on it just in case, but the norm is that they say yes.

The dog will adjust to a new toileting regime so I don't think that's an issue. He sounds like a much-loved family pet so I hope you can find a way to take him with you. If you really have to rehome him, find a good, no-kill rescue, and do it that way, because they will properly vet his new home and provide support to his new family if they need it or should they end up in the same boat one day.

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Thanks Redwings. The deal covers him, its the finding of a place that will as well as it being big enough to mean he has a good life. We have a friend that might be interested so they will dog sit him this week so we can all have a trial run. Meanwhile we will be looking for places in NY next week that can take him so fingers crossed it will work out nicely.

[RedwingS]

That's good, it sounds like you will have a back up plan in place. I wonder if the children are of an age where they could share a room, so as to increase the range of apartments that you could look at? If they are old enough to discuss it with them, it might be worth considering. I don't think the dog will mind about the size of the apartment - he would rather be with you. I hope you can find somewhere and take him with you. Best of luck.