Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Original poster

Re-homing my gorgeous lab

20 replies

minmooch · 01/04/2012 17:01

i am in a terrible situation and would be glad of advice. I have a gorgeous two year old male yellow lab. He is KC registered, has been done and is gorgeous in looks and nature. I love him completely. Unfortunately my eldest son was diagnosed with a brain tumor 5 months ago. We have somehow got thru the last few months with husband walking the dog. Husband cannot cope with situation (my son, his step-son) and we are splitting. Husband does not want our beautiful dog - he has always seen him as mine and finds walking him every day tedious. My son has at least a year of further chemotherapy ahead of him. He is currently very disabled and I am his full time carer. I think I have to be realistic and think about rehoming our gorgeous dog. I know that I will be spending part of the next year in hospital with my son (we have only been home for two weeks after 4 half months in hospital). I can't bear the thought of having to say goodbye to my dog but I don't know how I will be able to give him the care he deserves whilst my son is so ill. I don't know where or how to start this process. I have friends who will help out but this is a long term situation and I need to be sensible. Your advice would be greatly appreciated.

OP posts:
cakemix · 01/04/2012 17:08

Hi, just spoke to my DH, he agrees, if you are anywhere near midlands, we will have your lab until you are able to have him back...sort of foster, if that would help?

D0oinMeCleanin · 01/04/2012 17:11

Have you contacted Cinamon Trust?

If they have volunteers in your area they'd be ahppy to assist you in keeping your dog.

I'm so sorry about your son. Give him big hugs from me. And give yourself one too.

If rehoming is the only option your first port of call should be the breeder. A decent breeder will insist on taking the dog back herself and will have contacts for rehoming such dogs. The next step would be your local breed rescue.

Maybe ask friends/family if they'd be willing to help. Or a local rescue if there are any fosterers in your area who'd look after your dog when you were unavailable and assist with walks. I for one, would be only to happy to help, in a situation like this.

Mama1980 · 01/04/2012 17:12

Oh good heavens what a awful situation I do hope your son is as well as he can be. Where abouts are you?

noinspiration · 01/04/2012 17:13

The cinnamon trust might be able to help too.
Cakemix - lovely offer Smile

noinspiration · 01/04/2012 17:14

x-post....

cakemix · 01/04/2012 17:25

Thanks noinspiration. Really feel for OP in heartwrenching situation. Have done something similar before...fostered a cat and 11yrs later she is happily curled up next to me, owner was not able to have her back.
Minmooch, hope your son improves and you are alright, you sound incredibly strong and caring.

Original poster
minmooch · 01/04/2012 17:40

I am in Hertfordshire. My son is 16 and just over 6 ft tall. He is having to re-learn how to walk as the tumor is sited in the part of the brain that controls co-ordination and balance. He is an inspiration, fighting hard but we are a very long way from walking our dog together. I have a younger son too but don't want to put too much responsibility on his shoulders - he too has enough to cope with watching his brother go through this. The problem is not being able to plan anything as I have to go to the hospital at a moments notice if my son is ill. Then sort out my other son. It's all very traumatic and our gorgeous pooch has provided some much needed light hearted moments during these terrible months. But I have to be sensible.

I will look into the cinamon trust and talk to the breeder. Thank you for giving me somewhere to start.

Cakemix - thank you for your offer - you have made me cry.

OP posts:
kilmuir · 01/04/2012 17:44

Hope you can sort something out as I know I get comfort from my dogs . Wish you and your family well

cakemix · 01/04/2012 17:56

Oh minmooch, don't cry, just know it's a truely genuine offer, we would love to help. I hope you get something sorted, something that gives you peace of mind. All the best with your son's recovery xx

DaisySteiner · 01/04/2012 17:58

OP, if the cinnamon trust or breeder can't help, then I might be able to transport your dog to cakemix if that would be of use?

sb6699 · 01/04/2012 18:06

I'm in herts and have a 3 yo black lab boy. If you're near me, maybe I could help with walks.

Cinnamon trust definately have walkers near here as I know an elderly lady who uses them.

Could you try a dogsitting service to give you some respite for a few days.

Fluffycloudland77 · 01/04/2012 18:06

Could you hire a dog walker? One of our relatives has a dog walker.

sb6699 · 01/04/2012 18:08

Or if you're close enough I wouldn't mind having him here for a few days at a time.

PuggyMum · 01/04/2012 18:09

This thread has made me cry x we adopted our pugs when we bought a house and the owners were emigrating.

I hope you find a solution that works for you and the offers of help from strangers reminds me that the world is not a bad place after all x

Wishing your son a speedy recovery x

Slubberdegullion · 01/04/2012 18:18

Oh my goodness what a heart wrenching decision for you minmooch. Wishing your son a full and speedy recovery and that the situation with your dog can be resolved with the suggestions on this thread.

cakemix · 01/04/2012 19:02

That's a lovely offer daisysteiner :) thanks

Toughasoldboots · 01/04/2012 19:07

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Flatbread · 01/04/2012 20:47

Minmooch, do you have a support structure around? This is so much for one person to handle! Having to deal with taking care of your son and the emotional toll from your marriage.

I would be happy to help in any way. Please do let me know.

Best wishes for your son. Cakemix or one of the rehoming places should be able to help find a lovely place for him.

Original poster
minmooch · 09/04/2012 08:29

Thank you all for your kindness. Husband has agreed that whilst we are both still in the house he will take our gorgeous lab out on his walks. I have now made an arrangement with a friend who will take and look after Dpooch if I need to go into hospital with my son. I have also spoken to Cinamon Trust, they have walkers here and when the time comes to move they will help with walks etc.

I find it all so sad but am very grateful for your advice as I feel I have been able to make some arrangements for help with looking after and keeping Ddog.

Flatbread - my parents, good friends and ex-h are being supportive with regards my son but at the end of the day full time care is my responsibility. I have always been very independent and find it incredibly hard to accept I need help and to ask for it. My son's illness means that I do need help. I will be in touch with Macmillan nurses to see how they can help us.

Thank you all again fir your kindness.

OP posts:
AramisAthosAndHarvey · 09/04/2012 10:24

minmooch, I've pm'd you.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page