should I rehome Bichon

[toffeecupcake]

I have a bichon, about 4. She was given to me in a car park because the owner couldnt keep her anymore and was going to take her to Battersea where she was told she would be put to sleep (dont know if this is true). I think she was used for breeding. Anyway I have to go back to work but that would mean leaving her for long hours. I was only meant to foster her until i found a new home for her but a year on and we still have her. she is the most loving loyal dog we have had and loves company. Would it be unfair to keep her or should i find a new home where someone is home most of the day. I dont know what to do, i feel really guilty.

I very much doubt that a healthy bichon would have been put down at Battersea, they are very sought after.

We have a bichon and we do sometimes work long hours. Dh was a student and at home quite a lot when we first had him but now he is very content to lie and sleep when we are out. They can have lazy tendancies (except for that buzz thing they do)

What do you call long hours? We leave at 8.00am and get back in around 6.00pm.

I don't think it's fair to leave dogs on their own all day. I'm lucky that I don't often have to leave mine. If I do, luckily I have met some fellow dog owners who will either have mine or come and let them out into the garden.

I can really understand that you must love her and not want to let her go. Could you find someone to help with dog sitting? Some do it for money and some just do it for the love of doggies! There are often older people who's have dogs that have died and they don't want to take on the commitment of another dog. Maybe ask at your local vets? My vets have a few adverts like these. I also know a few people who do this. Have you met fellow dog walkers in your area who may help out?

My friend had to leave her dog, she had separated from DH and was at work all day.

She installed a dog flap, the dog was a westie.

If she ever used to go home in her lunchtime the dog was aunbathing with the cat on the lawn as happy as anything.

If you do have to rehome, we'll have her

Some dogs are okay to be left alone. Some don't like it. You won't know until you try it. I would give it a go and see how she copes, before considering rehoming.

I wouldn't go from being home a lot to suddenly out a lot though. Could you start spending a bit more time out of the house and build it up so it's not such a shock to her.

Other things to consider -
Make sure there are plenty of toys to keep her occupied
Walk her before work
Any local dog walkers/teenagers who would be happy to take her out for you? My local dog walking service is £5 for an hour and they will bring your dog back home and settle her back in making sure she has fresh water
Any elderly neighbours who would love a dog but can't cope with walking one? They might be willing to sit with her.

There are dogsitters in our area but they charge alot and i couldnt afford it. I feel guilty about leaving her but then i also feel guilty about rehoming her and her having to get used to new people again. If i knew she'd be alright on her own then i would keep her. I'm looking for jobs that are roughly 5 hours a day but have to take into account travel. Do you think keeping a radio on low would make it less stressful for her.

I don't think 5-6 hours per day is that bad, actually. It's not ideal, but there are far worse ways to treat a dog.

My vets actually has an advert up atm, requesting not only people to walk dogs in their spare time for the elderly who cannot cope with walking but don't want to give up their beloved pet, but also for people who have dogs that could stay with an older person for the day. Probably people like another person mentioned - who have lost their beloved pet and can't/don't want to commit fully to another dog. So it is worth asking at your vets.

4 hours is ideally the time a dog is left alone, mainly due to them needing to go out to the toilet, but maybe you could pay someone to come in and let her out? (a neighbour would be ideal.) You could also take her out for a walk/run around in the morning which should make her sleepy for a while and then a good walk in the evening. even though they are small bichons seem to be very energetic and bouncy. I'd say working around your current situation is a much better option than rehoming her though as it sounds like she is in a great home at the moment!