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The doghouse

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

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Original poster

I need to rehome my dog, I know I'm a bad person.

55 replies

reohomingdogadvice · 30/08/2017 22:36

It's breaking my heart. I adore him. He's 10 and has been my best friend since I held him in my arms at the breeder as a tiny pup. I am single, limited family and few friends. I've begged but nobody can take him long-term, atlhough people have been amazing and helped short-term. I never expected to become disabled with a degenerative condition. Who does? I am struggling to care for myself, let alone him. It's going to get worse and I need to get him sorted now.

How do I find him a loving home? I've lost contact with his breeder who I recall telling me that she'd always take her puppies back. I want him to go to someone who will love him like I do.

OP posts:
notarehearsal · 31/08/2017 08:45

Most dogs will tolerate the amount of walking they are given, particularly at age 10. In RL many dogs don't get walked daily and many are left alone for whole days every day. I think what the dog needs more than anything is company. It sounds like you can still give him that. Even if he curls up on your bed with you on a bad day. If, however, this is something you've considered and dismissed, I totally respect your decision. Rehoming a dog isn't the end of the world in RL. I think it very much depends on your disabilty. If this is something that will result in being bedridden for days at a time, I'd rehome the dog now. Even if this means popping an ad on Gumtree or that Pets for Homes site ( is it called that?)

Crispbutty · 31/08/2017 08:46

I'm in Devon and can help.

LexieLulu · 31/08/2017 09:39

Really sorry OP! 😣 probably the last thing you need right now x

SparklingRaspberry · 31/08/2017 10:07

Oh op Sad

Not many threads have me feeling genuinely sad but this really did. I'm so sorry for you.

I know you're worried he won't be getting a good life but he is. He's with the person he loves most in the whole world. He's also 10 years old, he doesn't and won't require the exercise he did a few years ago. At that age, most dogs are happy with a walk to the shops, a decent meal and to cosy up with their favourite person. Which in this case, is you

Dogs aren't stupid. They know. They adapt. Honestly I think getting rid of him will be even worse for you because you will miss him. Dogs can be huge emotional support systems for those who are disabled. He loves you unconditionally, he doesn't care that you're disabled. He just cares about being around you.

I understand why you're looking into this and feeling like it's you're only option.
How often do you place him into daycare? Could you not cut it down to fewer times a week or just once/twice a week? Dog walkers will be cheaper. If you have a mobility scooter and you're able to still get out, would he not walk beside you on that?

A 10 year old dog doesn't need a huge amount of exercise.

Please reconsider. You both need each other Flowers

Bubble2bubble · 31/08/2017 10:35

This is heartbreaking :(
As well as Cinnamon Trust there are other smaller charities who will help in this situation - one local to me will walk your dog in exactly this case, and helps people sort term ( e.g. a broken leg ) or long term.

If he is a specific breed then breed rescue is definitely the way to go. A breed rescue can either ask for a new home, or for someone in your area who will either foster or help out.
If you say the breed, chances are someone on here will know someone ;)

StarryCorpulentCunt · 31/08/2017 11:10

You are not a bad person at all! You haven't just got a dog then ditched him because you can't be bothered. How could you possibly have foreseen this?

noitsachicken · 31/08/2017 11:13

Where are you based?

TopBitchoftheWitches · 31/08/2017 11:14

I'm in Essex if that helps you.

MuggaTea · 31/08/2017 11:16

In the NW if that helps.

Spudlet · 31/08/2017 11:16

Of course you're not a bad person, you are someone trying to put your dog first. Please don't make any hasty decisions though. Borrow my
Doggy could be a source of walks for him, and remember that mental stimulation is also important - and you can do that sitting in a chair or lying down, with a clicker to teach him tricks. He could even be helpful - my dog learned to open doors with a pull attached to the door handle in an afternoon and loved the process.

No one with even an ounce of sense or basic human compassion will blame you if you do have to rehome, but for the sake of your mental health please do try and think of ways you could make this work for both of you. Flowers

Shockers · 31/08/2017 11:19

What area are you in?

newmumFeb17 · 31/08/2017 11:29

What breed and where are you based OP? I may be able to help x

Shambolical1 · 31/08/2017 13:04

Even if this means popping an ad on Gumtree or that Pets for Homes site ( is it called that?)

No, not that. Never that.

fleshmarketclose · 31/08/2017 13:12

Oh OP this is heartbreaking. If you are near me I'd be happy to help you keep your dog with you by walking and feeding him for you. I'm in the East Midlands. Can your friends and family help by making a rota and distributing your dog's needs between themselves? I'd love to think that there is some way of keeping you both together Flowers

Huffletuff · 31/08/2017 13:16

I'm in exactly the same position OP. I've become disabled and I can't look after my dogs properly. One is fine because he's old and hates walks but the other is 2. She's loved and fed and we have a large garden but she's not walked any more very often and I can't afford to eat, never mind hire a walker. I debated rehoming her but she's a happy dog at the moment.

SleightOfMind · 31/08/2017 13:59

In NE Surrey and would love to help.

Soubriquet · 31/08/2017 14:02

Breed, location, and a basic description would be a big help.

Is he dog friendly, child friendly, cat friendly, small animal friendly?

A lot of rescues are full right now but we should be able to help in some way.

Sorry this is happening OP

Greyhorses · 31/08/2017 14:19

What breed is he op?

TipTopTipTopClop · 31/08/2017 14:21

I'm in West London and could help, depending on the breed.

So sorry OP. Flowers

Wolfiefan · 31/08/2017 14:24

Please. Please. Please. Contact the cinnamon trust again. Respite is different to walking help. There may be a shortage of people who can take a dog in but they may be able to help with walking. If they have no one available they can put out an urgent call for help.
I have walked for them in the past. In GLOS if that helps!

itshappenedagain · 31/08/2017 14:25

Hi! Have you tried borrow my dog. We use them as I work full time so can't look after a dog in the day, but borrow the dog of an evening to walk and have had one dog here for a week over the holidays. It doesn't cost the lender anything and borrowers are insured.

Huffletuff · 31/08/2017 14:31

Do the Cinnamon Trust only help older people though?

wibblywobblyfish · 31/08/2017 14:35

Is he a pedigree with KC papers? You could use the affix / kennel name to trace his breeder via the kennel club.

Wolfiefan · 31/08/2017 15:00

@Huffletuff
No. They help People who are unwell too.

Minaktinga · 31/08/2017 19:21

So sorry you aren't well.

You could try borrow my doggy and maybe get some help with him that way. It seems to me you may appreciate the canine company and love as your condition worsens.

If not, you aren't a bad person. These things happen.