Inherited dog

[TheCatInTheHat1990]

Hi, I inherited my aunts dog after she passed away in April, he was her world and she felt at peace knowing he would be coming to me. The problem is I have a cat, she is 14 and she is petrified of him. I've had the dog since January as she got really ill towards the end. He's a massive dog, he has a very loud bark which gives me a fright constantly, and also gives my 6 year old autistic daughter frights when he barks too. He's making my house dirty, casts 24/7 all year round and is wrecking my couch. My poor cat has lived upstairs since January now and I feel like I have abandoned her, she's used to popping into the garden for fresh air now and again but she won't even come down the stairs, I've tried bringing her down everyday but as soon as she moves he barks at her and she runs straight back upstairs. I don't know what to do I'm very very stressed and I feel like I'm being very unfair on my own pet who I've had for the past 14 years. I don't want to dissapoint my aunt. He is 8 years old, very strong and very spoiled , he also has started to bark at people randomly when out with him and he drags me off my feet ( I'm 4 ft 11 ) I don't know if he would be easy to rehome, I've asked all my family and friends but no one will take him.

He's always done the barking it drove her mad as well . It's not that he barks all the time it's the loudness of it that bothers me , I have tinnitus and even since taking him in its now constant high pitched noise in my ears 24/7. My aunt absolutely spoiled him rotten and treated him like a child so I think that's part of his problem lol

Thank you I'll look into it

A charity called Yappy Ever After specialise in rehoming Labs. If you're in the Derby / Nottingham / Burton area have a look on Facebook and contact them. They will look to rehome direct from you if they can, so no kennels involved

Thank you , I think he needs that as I have a daughter with autism who takes up most of my time and he was used to being spoiled and pampered day and night for 8 years

And he is a beautiful boy

I'm am in Glasgow Scotland but will definitely look into something like that after the holidays

Sorry for the loss of your Aunt OP.

I can see why you are torn, but keeping the dog just isn’t going to work.

The dog sounds like is he/she is used to one to one and just doesn’t fit into a household with a child and existing pet. This isn’t your fault.

Try to think of it like this, your Aunt would want her dog to be happy with a new owner that can make it their world, this would be so much better for all of you.

You have no reason to feel guilty you would be doing the right thing for your Aunt, dog and family.

Good luck.

@TheCatInTheHat1990 Please don't go through random rehoming charities and go to a Labrador or Retriever specific one. He should be relatively easy to rehome to an experienced home but it will need a knowledgeable charity to do this. We have had rescue labs and the ones that have been through FB rehoming tor preloved type sites end up being passed on and on until they have issues. They are a lovely breed but he will also be missing your aunt. They are so loyal.

Thank you I have tried my best , he is fantastic with children my daughter doesn't bother with animals tho she just acts is if they're not there . It's the bark that scares her but I think he does need someone who can give him all the time as that's what he is used to, he is one spoiled doggy

He will definitely be missing his mummy they were inseparable bless him, he is a lovely boy and just loves attention and cuddles. If I were to go down that route I would definitely do my research as I'd need to be assured he was going to a loving place as I really do love him I've been around him since he was a pup .

This is who I was thinking of as well. They do have volunteers and fosters who do pick ups and drops off to other fosters. Might be a few people needed in the chain from Glasgow but worth contacting them.

Hi OP, I’ve had 3 labradors from Labrador rescue charities. The nearest to you I think is Labrador retriever rescue Scotland. www.lrrss.co.uk.
Hope you get something sorted.

I think the dog himself might be happier in a more dog-oriented household. He is used to not sharing his owner, and he is clearly not a cat enthusiast, not on his own patch.