A couple of weeks ago, friends of our made the painful decision that they should rehome their 3 year-old lab. They're in a tiny one-bed flat, with a small garden but since the birth of their first DC they have realised they can't afford a bigger property with garden in London and have admitted the dog is probably not getting the attention she needs.
I found them the perfect new owners - friends who dog sit my own dog - a child-free couple in their forties, who live in the country, are financially secure enough to not have to work and who have the time and inclination to give the dog a fantastic life. It couldn't be a more perfect arrangement.
In the course of my match-making I asked the owners loads of questions and the answers made me really sad... She was only walked twice a week before their DC was born (so is hardly ever walked now), she is left alone all the working day and in the pictures they sent me of her she looked utterly miserable. It convinced me they are absolutely right to give her up.
The problem is, now they are stalling for sentimental reasons and want to wait a few weeks - a few weeks where their dog is left all day in a tiny garden with no exercise. I have told them gently I think this is unfair but I'm not sure if I can do more.
Could any more experienced owners give me some advice? I'm not sure it counts as cruelty but it's not ideal.
Would it be a good idea for me to offer to 'foster' her for a few weeks so
the transition is easier (for them) or would it confuse the dog more?
Help! I am having sleepless nights.