I think my dog has ruined his last chance :(

[riseshine]

I'm in a horrible situation. I've been in hospital for nearly 2 weeks recovering from pneumonia and sepsis.

3 days ago our dog, a westie, bit my daughter badly enough on her hand that she has had to have treatment at hospital.

It's been so awful when I'm stuck in hospital and I can't be with her to comfort her or make rational decision about what to do.

Unfortunately this isn't the first time, 6 months ago he bit my youngest daughters hand. And has snapped at us all on a few occasions.

He is a lovely dog, but on his terms, he is getting progressively more grumpy and often growls if you get too close if he's not in the mood etc

Although I'm devastated I feel like it would be irresponsible to not find a new home for him - my husband has dealt with the whole situation badly, blaming my daughter and saying that we just have to stay out of his way.

Please help me make sense of what to do :(

[VivienneWestwoodsKnickers]

Does that mean you've made any decisions on the best course of action?

[MoonfaceAndSilky]

Hope you're feeling better riseshine
Are they people you know? Have you come to a decision?

[riseshine]

No they are friends of a friend who have rescued dogs before - i don't think they'll take him - I was very honest about his bad behaviour - why would anyone take a dog that has bitten when there's so many TK rescue that haven't ?
They did love him and I explained he is thjs lovely dog 99% of the time but there is that over side and I couldn't ever fully trust him

I have the number for a westie rescue to try as well

I want to give him a reasonable chance of a new home as long as no one is at risk (kids etc)

But failing that it will have to be time to think about PTS

[riseshine]

Update !

I got in touch with a westie rescue woman today and within an hour of talking to her she called me with news of a lady that has been looking to rehome a westie after losing hers in September at Age 17 - she's on her own, dedicates her life to walking , petting , feeding her dog and apparently is overjoyed at the prospect of rehoming our dog

Knows exactly what he's done and is happy to take him, very experienced with dogs and westies with their "westitude" and grumpiness.

I spoke to her for ages on the phone and came off the phone feeling so relieved that even tho it's going to be hard I really feel
He's going to a better home , even though we love him to bits. She will have so much time for him.

I'm taking him to meet her tomorrow - cross your fingers it goes well!!!

[MoonfaceAndSilky]

Oh that's such good news and a big relief for you.
Hopefully it goes well, I'll be keeping everything crossed

[amethyst74]

That is FANTASTIC NEWS! I am so happy for you and your dog. Well done for reaching out to someone for help. There are some wonderful people in the dog rescue world. Wishing you the best for a full recovery from your illness...

[riseshine]

I feel so blessed that I've been able to find a happy ending in all of this.

I took him to meet her today, she is madly in love with him already.

He goes to her permanently tomorrow very emotional :(

[WaitrosePigeon]

I'm glad it's worked out for you. It will be hard but sounds like he has a lovely home to go to.

[Branleuse]

Thats great news. Hope he doesnt bite her.

[WaitrosePigeon]

I'm glad it's worked out for you. It will be hard but sounds like he has a lovely home to go to.

[riseshine]

Well, my lovely pooch moved out at 3pm this afternoon

I hope he is happy in his new home despite leaving a house of broken hearts in this one.

Thank you for all of your responses x

[MoonfaceAndSilky]

It was the right thing to do for your kids and for the dog.
Glad it all worked out for you.