To be considering putting my dog down

[Bestdoggoever]

Please be gentle. I just want to do what is right for him. I rehome my dog from another family a couple of years ago. When I got him he was very nervous and neglected, and would flinch a lot. He is now a confident happy dog, but due to circumstances completely beyond my control, I am moving into accommodation that will not allow him. I am very worried about rehoming him again, because of all he has been through, and because I couldn't be there to protect him if anyone tried to hurt him again. I am considering having him put down. However I am worried that I am being unduly influenced by my own past, in which my mom broke several of my bones and left me malnutritioned. I suppose I know there are fates worse than death, and I want to protect him. He is only four and my boyfriend thinks I am very wrong to be considering putting him down. But so just want what's best for him. Thank you

If you Vet genuinely agrees with you that your dog should be put down solely because the dog was previously mistreated then said Vet deserves to have their licence revoked.

Can you not just be selective about who you allow to take on the dog? I would hazard a guess that the majority of dogs in the UK are not abused but i can guarantee that all dogs that have been put down are not living a happy life ()!

I guess I'm a bit messed up because of my past, and so to me it seems better than risk him being abused again. I know what it's like to go through that. However I'm aware my thought processes are not normal, which is why I'm asking for normal happy people to tell me the best course of action here

I wouldn't consider it at such a young age unless the dog was dangerous or had a long term medical condition that was difficult. There are people out there who are more than capable of handling a nervous dog and giving it a lovely new home. What breed is she/he?

I understand where you're coming from Best as I've also got a dog who would be PTS were I unable to keep her (but in her case she's old, has ongoing health issues and also some personality quirks that mean she would be difficult to rehome) but I think in your case it is worth at least considering rehoming.

I would suggest getting in touch with some local independent rescues. Quite often smaller rescues will be entirely foster based (many never use kennels at all) and they may be happy to help find him a new home whilst he stays with you. If he's a pedigree (even if you've no papers) or a recognisable type (like a lurcher) there are many breed/type specific rescues which would also be worth looking into.

And in time with a new owner he would be confident and happy with them too
If you are really an animal lover and love your dog you would do your utmost to find him a lovely new home either directly or better still through a shelter that does thorough home checks

YABU, it is actually pretty upsetting.

jumpy and shy with others

Thousands of 'jumpy and shy' dogs are rehomed by charities like The Dogs Trust, the Blue Cross and the RSPCA every year.

You really do sound determined to have this dog killed. People are giving you lots of great alternatives and you're talking yourself into having a young, healthy dog put to sleep because of your own psychological issues. You must see, surely, that this is wrong?

Some rather nasty posts here OP, I can see why you are worried and that it comes from a place of love. Both you and your dog have been abused plus you are dealing with the death of your brother and a move, it's all very traumatic and you must be struggling to deal with everything.

If your vet agrees with you then I think it would be worth a further discussion with her/him. You may also feel happier if you talk to some rescue centres - breed ones are very worthwhile contacting.

Would a short-term foster home be an option, or your boyfriend/wider family/friends?

I can totally understand where you are coming from - 2 of my dogs could probably cope with rehoming but for one of them, well I may also consider PTS to be kinder to her.

My sympathies to you at this horrible time.

Best course of action is to go through a reputable shelter who will possibly put him with experienced fosterers.
If you can help him regain confidence there will be others out there who can do the same, which is far more preferable than having a healthy dog pts.

Yabu, and I find this upsetting too.

No I want advice. I have in no way turned down suggestions or defended by thinking. If I didn't think my instincts were wrong I wouldn't be asking would I

Hi, I'm a vet. Contrary to what someone else said a vet will put your dog down if you ask them- our regulatory body ensure we do, to prevent animals being subjected to worse forms of death... However please think carefully-have you considered the dogs trust? They are much more prepared to rehabilitate dogs than the RSPCA.

Has reading these answers changed your mind?

@Bestdoggoever
I want to give you a hug as it sounds like you've had a tough life and obviously suffered a big loss. Listen to everyone here - a good rescue organisation is the best call. If you love your dog you will put the time and effort into doing this.
Whereabouts in the country are you and is your dog a particular breed? Breed specific rescues can be very helpful.

Thanks for the people who understand, I really appreciate it

Best if you can give a vague location and say what breed/type your dog is posters may be able to suggest rescues who could possibly help.

Surely no vet would agree to put down a young healthy dog?

Yes it is changing my mind. Although it wasn't made up by any means. I just wanted to do the right thing for him. And I didn't want to be selfish either.

The Dogs Trust won't put down a healthy dog, which is why, despite being a total cat person, I donate to them. Please contact them for your dog.

All that sounds really, really difficult.
And I agree that there are worse things for a dog than death

However, you clearly love your dog and are very protective of him, to the point that I wonder whether you are projecting your past experiences in to him??
Is there nobody else who could foster him for a while?
Cinnamon Trust might be worth contacting, not that I expect them to take him on, but they may have further advice.

Uni lasts for, what 3 or 4? years?
Your dog is only young and once he is PTS you cannot change your mind, even though your life circumstances might allow you a dog again.

Best of luck

Vets will try to dissuade people from putting down young healthy dogs, and may offer to regime them instead, but they are obliged to provide euthanasia if it is requested and the owner won't consent to an alternative.

No I want advice. I have in no way turned down suggestions or defended by thinking. If I didn't think my instincts were wrong

Well, you've had lots of good advice so far on rehoming options.

My sister's dog (who was about the same age as yours) was incredibly nervous and anxious when my sister adopted her and had a terrible start in life, but this was all discussed between my sister and the shelter the dog came from and my sister worked really hard to help her overcome her problems. Within three months the dog was calmer, well settled and is now really well-adjusted, adored by the entire family and the happiest dog you'd ever wish to meet. She's 12 now and still enjoying life to the full.

Please give your dog a similar chance. If you love him, surely you want him to have a full life?