What am I going to do with the whippet?

[schoolnurse]

My elderly mother very sadly has dementia and has recently declined rapidly. It now appears she cant live at home on her own any more (she's currently in hospital) or even with me as she requires constant supervision to stop her falling or wandering off. She owns an elderly whippet (13 yrs old) who she absolutely adores and is ultimately he sole reason for living.
Its currently living with me but I don't really want to keep it 1. I'm sorry whippet lovers I don't like whippets and 2. I already have two dogs and don't want three and if I did it the third would not be a whippet. It basically ignores us it wont come out of the room my mother was staying in prior to her admission and is hardly eating although she does like a walk and has much to my surprise considering her age started running around.
I would very much like my mother to carry on seeing the dog as it means so much to her.
Any ideas?

If you want your mother to carry on seeing the dog, the only way of doing this is for you to keep it.

The dog wont come out of my mothers room she seems unhappy with us as well. We are a busy noisy chaotic family my mother has only fed her endless organic treat literally day and night because she forgets she's just fed her I feed her the same as my dogs tinned dog food, my mother had no one else to lavish care and attention on I've two children two cats two very lively dogs who "LUV' her. I don't think she knows whats hit her.

I'm so sorry to hear about your mother.

There may be several options - your first port of call should be the Cinnamon Trust who specialise in helping elderly or sick pet owners stay in touch with their pets. They may be able to find a foster carer in your area who would be willing to continue to maintain contact/visits. They also as an organisation have a very good understanding of the issues involved in this sort of situation. They even maintain a list of care homes where residents can bring their own pets.

Secondly, I'd contact either Scruples Whippet Rescue or the Oldies Club - two highly reputable and well respected rescues. Scruples specialise in whippets, and the Oldies focus on older dogs. It's possible that they may be able to find a foster or adoptive home in your area that is willing to maintain contact. Most rescues find that these types of rehomes are the most heartbreaking, since the elderly owners are usually devoted to their dogs and only give them up very reluctantly. I actually provide long term foster care for two dogs that came to a charity because of their owner's ill health, and in this case we provide regular updates, photos, and even visits as we recognise the special circumstances, even though the dogs will never return there permanently.

Wishing you every success.

Thanks Scuttle dont worry oldbag I already feel very guilty one for not keeping my mother in my house and for not keeping her dog.

schoolnurse it's difficult not to be, but you certainly shouldn't feel guilty about your mother and her dog. My aunt has been in hospital for 11mths and will need a nursing home. There is NO way in the world I'd be able to look after her needs and she will be looked after properly in a nursing home who have the staff, expertise and knowledge to care for her. You mustn't beat yourself up about that...

I was going to suggest the cinnamon trust too. At the very least they'll be able to offer advice. x

The Cinnamon Trust are fabulous - my great aunt has a volunteer that walks her dog regularly (she's 93), and who has him if she needs to go into hospital. And if she can no longer manage, they will ensure he has a good home.
They'd be my first port of call for sure.

Schoolnurse - often the most loving thing you can do as a daughter is admit you can't meet the needs of an elderly or unwell parent and seek outside help. You're doing the right thing for both your mum and your family.

It's sad about the dog but you have very valid reasons for wanting to rehome it.

Do you have facebook? Recently a friend of mine posted she was sad to have to do exactly what you are with her Dads dog and a friend saw it and said her own dad was looking for a pet now he was retired. The guy took the dog and takes it weekly to visit with the original owner. Sometimes you can find answers in the most random places so it may be worth a shot?

Also, search for local rescues too.

There are some nursing homes that allow dogs - may be worth asking Cinnamon Trust for details (and help as other people have done). Maybe elderly neighbours would take the dog on if you paid for the food and vet care?