I am prepared to get totally flamed and maybe that's why I chose The Doghouse over AIBU as it would attract dog owners instead of general mumnetters. I'm considering rehoming my dog, or getting in touch with a shelter to rehome as they can do the proper vetting and follow up visits. I've found a good one that looks trustworthy but I'm still having the dilemma of whether I can or should do this.
I have a DS 1y/o and expecting a second. I've had a dog for 7 years but it has been increasingly difficult to manage her with DS1. When he was a baby, it was much easier as he was mainly in my arms. As he's started to go on the floor, it's been hard keeping the dog off his blanket (which goes down to prevent DS going on a rug that has the dog walk all over it and vomit on etc). I've hod to lock the dog in the kitchen diner if I've had to take DS up for a nap as the dog can't leave DS's toys alone and they end up destroyed (it's impossible to put everything away everytime I have to leave the room). I feel like the dog is getting the short end of the stick with being locked up in a different room when i have to go upstairs. Plus the dog is really hyper so when we have guests, the dog has to be locked away again as a hyper dog and a young child doesn't mix well, especially when guests bring young children round.
Essentially I feel like I'm neglecting the dog in order to take care of my DS. I'm worried about how I can continue to manage this when I have a toddler and a baby without the dog being increasingly put out. I would never leave DS with the dog alone, no matter how the dog has never threatened DS or anything, I think (for me) it would be irresponsible to do so (no judgement on those with dogs who do leave them with their children!). It taken me three attempts to get DS down for his nap and I had to lock the dog up in the kitchen as all DS's toys were strewn across the living room, the dogs been jumping at the door and I've felt myself increasingly frustrated cos it's so loud while i'm trying to get DS down,
in addition to this, I got the dog before I had children and at a time I had significantly more disposable income. I use a dog walker as me and DH are out of the house for 10 hours/day. The total outgoings for the dog walker, food, insurance is roughly half our mortgage costs. I think of what this could buy for our DS (and future child), or even going towards future nursery fees.
I just don't know what to do for the best. DH says it was my dog before we were married but is concerned about what kind of home the dog may end up in, which is obviously a concern for me too, But i'm worried that managing the dog around 2 very young children is going to get increasingly difficult and if we can;t give her the attention required, we ought to give the chance of the dog having a loving home (but we can't obviously be sure of that happening...)
If you've made it this far, thank you! WWYD? I'm prepared for people to be completely honest and take on board opinions. I appreciate some people may say I shouldn't have got a dog in the first place if i was going to rehome her, I would agree with that but this is where I am now.