Coping After Rehoming Puppy

[Spacemonkey2016]

We had to rehome our puppy at the weekend and it has devastated me. I know it sounds melodramatic, but I am struggling to cope.

Long story cut short: my 6 yo has a number of anaphylactic allergies, but had always been fine around dogs. Lots of exposure, no problems. But it appeared living with a dog triggered an allergy and he was really suffering. Had a skin prick test at the hospital last week and dog allergy was confirmed. Given how many allergies he has and how serious they are, it wasn't just a case of him 'taking an antihistamine everyday'. We contacted a breed specific rescue, and they found him within a day, in the countryside, with a dog brother (and he loves other dogs). He went straight from our home to theirs, via the rescue centre.

I know he will have a happy life. And I know I had to do the right thing for my child's health. But I just feel distraught. He was just the perfect, perfect little guy. One of those 'dog of a lifetime' dogs, who made my life infinitely and immeasurably better. The gaping hole I feel is just too much. Has anyone else been through anything like this? How do you manage? It wasn't a case of rehoming him because we wanted to or because we couldn't manage with him. He was the perfect gent, even at such a young age. Does it get easier? I thought he'd be with us for all his life. Life is so quiet all of a sudden.

I guess there's no real point to this thread. I just wondered if there was anyone out there who understands.

Oh bless you, it must be very hard. You didn't have a choice but I know that doesn't make it any easier. Would you be able to have a cat with your child's allergies? At least it would help fill the gap a little bit. Sending you a massive hug.

Sometimes it is just not possible but if it serves as a consolation… my child get hives if a dog licks him, they don’t even need to lick him if the dog belongs to a short hair breed, he comes with the hives anyway.

Any other dog makes his asthma and eczema flare yet… he is perfectly fine with poodles (proper poodles, the mixes are normally more hit and miss). We have had one for 10 years without a problem, the poodle even sleeps on his bed!

You did the right thing OP and your dog will be happy. Sometimes it just doesn't work out and when you DC has severe allergies you can't take the risk. My dog-loving DB had to give his dog up because of his asthma - it happens and it's not your fault.

You sound like a great pet owner and you're finding this so difficult as you considered a dog to be a lifelong commitment for him. You are wonderful.
This is just incredibly unfortunate and unavoidable, but you've done what is best for the puppy and for your child.

I'm so sorry for your loss. It's equal to losing a member of the family. You did your best and no-one can blame you. Hugs and 💐

I'm sorry OP. You know you've done the right thing but it's probably too soon for that to make you feel any better about it.

Would it help if you could contact the new owners and have updates every so often so you know he's ok?
My MIL took a rescue for a similar reason and 5 years later she still sends photos and updates every so often which seems to help the person who had to give her up.

Thanks for the kind words everyone. Cat is a no go, he's v.allergic to those too! The lady from the breed rescue said she would send pictures when she had them. Trying my best not to chase for any, as it's only been a few days. Just feel guilty on all accounts: that my kids miss out again, that the puppy just loved us and he probably wonders why we left and also that we're no longer in control of his destiny. I hope he settles in fine at his new home and he lives a long life there like he was supposed to here. Never will I forget him. Appreciate the space to talk here. Haven't been able to bring myself to tell anyone in 'real life' that he's gone.

That sounds so tough OP, I'm so sorry xxx