Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To get a dog for my Grandads benefit?

63 replies

TartanDr3ams · 12/04/2018 13:35

Short backstory..

After my grandma passed away my grandad took up walking and quit smoking to try and better his own health. Started as mainly trips to the library and such.
My auntie had a new puppy at the time. 12 weeks after getting said puppy it came out that her husband had a second family so he left her with the dog and 2 kids. She had to up her hours so my grandad took on the dog during the day and took him home in the evenings. He would walk milessss! He doted on that dog. We bought him a cheap mobile phone and off he went for miles each day with Monty.
Unfortunately 11 years on Monty got renal cancer and had to be put to sleep.
My grandad still tries to walk but says he has much less motivation to do so without the dog. He doesnt want to adopt/buy a new dog cause hes getting on a bit (although still fully able atm) and hes no experience of night times with dogs and worries about the full time prospect. He always, however, jumps at the chance to dog-sit when his neigjbours are away etc.

Me and my DP bought a house 9months ago and had always said we would probably get a dog in our second year. He works shifts and is home during the day every second week and week 5 in a 6 week rolling rota (so home during the day 4 in every 6 weeks) i work 9-5. Im home every night from 6 and DP is home every night from midnight.

Would it be at all unreasonable to move the dog plan forward and let my grandad have him/her during the day when DP is at work? I know to some this would seem an easy yes/no decision, but i worry ive forgot something and would really like to get this right.

Btw, grandad only lives a 10min walk away from ours so getting dog to him and back would be easy

OP posts:
FrancisCrawford · 13/04/2018 07:44

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Allgirlskidsanddogs · 13/04/2018 07:48

It sounds as if you’ve given it plenty of consideration. It’s a wonderful thing to do to help your GF and I’m sure the dog will bring you all happiness. I hope you find the right dog quickly.

pilates · 13/04/2018 07:49

Great update. Perfect solution for all of you 😀

readyforapummelling · 13/04/2018 07:52

Oooo I like this thread! Dog gets a home, grandad gets a fluffy daytime companion.

Please keep us updated!!! Smile

FabulouslyFab · 13/04/2018 07:53

Love this! I hope the right pooch is waiting for you! 💝

Cyberworrier · 13/04/2018 07:59

What a lovely story! So nice of you and for your grandpa. Enjoy!

ditavonteesed · 13/04/2018 08:09

Blatant place marking, how wonderful for all of you.

Moxiebelle · 13/04/2018 08:09

This sounds lovely. Update us on how it goes at the rescue.

strawberrypenguin · 13/04/2018 08:12

Sounds perfect. Hope you meet a lovely dog to give a home to this afternoon.

McDougal · 13/04/2018 08:22

What a lovely thread. I hope you all find a wonderful dog this afternoon Smile

Spookle · 13/04/2018 08:28

What a lovely heartwarming thread. God luck this afternoon but take your time to make sure you get the best dog to suit you all.

Don't forget it is compulsory for you to show us a photo once you have found your DDog.

I have a lump in my throat at the thought of a little dog having a new home soon Flowers

TartanDr3ams · 13/04/2018 09:33

I cant concentrate at work, im too excited! Im only here for 2 hours to fill in some paperwork before the weekend!

Thanks for all the lovely comments, ill definitely update and hopefully have pictures!

OP posts:
Beetle76 · 13/04/2018 09:41

Oh hooray! Sounds like a win-win for all of you. I was going to suggest checking if the cinnamon trust has anyone needing help in your area (if you don’t know the cinnamon trust, they have volunteers to help out people during periods of illness when there is no one to walk the dog etc. They also help rehome dogs when dog owners go into full time care / hospice etc)

theymademejoin · 13/04/2018 09:43

That's fantastic. That's such a lovely thing that you're doing.

I'm sure you've already thought of it but I would try and get a dog that is good on the lead so there is no issue with your grandad managing him/her safely. Also, smaller/lighter dog would be sensible too.

Check how the dog reacts to other dogs/people too as you don't want any issues when walking..

And please, post a picture when you've decided.

pomelo33 · 13/04/2018 10:02

@TartanDr3ams OP how brilliant! This is a lovely heart-warming story and I look forward to updates. (I love dogs, and really enjoyed the 14 years our family had with our border collie mix rescue)

blitzen · 13/04/2018 10:26

Our local animal shelter encourages volunteers to walk the dogs. Do you have a shelter nearby?

TartanDr3ams · 13/04/2018 10:30

blitzen the only shelter nearby that he could get to without relying on lifts has a really long volunteer waiting list unfortunately.

30mins to go before I can go see some cute dogs!

OP posts:
LadyLancelot · 13/04/2018 10:35

Ah how sweet sounds like a great solution and hopefully a nice older dog gets a lovely new home/s!

TartanDr3ams · 13/04/2018 12:09

Meet Zeus! Hes a 20month old mix-breed. The picture makes him look quite big, but he actually stands quite short. Hes playful but very calm, he doesnt jump up you etc but does love attention. We took him on a walk around the rescue fields and he walks well on lead - though he does keep stopping to check you're still there bless him. Unfortunately his previous owner had a car accident and was left with limited mobility. Although Zeus is very calm natured, hes still young and has energy to burn so the owner knew it wasnt fair to keep him cooped up while he went through intensive recovert. The rescue centre were great and 100% on board with our plan once they heard that we are able to pay for doggy day care should my grandad be unable at any point to continue/need a break. We've been asked to bring along a blanket or soft toy each (me+dp and grandad) that has been washed in our wash detergent and kept in our homes for at least 3 days. We have 4 45min+ stay and play sessions booked over the next 2 weeks to ensure that we all get on and then he can come home at the begining of May!

To get a dog for my Grandads benefit?
OP posts:
Gotthetshirt23 · 13/04/2018 12:09

Awesome !!! Very best of luck Smile

IrianOfW · 13/04/2018 12:11

What a gorgeous lad! So exciting

UpstartCrow · 13/04/2018 12:12

Is he a Shar Pei mix?

IrianOfW · 13/04/2018 12:13

Re the look around to check on you, our rescue did that all the time for the first 6m or so - look up to see you were still there, quick eye contact and then he'd be satisfied all was OK. Good luck

IrianOfW · 13/04/2018 12:13

Re the look around to check on you, our rescue did that all the time for the first 6m or so - look up to see you were still there, quick eye contact and then he'd be satisfied all was OK. Good luck

FrancisCrawford · 13/04/2018 12:19

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Swipe left for the next trending thread