I have to give my beloved dog up

[Jayne542]

I'm really stuck and I don't know what to do. I have a lovely 8 year old dog but I'm going to have to re home him. I have no other options. It's a long story but he's our family dog who has ended up in my sole care. We were juggling between us but because of housing issues this is no longer possible. The trouble is I work full time and he's alone all day. I can't afford a dog Walker. I have a friend who drops in daily to give him a quick walk around the block but he needs so much more than that. He needs to be in a busy family home not stuck in on his own all day. I love him to pieces but feel so sorry for him as he's having a miserable life. The thought of giving him up to a stranger breaks my heart but what else can I do? I've been on borrow my doggie but had absolutely no luck in finding a borrower. Are there any solutions to this problem that I haven't thought of?

Ok I might sound mad, but I think your issue isn't walking it's companionship during the day. As pp said, elderly lone neighbour is the best option. Or, and this is where I might sound mad, how about companionship of another mature dog? If you can afford it, have space and so on. A relative did this, got another rescue, and both dogs seem very happy... Maybe Foster a dog to try for a bit?

I know, my heart fell at the realisation of how early I'd have to drag myself out. It didn't take long to adjust and I actually grey to love crisp dark mornings and the quiet and the birds. Then home, a quick shower and off to work.

Every dog's different so only you can know. I wish we were neighbours because my old boy would love a middle-aged companion to hang out with and if I'm walking one dog a second's no problem. The problem with volunteers is that they can call off at the last moment and you have no redress. Good luck. I hope things settle down for you both.

I used to walk my dog early in the morning for half an hour then go to work. He had a dog flap to the garden so could go out if he needed. As soon as I got home I'd take him for a longer walk. He's a little terrier and pretty much slept all-day anyway. I've got cats so they also kept him company plus the radio would be on. Not ideal I suppose to everyone's thinking but he's a happy little chap and life happens- we all have to adjust.

Have you tried Next Door? Put a message in your local area page and ask if anyone would like to walk your dog for companionship.

Cant you get a catflap for your garden?

Ah OP I feel you, when my circumstances changed and I became a young widow and we have a dog.

I really didn't know what to do for the best because I work all day, and even when I'm WFH I can't leave my desk really or the phone is always going and needs answering.

I decided against a rescue/re home because I realised he wasn't a puppy he's also a XL breed so he'd probably spend the rest of his life in a kennel and it broke my heart.

Anyways, I wake up at 6:30am, I walk him for 40minutes and DS, Come home feed him , feed DS breakfast, then we go to school/work and he just snoozes all day with the radio on he also has the cat for company.

Then when I get home it's another 40minute walk and lots and lots of fussing and love all evening.

No it's not the perfect life for a dog, but I genuinely think he's happier with us, and snuggled up on the warm carpet floor next to our beds all night than in a kennel.

that is really sad :(

Would you be happy to share rough location?

I’m a final year veterinary student and I’d happily have him during the day for you whilst free. You could even email a few unis and I’m sure there’ll be student missing their pets and willing to give him some company

Aw @NameChange232 that's so kind. I'm in the East Midlands

@CaptainBarbosa thank you for that. You have given me hope that this will all work out somehow...

And @CaptainBarbosa I'm so sorry to hear of your circumstances 😞

@been and done it. Thank you. I know I said I think he's miserable but I'd also describe my little doggie as a happy little chap... when I'm with him. I will have my kids home at Christmas and at other times and of course they help out. For those asking I can't put in a dog flap as it's a rented property.

@SilverLiningPlaybook that's a great idea. I don't have the app but I'll download it and put up a post 👍

Thanks so much to everyone who's responded.. I didn't expect to wake up to so many comments. Lots of options to look into and food for thought. I really appreciate the comments 👍

@Jayne542 I am East Mids also, Loughborough to be precise. If you're anywhere near Notts vet school (Sutton Bonington) I guarantee there will be vet students that would love to keep him company.

I agree. He needs a little old lady or man to love him