to be concerned about dog and new baby?

[moominliz]

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!

[northerngirl41]

I have news for you - babies are a lot more hassle and unhygenic than dogs!!! What exactly were you planning on doing if your baby turns out to make a real mess in the house, rehome them too?

Your partner's commitment to having the dog is the same kind of commitment you make when you have kids: to look after them properly until they no longer need it. You should be thankful he's got that degree of commitment.

[lollipopzikle]

for your information 'DogsBestFriend'.. my landlord is my father. Me and my partner live with my father, and thanks for quoting me! why don't you quote my bit about the owners? Surely as a dogs best friend, you'd know that the dogs only turn out, how the owners have brought them up?!?! We had to move in with my parents because the area we live in was hard to find work. Now we are both working full time, do you expect us to leave the dog at home all day?! surely not?! We've done what was best, and if you don't like it, you can f**K off!! :)