Moving an old dog.

[kayzisexpecting]

We have recently moved into a house with a garden and we really want a dog.

My Dad has an old dog who is about 17 and we would like to have him, only problem is we live 150 miles away. I grew up with the dog and he knows me very very well.

My Dad works very long hours and can only take him out once a week, the dog is alone for around 12 hours a day Mon-Fri. My Dad has asthma(sp) and the fur can sometimes make him feel very ill. The dog was left with Dad when my parents got divorced. The RSPCA won't take him due to his age and some of Dads friends have suggested leaving him in a layby but my Dad couldn't do that to him.

I am now on Mat Leave so have time to walk him and TBH it would do me good to as it means I will have to exercise to shift the baby weight.

But we are very worried the move would kill him as he is so old. Any thoughts on if the stress of moving would cause any health problems?

Thanks

He's old would be a shame to move him. But if the is option to be left alone the way he
is would be tempted to do it.

What about vet's bills? Are you prepared to take all this on?

Well we were planning on getting a puppy anyway so the vet bills are no problem. We're not bothered by the cost of things just the impact it would have on him.

sounds like he'd have a better life with you than your dad. (and shame on your dad's friends ). I would take him to a vet's to get an opinion as to how he'd cope. but personally I doubt the change/journey would harm him.

I am a bit worried that Dad would be really upset as he adores him but he can always see him when he visits.

I'm going to talk to him about it and see what he thinks. Dad is coming to visit in December so could bring him up then.

I think you should have him, but yes get a vets opinion first on the travelling. Think you could offer him the best care for the end time of his life. Good luck.

Oh, definately take him!! 12 hours a day, alone is awful. Then the long night asleep on top.

You can do your best to make his final time as loving as possible!!

I would not even think twice. And if your dad brings him up, perfect.

Is the dog likely to get stressed by a new baby ? My old dog got quite stressed by the crying.

Would it not be kinder, in all honesty, to put the dog to sleep rather than move him so far to a possibly stressful new life ?

Or could your dad not arrange for someone to visit him/take him out during the day ?

Not an easy decision for either of you.

The new baby is unlikely to stress him out. He is very used to kids and babies.

He did ask my sister to let him out during the day but she did it twice and then said she didn't have time to walk him despite not working and doing nothing all day.

We're not going to have him put down while he is still healthy and happy.

countingto10 what a crass comment in suggesting that he is put to sleep. everybody and every animal feels the stress of moving. but with loads of understanding and nuture he will adapt!