Thinking of getting my dog put down, too harsh??

lynnexxxo

Thanks everyone for you replies. I'm going to phone the vet tomorrow and she what he says.

I know her problems (excluding the pooing) stem from lack of attention and exercise, all of which are my own fault and thats why i feel guilty. I think with hindsight we may have spoiled her too much before the children came along, she used to be allowed to sleep in our bed, I used to walk her at least four times a day and most summer weekends we were away hill walking with her. She must look back (can they) and think those were the days....

Whati s the chances of me getting her rehomed? Honestly? I can't imagine many people out there take on old, grumpy dogs with bowel issues.. are there?? I had a look at the website suggested for rehoming and mostof them are quite handsome dogs who don't seem to hae many issues.

Dennis99

The Oldies Club helps older dogs find forever homes.



http://www.oldies.org.uk/

Spicey

I have 2 10year old dogs had since puppies. One has arthritis in hips and front left leg causing the leg to turn in. But she is really happy and loving. she does sometimes wet and mess in the kitchen at night (when left loose), but I now have an indoor kennel which she goes into on her own accord through out the day, to rest. At night I lock her in it to stop her messing, her brother likes to go in too keep her company. If her situation got that she was in obvious considerable pain I would PTS.
Has your dog somewhere to go to get away from kids. Try to rehome before anything else.

simpywimpy

He may be poorly or unhappy if he has suddenly started to be grumpy but trust the vets decision. They don't put a completely healthy dog down without a thought.

I have to say though that you should prepare yourself should you decide to let him go. Its very traumatic so expect to be very upset when it's all over and perhaps take someone with you.

Good luck. I know it's not an easy decision for you

orlao

TBH, my gut instinct is to PTS, not because the dog has done anything wrong as such but because with her issues she hasn't got much hope in a rescue and in these circs rehoming privately is a risk because you don't have the time/experience to vet a new home properly.

At least then she will find peace.....but please don't rehome any more animals until your family has settled down.

To avoid the stress of the vet trying to talk you out of it, ring them first (or make an appointment without the dog) to discuss it.

WeirdoMagnet

What a difficult decision. Without going into all the ins and outs, and rights and wrongs, I would seriously recommend looking into obtaining a rescue place for your dog.

I think that maybe with the correct dietary and behaviour management, your dog could quite easily find a home to suit her - she may have five or more years left! There are plenty of people without kids looking for a dog - and don't let anyone tell you otherwise! Yes, they are more difficult to rehome, but so long as you are honest with the rescue centre, tell them all the problems you are having, there is no reason for your dog to have a good few years ahead of her.

What's her name? Do you have a picture?

I'm trying to put myself in your position. We have a Jack Russell who came from rescue aged about 6 months - she's nearly five now. (Now, don't be telling the Cesar Milan fans this next bit...;)) She sleeps in bed with us, has a cuddle on the sofa, she is my best girl, and I can't imagine life without her. She is well behaved, goes everywhere with us, even on holiday, does fab tricks (clicker trained, would you believe;)), and fits in with whatever we do, even visiting the nieces, who she's not used to. There is no way, even if we had kids, that I would consider parting with her, after all, when she came to us, she came to us for life.

Please try the oldies club or dogpages before you decide to PTS.

Kimberley

A rescue will take her. Contact the RSPCA or Dogs Trust. Please don't have her PTS just because you cannot cope with her ways anymore and it's not fair on the dog. She has no say after all. Where do you live? If you had lived in the South East I could have taken her to the rescue that I foster for. Please try all you can to get her picked up before you decide to have her PTS. Whatever happened to the saying dogs are for life?

lukiesgirl

Dogs Trust have a number of dogs that for certain reasons cannot be rehomed. They have a lovely home and are well cared for. I sponsor 2 to help care for them and I would not hesitate to ask for their help. Good luck it is a terrible situation for you but at least you have asked for help and not dumped her on the street to starve like so many others have.

H

continualdiamond

I wouldn't have the dog put to sleep, please try and re home it. If it was me id rather live with the though that the dog might be unhappy for a short time in a rescue centre and find a great home that not be given the chance and just put to sleep.

Every animal deserves chances and they can be turned around. A family with loads of land might find the dog perfect for them.

foreign_correspondent

....you know all the people who some on here saying 'I want a dog to go with my small children' - well, this is why we often caution against it... its hard work and the commitments can clash and in the end its a miserable experience for everyone - but the poor dog has no choice, sadly.

I would say that in retrospect if you knew you were likely to 'not have much time to walk her' at any point in her life, you should not have got her. You may not have known that at the time, but now it is the case, it is your responsibility, please make sure she does not suffer.

Have you checked out with the vet why she has a runny bottom? She could have Colitis, Giardia, any number of things. If she is poorly this would also explain the grouchynesss, alhough, I have to say, if she has not broken the skin she has not really meant it as she has inhibited her bite!