I'm devastated :(

MusicalLawyer

I am responsible enough to look after him - I looked after him more than my sister did. Always having cuddles, playing in the garden, going for walks, giving him treats etc. I am in education until June 2014.

My problem is that I'm in a tiny flat at the moment until October. I have no problems taking him on when I'm in a flat with a garden, or in a house.

When my course finishes, I'm hoping to work in a Law Firm. It will be full time, but my boyfriend also works Full Time, however his hours are ore staggered. He mostly works 6am to 3pm, occasionally doing the odd 12pm to 8pm. So he wouldn't be on his own for too long during the days - in which case as soon as I got home I'd give him the biggest fuss ever, and walkies!

It's just finding him somewhere temporary in the mean time I suppose. But I wouldn't even know where to start!

con1888

You said you are in a tiny flat, okay but are you allowed to keep a dog in your flat? Was thinking maybe you could get a dogwalker in or a pet sitting service for during the day.

Obviously being in a small flat isn't ideal for the dog but as long as he gets adequate exercise and some company then it wouldn't be too bad.

Maybe someone will correct me though, I have never stayed in a small flat (went from parents house to current house with bf, similar sized houses) so don't know if there are any problems I can't think of.

calicocat

Hi,
I'm new to this whole site in a posting capacity as spent time lurking first .
What a dreadful situation,and noy sure I would be speaking to sister either,but mistakes do happen and it's the dogs future that is the priority.
I live in a flat the size of a large rabbit hutch and had a dog without problems,you just have to be very organised,train him well (which I have a nerve to say as mine was spoilt rotten),and have time for lots of exercise and games.....the key is to have a physically and mentally happy pet and you have fewer problems.........it's deffo doable if you have time.
However agree with other posts that a permenant home is what's needed
I will say that you have to be prepared for them to take over your life tho,I work full time and most if not all free time was about the dog,and it involves getting up at 5 everyday......and anyone who was making me late from work to get home became a major irritation (as the mutt was far more important naturally)
I hope you find a good solution to this situation 4 everyone (especially the dog)
Will say sorry now 4 any spelling mistakes as doing this on my mobile(no computer) and it's like writing on a so**ing postage stamp..........god everything in my life seems too small!?.....flat,phone..........
Good Luck
Off to peel the cat off the curtains.:eek:

heretolearn_2

I thibk you are being a little hard on your sister. to be honest it sounds as if the dog was 'bought for her to be good for her' and that she didn't want a dog in the first place. It's not her fault if she's now trying to do the right thing for a dog she was just lumbered with. She knows she can't give him a good home herself, so she has found him a new home. Maybe this man is a good friend of hers and she knows it's a great place for the dog to go to. Or maybe it's an acquaintance of hers but she's been convinced the home will be fine. I've been offered animals by friends of friends who don't know me at all but they know sort of about me from what they've heard and trust their friends judgement. You make it sound like she's dumping him on a random stranger on the street, and she isn't.

Having said that, the real point is that you would like the dog but can't take it quickly enough. Have you asked your sister if she would be ok with you having him if you found a solution to this? Can you afford to put him in kennels for a few months?

But I have to agree that a home with a young couple, both starting out on professional careers, with one of them who doesn't even like dogs, may not be the best place. I know you love the dog, but you need to put his needs before your own feelings. If you are not happy with the man your sister knows having him for some reason, could you help your sister find the dog a place at a lab breed rescue? They are the best at rehoming.

nikki702

I wouldn't let the flat situation put me off having the dog.. Im sure he could adjust and be walked frequently

Person_one

Take the dog.

I live in a tiny flat with no garden and have two well adjusted, well exercised, very happy dogs. When they aren't out walking they don't actually need a lot of space, they tend to just eat, doze and occasionally play tug.

Dogs want to be with their own humans far more than they want gardens, and as you're only out a few hours each day you should easily be able to give him a lovely life.

MusicalLawyer

Thanks for all the advice etc.

My Mum has said that she will be keeping him - it's just too hard to let him go. She is only going back to work part time and when she goes on holiday in 7 weeks time, I will go and stay at her place and look after him as my Uni is in London so I can still get there from Hertfordshire luckily.

I am so pleased
I'm off out tomorrow to get him his (belated) birthday present!
I think a nice new basketball is in order for him (and some naughty treats!)

I never realised, when we first got him, that I could ever feel this way about an animal infact, I used to despise dogs prior to getting him.