Rehoming.....

[Nickabilla]

I have 3 young DC and 2 dogs. Our youngest was a rescue puppy and has grown into an absolutely amazing dog, but very big and bouncy.

DH and I split up 3 months ago and I am really struggling to meet our younger dog's needs. I am getting him out when I can but he needs a lot of exercise. I find it very difficult taking the two dogs out with my two youngest DC (youngest pulls on lead which makes it even harder) so it is a question of when a friend or family member looks after DC I take dogs out. They play in the garden a lot but we are moving to a smaller house with a tiny garden in a couple of weeks.

Some family friends would love to take the youngest dog on, they are really lovely, love the dog, work from home, have a huge garden and go on lots of outdoorsy holidays and camping trips.

I know they can meet his needs much more than I can, I am finding caring for the household very difficult at the moment and feel ill with stress some days. I know they could give him a much better life and he would be happy with them and for him it's the right thing to do for him but I can't stop crying evertime I think of him leaving, am I being selfish?

Bump

Your not being selfish at all by rehoming him you are giving him a better life and making sure his needs are being met.

It will be sad but he better off in the long run and so will you with one less stress in life

Oh and I'm sorry you're in this situation it must be terrible for you having so much change in life x

At least you will get to see your doggy and you will also feel more relaxed when things settle down. Good luck. You are doing the right thing.

I don't think there's a right or a wrong...

If you want to keep him because you're finding it hard at the moment but it'll get easier with a bit of time then do that, he doesn't know that camping trips exist and he has a family that care about him.

If you really can't see yourself coping then he'll adjust to a new home.

I would offer a word of warning about private rehoming arrangements though, see if they'll take him for a trial period before they make up their minds and that they know to give him back to you if they ever have to rehome him or it goes wrong somehow.

Thanks guys. Yes, that's a great idea to have a trial, I'll do that. If they decide they can't have him I will keep him.

That's a brilliant idea to trial it. It will give you peace of mind

I know in my head that it's the best thing for him and me too really, but in my heart I can't bear the thought of him not being here which I realise is pretty selfish!

Has anyone else on here ever been in a similar situation?

A friend of mine went through this and had temporarily homed her dog and cats. After 18 months she got her cats back, but not her dog. It was fair the dog was settled and the family adored her.

She misses her dog, but she made the right decision and put the dog first. But she said it was an easier burden as she sees the dog and knows it is happy, even though it hurts she no longer has her, iykwim?

I rehomed my much loved dog as we just couldn't meet her needs with 2 babies born very close together. It broke my heart but was the best thing I did for her. She lived out her old age with an elderly lady who adored her and absolutely doted on her. By making such a hard decision, I made both the dog and her new Mum so happy!