Feel so sad that I've had to rehome my dog to my parents

[elm26]

I've had him for 9 years, he is a sprocker spaniel and the most amazing, loyal, beautiful natured boy. He is well trained and has never caused us any issues.

He's been with me through multiple miscarriage, anxiety and depression. He's been by my side through it all and I love him so much.

Ever since our 1 year old DD was born, he hasn't been himself, he stopped playing, stopped bringing us toys, he mopes around and seems genuinely sad.

He is always gentle with her, I don't let her hassle him, she is allowed to stroke him when we say she can but he seems permanently stressed by the general chaos of the place, the noise, the toys. He has his own corner with his crate, bed, food and water that DD isn't to go near.

I noticed that when we visit my parents on the weekend (they adore him and take him on holiday with them for a week a year, he also stays some weekends if we have plans that means that we will be out of the house for more than a few hours), he starts his playfulness again, he takes himself out to the garden and lays in the sun (we have had to move into a first floor flat for the foreseeable), he is bouncy and playful again, the dog I used to know. As soon as we are home, he reverts back to wanting to be left alone, not interested in his toys etc.

So, my parents offered to rehome him and I've broke my own heart here agreeing to it because he is so much happier. He gets peace and quiet, he gets a garden, he gets undivided attention. I feel so guilty, sad, lost without him but I know (think?!) I'm doing right by him. He is getting old, he has arthritis, I just want him to spend his last however many years happy. We will still see him every weekend, we will be having him when they go abroad etc.

Have I done the right thing here? My heads all over the place.

You've done absolutely the right thing for a dog that is getting older, he can be comfortable, himself, and you can still see him. I'd do that in a heartbeat if our dog was obviously uncomfortable at home. You've done the right thing for him.

Oh OP, I have a 4 year old cocker and I completely understand how much you love your boy. It sounds like it's the best thing for everyone, he'll love living with his granny, all that fuss and attention. And he'll still get to see you every weekend and come for holidays. It must be so difficult but I truly think you're doing the best thing. Be kind to yourself

You've done the best thing for him, though I understand how hard it must be for you.

Well done OP, you have done something difficult .
You acted in the best interests of your dog rather han yourself and that makes you a fantastic pet owner.
You still get to see him and he will be much happier so its a win all round

Well done OP, you love your dog so much you have put him before yourself.

You have done the right thing, he will be happy and well cared for and you can still see him as much as you want.

You have done the absolute best thing for him, you have made him happy and you can still go and give him a cuddle when you visit.

yes you have done the right thing for all of you. Dogs can get very stressed out by toddlers.. Slightly not the same but just to reassure you, we rehomed two lovely cats who were very distressed when their owners baby became a toddler. They used to stay in the garden all day and only come in when he went to bed. Their owners were distraught but decided to rehome them. We got them 12 years ago, they settled in with us and have long and happy lives with us. one of them has died now but the other is still with us!

I’m so sorry but really glad you are putting your dog first.

You've absolutely done the right thing, I can't imagine how hard it is for you though.

Absolutely the right thing. And with less stress for the dog as he is already used to being at your mum's house so no stress with moving to a brand new home with strange new people.

This ^^

You put your dogs happiness over yours and have given your dog the best environment for your dogs welfare. You can keep your relationship knowing that what your doing is whats right for him. Well done.

Yes you have and refreshing someone is putting their dog first. I’m sure it wasn’t an easy decision to make.

Oh I can "feel" your upset see how it goes he might be fine as a dogshare and you can have him over for an afternoon,

You're just proving how much you love him by doing the best thing for him. It must be heart wrenching but you will get to see him and see him at his best again when you do. You're a great example of doing right by him no matter how you feel.

Totally done the right thing and at least you still get to see him and he's happy.

We had to let one of our dogs go and live with my inlaws when we moved to a house he just couldn't settle in. He was scared of the fences as he couldn't see the neighbours dogs through them and it was awful for him.

So we did what you've done and moved him in with grandma and grandad. He had the best time of his life and was so happy with them for years. We saw him at least twice a week and it was obvious how much happier he was.

FIL insisted on calling him a "useless, bloody dog" and told anyone who would listen that he "only took him in as the girls cried" but the reality was he adored the stupid beast and was often seen with him in his lap at the kitchen table sharing his lunch (the "useless, bloody dog" in question was a 50kg pit bull!!).

Its a really hard decision to make but your doggo will love you for making it.

You have put the needs of your beloved dog first. You have shown him live and understanding. Sorry itw a hard time

You've absolutely done the right thing, you've put his happiness and welfare above your own and as others have said that makes you a fantastic owner. You should feel pride rather than guilt. It'll be tough for you and you'll miss him immensely, but I think seeing him happier will help. You obviously care about him a huge amount. I wish more owners were like you.

Yes, you have done the right thing by him. Don't be hard on yourself - you are thinking of him.

You absolutely did the right thing, but I can see it would really hurt. The mark of a good pet owner is that they put their pet's welfare first, even though it can be really difficult.

Take care of yourself💐

Edited for stupid typo

Definitely the right thing OP, sad as it is for you.

You have done a wonderful, kind and selfless thing for your dog.

I know two people who had to do similar. It might be unpopular with so.e... but the dogs were really stressed out by the baby/toddler. One case, it was the parents in the countryside, and in the other, them and their Ex just alternated who had the dog and who had the baby.

Right decision definitely, your lovely dog is happy! I understand exactly why you feel sad, I would too but think of it in terms that he chose for himself. And you'll still get to see him and hear all about how he is. It's really nice that your parents wanted and were able to take him in.

When I was born my parents cat left home and went to live with a neighbour. My husband is one of four (very rowdy by all accounts) children. His mum took one of their cats to the vet because she was moping and not eating. Vet asked about the household and declared the cat was "depressed". Cat then went to live in a nunnery down the road where i expect there was plenty of peace and quiet 😂. Some pets just aren't keen on babies and small children.

Definitely you have done the right thing. How lovely he's with your parents, hopefully you can see him.. he's getting older,has arthritis,he probably doesn't want to play like he used to. I've got a 9 year old BC,she's laying by me now. She had a very good park run at 8, before it got hot. She will chase and occasionally bring a ball back to you, she doesn't bring toys anymore. Now we have another BC, just turned one, she brings toys and balls most of the day,she's "helping" daddy in the garden, digging holes and he's filling them up!