I am prepared for a kicking, but should I rehome my two dogs

[dogdilema]

I have name changed for this, I know I am going to get flamed and I am prepared for that

I have two giant breed dogs, I love them to bits I really really do. But I think they have a pretty crappy life with me

They are cooped up in the house most of the time, we have no garden, they don't get walked half as often as they should be

I feel terrible about all of this, really I do. I know it is my fault, but all I can say in my defense is that circumstances have changed so much since we got them...I would have never considered getting them if I'd known how things would turn out

They deserve so much more, I would be so upset to lose them but I want them to have a better life

So should I rehome them? The thought of them in a shelter breaks my heart (one is a recue dog, I just don't know how he'd cope) I wouldn't rehome by myself as who knows where they'd end up, but the alternative is a rubbish life here where they are loved but not looked after properly, I do not know what to do

Exactly how different were your circumstances when you got them? (Just need to decided whether a proper full-on kicking is in order before I move forward with the matter in hand.) But yes, it does sound as if you should. If you think you should then you prbably know the answer.

What breed are they?

Well the main difference is that when I got them I was fit and healthy and now I am (mostly) confined to a wheelchair. I also had a garden but have had too move due to my disabilities and now only have a small yard

They are great dane/mastiff crosses, they are huge but gorgeous and so so good natured. Their size is one of the reasons I would be so worried about the homes they might go to...we once got stopped by a man who told us what good great fighting dogs they'd make and to let us know if they ever had a litter as he'd be interested

I think I'm going to have to give them up aren't I, I have always rescued dogs, I never thought I'd be the one abandoning them

Well, obviously, if you were able-bodied and with a garden and now you are not, and without a garden, then first of all STOP BLAMING YOURSELF. No kicking required whatsoever.

But yes, the breed worries me a more than little - mastiffs and mastiff crosses are very popular with the 'wrong' sort of pople at the moment so only an experienced and completely ethical rescue expert should be trusted with rehoming them for you.

I would ask (as they are not a breed that would need loads of exercise) whether it would be possible to pay for a dog walking service, then they have you for love and company, but are you even able to let them outside for the odd wee between walks?

Do you live alone? Are there other able bodied adults in the house?

Dog walker might be the first route to try, assuming they're generally happy and you'd like to keep them, also assuming you've no partner/children to help out.

Also worth mentioning the rescue dog I have HAS to go back to the rescue, should we ever need to rehome, so bear that in mind. Good luck.

dont give them up! they are loved and have a safe, warm home.

a friend of friend set up a charity two years ago just to help people in your situation. i can vouch for them. i have mobility problems too and have 3 dogs. this charity offers free dog walking. all volunteers are vetted and references checked. unlike the cinnamon trust (another great org) this charity caters for people of all ages. i would recommend you contact them asap as it can take a while to match volunteers. if anyone reading this would like to volunteer please do, as usual there are not enough volunteers to match with clients

its www.papas.org.uk

also OP keep them for your sake. dogs are great company especially when you are at home a lot due to ill health

when i feel guilty i remind myself that my dogs have company most of the day every day. they wouldnt have this if i was out at work full time. they have a warm house, very warm as i have to keep house warmer than usual. they are safe and well cared for. dont underestimate the safe aspect especially if you have dogs which could be used for fighting

also, its hard to do but think about asking family/friends for help with dog walking as well. sometimes you have to ask the obvious for people to realise you need help, despite it being obvious

have you thought about teaching dogs games/tasks you can orchestrate from a sitting position? this would stimulate them mentally and physically. it wont replace a walk, which they still need, but is good for them and you

No kicking here either. Presumably you didn't actively choose that your life would change in this way so I really don't see how you can be held responsible. Sometimes there are genuine reasons for needing to rehome.

BUT...I'm also in the 'don't rehome' camp. Dogs need exercise, yes. But there's one thing they need more than that and that's love which they have with you.

Excellent idea of chick to contact Papas, also is there anyone else who can do it for you? Do you receive any care at home from social services etc? If so can you speak to your carers about this? You never know, one may have a willing teenager! I'd have leapt at the chance to walk a dog regularly when I was a teenager and I'd have done it for free!

Also are they any hiking / ramblers associations near you? Worth asking if anyone wants a dog to accompany them!

I'd add to all that if I could but don't think I can! Please don't blame yourself for being poorly. :(

Excellent suggestions here, I hope that they are of help.

I would say that if you do decide to rehome there are many good Dane/large breed rescues in the Uk

I have sent you a PM, OP

OP - are you ok? please feel free to pm me if you want

just reread your OP and your dogs dont have a rubbish life. they are loved, thousands of dogs arent. there are dogs being killed every day because they have no-one to love them. yours have a safe, loving home. they just need more exercise, that is all. exercise is important, of course it is, but yours have love and safety. i hope you dont underestimate what you give them

You aren't considering getting rid of your dogs on a whim, your circumstances have changed, your health has changed.

Hopefully the dog walking charity will be of use to you as it is obvious you care for your dogs.

what a fantastic charity chicken!!!!
i think i will get i touch with them to volunteer

bemybebe - please do. its run by a lovely woman. i have seen first hand the difference it can make to the owners, the dogs and the people who volunteer. we have made some lifetime friends

hey Chick, Thanks for pointing out that charity. Downloading volunteer form now

goldenbrown - that is great news

Perhaps there is some kind of doggy daycare near you OP? When Im stuck y dog goes to My Pet Stop. I couldnt afford it every day as some do but a half day is £10 and she comes back shattered. Ours even do pick ups (probably an extra fee though).

It's such a shame you are having to consider this but you have their welfare at heart so please don't beat yourself up over it, that wont help them. I love Mastiff crosses, such beautiful dogs.

OP, please come back and let us know what solution you've found.