AIBU to rehome my dog

[Soupysally]

I’ve had my cocker spaniel since she was a puppy in 2019 and previously was my world. In 2023 I fell pregnant and became a single mum to my DS in 2024.
since then I’ve been really struggling with my dog, I get frustrated really easily at her, and she’s not getting the attention she deserves in the house. On top of that I have returned to work including an hour commute each way which is hard to fit in my work hours around childcare, but essentially leave no time to walk the dog, and I can’t just take her out in the evenings as I have my DS in bed. I have no family who can help out locally, and money is too tight to be paying for a dog walker several times a week.
I feel so guilty, overwhelmed and a failure considering rehoming her, but I am starting to believe it’s what’s best for everyone. I of course would look to rehome her through a reputable charity such as spaniel aid. Am I being unreasonable?

If she doesn’t actually have a job that pays for her lifestyle, without resorting to UC, then she is not in a position to patronise or vilify the OP who is trying to support he family.

I know some people are saying "you are probably her world", but I honestly think most spaniels are so loving they would bond very easily with a new family. My spaniel goes to day care a few times a week. When we go on holiday, she stays there. When I get back she is pleased to see me, but the next time I take her to stay at daycare, she goes nuts with excitement again.

I have several friends who walk her at various times. If we ever see any of them out and about, she tries to follow them home. What I am saying is, although my dog definitely loves me, she also loves anyone who walks her and fusses her just as much. If I never came back from holiday I doubt she would even notice, let alone care, as long as she was with someone who was giving her a decent walk and a cuddle in the evening.

I think you are doing the right thing. Spaniels are high energy dogs that need at the very least one decent walk every day. If she's a nice natured dog she'll be so easy to re-home. I know about ten families who'd have my dog tomorrow if I asked them - although obviously going through a breed specific rescue is the way to go.

I think to a dog a rehoming is like a breakup. Sad at first, but very quickly they fall in love with the new owner and they then become their whole world.

I know I commented earlier but I’d like to say this again OP to counteract the minority of people being unnecessarily cruel: you are being a good owner, you are doing the best for your much loved dog and you couldn’t have planned for all of your contingencies (partner, finances, family being local) falling apart at once. It must be awfully hard making this decision.

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