Hi all, I'm still quite new to this site but would value some independent opinions. I'll try to be as concise as possible!
Basically DP had a labrador with ex wife, with whom he also has 3 children, when they split they decided it would be best for dog to stay with her and the children.
Last August we offered to look after the dog while his ex went on holiday for a couple of weeks, however, 11 months later we still have the dog!
DP is obviously very attached to dog and as his ex has made seemingly every excuse under the sun why she couldn't take dog back, even getting 3 budgies so theres no way she could take the dog back.
Now comes the part where I feel torn and so guilty, on one hand I understand you need to keep stability for the step children, especially with a new addition on the way, and DP is greatly attached to the dog.
However, she is not a small dog (a 6 year old labrador) and is strong, Amongst other things I think my major concern is hygiene, i.e. she moults a lot, muddy paw prints, etc.
I do feel terrible to even be considering getting her re-homed, I've had dogs when I was growing up and understand they are a family member so I know they aren't just an expendable commodity, hence why I feel so bad.
Sorry for the ramble, hope it makes some sort of sense and I greatly appreciate some opinions!
AIBU?
to be concerned about dog and new baby?
moominliz · 21/07/2011 15:00
I have two labs. One we had pre-baby and one we 'acquired' for want of a better term, last year. Both are brilliant with my DD who is 2. The older dog (the bitch) is 5 and younger is 2 years old in August.
DD loves them and the older lab actually follows her up and down the hallway, just a little way behind her (at a very slow pace) to make DD think she is chasing her but that she can't quite catch her. DD laughs her little head-off to think she's being chased and that she's managing to out-wobble the dog! 
I was worried and my relationship with the dogs has changed slightly, but they are still very much loved family pets - in fact now DD is here, more loved than before!!
Don't rehome - you'll find they'll be the best of friends, which of course could cause an interesting situation with your SC! 
Good luck!
'Obviously being a staff, they are known to turn, but i believe that is due to owners care?' I'm sorry. I know we get told off for having a go at people accidently having a pop at Staffords, but that is bollocks. They are not 'known to turn' anymore than any other breed of dog. And yes, a dogs behvioural problems is 100% down to poor ownership, regardless of breed.
Staffies are one of only a few breeds that the UK KC actually reccomend to be suitable to live with children. They are not nick named the Nanny Dog for nothing. They have a natural affinity and love for children, more so than any other breed. Of course you can continue to believe what you read in tabloids, but then the Staff will continue to be over bred, abandoned and murdered en masse because of this shitty attitude towards them 
I think you'll be fine! I already had a cocker spaniel when my now dh moved in, and he was 8 when dd was born. He wasn't used to being around small children as my d's were 8 & 10 when we got him. He was more used to rough and tumble and racing around like a mad thing with the boys tbh!!
Anyway, I was slightly concerned when dd came along and she was one of those annoying babies that moved around early too (walked at 10 mths ), but he was brilliant with her! That child could do anything to him. She'd climb all over him, fiddle with his ears when we battled to be able to brush them, anything! He followed her around like a love sick puppy to be honest. It was lovely. Unfortunately became very ill and we had to have him pts 2.5 years ago, but dd still talks about him every single day and has pictures of him in her bedroom.
Please, give your dog a chance first, most problems can be overcome quite easily.
dogsbestfriend 
, only mentioned the hand sanitiser as she seemed to be concerned about germs.
Def get OH to help out with housework and it's only stuff you have to do anyway (apart from brushing the dog).
My sister has a dog that was around before her DD was born and DD absolutly adores the dog and mine too.
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Obviously being a staff, they are known to turn
Yep, they turn round and round in circles chasing things, like balls usually.... :)
Oooooooh, you mean they turn and snap with their teeth at innocent little children ...... I dont think so! They are one of the most tolerant breeds as it happens, and are less likely to snap at kids than any other breed, and that is a fact, not a myth...
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