Hard decision to rehome.

[shuz1980]

Our life is very different now to what is was due to lockdown. Due to being a key worker I am working more than ever and my dog is alone much more than he has ever been. He has everything and more from me except time. Im in two minds whether rehoming him would be better for him but the thought breaks my heart. I don't know what to do! Anyone been in a similar situation?

Could you afford a dog Walker? Break up the day for doggie?

Or maybe find someone to help on borrow my dog website?

The current situation isn't forever though. Would you regret it down the line?

Is your new schedule permanent?

If it is temporary I would look at daycare / dog walker or perhaps a trusted local teen who could do with a break from their own household for an hour or 2 a day who would spend time in your house with dog (I think it would be allowed under animal welfare).

If it's going to be permanent then I agree, a more difficult decision might need to be made.

Also how distressed your dog is at being alone. Although no dog would be happy , some would be more chilled than others about being left for extended periods

Us dog walkers are still working, and some of us have gaps in our schedules thanks to the live entertainment and events industry being in such a state - my business for some reason was very heavy on clients in this type of work. A regular walker might help you and ddog to get through this period. And possibly be something handy for the future too - a fair number of our clients are occasional bookings only, for days out, weddings etc.

How old is the dog?
Dog Walker is a good plan to break up the day for him/her.

Why did you get a dog during lockdown when you knew you would be going back to work and unable to meet its needs??

@Babamamananarama

Why did you get a dog during lockdown when you knew you would be going back to work and unable to meet its needs??

She didn’t say that. She said that she is now working more since lockdown

My mistake, apologies OP, I misread your post.

There are so so so many dogs being handed to rescues currently - or flogged on gumtree/pets4homes who were purchased during lockdown and whose owners have since realised that they can't really care for them.

How many hours are you working a week ? Most people have a break. Is it possible to drive home let the dog out during your dinner break. Alternatively there are dog care centres. If it were my dog I would say no to the extra hours.

If you can afford the dog itself and the bills/food/expense related then surely you can afford a dog walker?

I would join borrowmydoggy. I've had loads of people wanting to walk rookiedog since lockdown- we don't really need a walker anymore as kept the dog walker going and as we're wfh now he has all the company he needs. You can check how many borrowers are in your area before signing up for paid membership.