Am i the only one who thinks this a beyond stupid idea?!

gettingready

Where did she get this poor dog from?

Not from a shelter saying the dog is for her I hope?

Fosterdog

Does your grandfather know about the dog yet? If so what does he think about it and the situation?

If the dog could be a companion for him is there any way you and the rest of your family can help him out?

I don't agree with getting pets as presents and I don't agree with getting a dog knowing it can't be cared for however if there are measures in place to help out an otherwise lonely person has a companion it doesn't have to mean the dog is not cared for.

An elderly aunt of mine took in an old dog after a friend had died and none of the family had wanted to keep it. My aunt was alone in the house, just a visit to her husband in a home every day. Like your grandfather she couldn't walk very far or fast and struggled to bend over.

She had always had dogs and had missed their companionship over the last few years since their last dog died. The dog was always fed and watered, had a good home and was doted on by my aunt. Her vet runs a pet ambulance service and would collect her and the dog and return them home if any treatment was needed. The dog had a big garden with 24 hour access and got walked every day by one of the family (usually me but sometimes my mother or uncle).

The dog was old so didn't need/couldn't cope with a more active life anyway and spent most of her time sleeping. She died in her sleep three weeks ago, her actual age wasn't known as she had been a stray at one time but from the time the friend had her and my aunt she was at least 15 years old maybe closer to 20 and was only a little terrier so a manageable size for my aunt.

An elderly person getting a dog doesn't mean it wont be looked after especially if there are family and friends around to help. It can give someone a whole new lease of life.

beth.stephenson2009

gettingready wrote: »

Where did she get this poor dog from?

Not from a shelter saying the dog is for her I hope?

This is what is concerning me- she has got it from a gentleman who apparently works out at sea and has to leave the dog in kennels all the time...I hope she hasn't lied and said its for her as I just can't get my head around why someone would just hand a dog over just like that to someone elderly, physically impaired and with a bad chest. Not to mention he hasn't even met my grandad and seen what he will be like with the dog etc.

Mum is adamant she won't have anything to do with it. I said this morning we should really get it checked over by a vet when he gets it and off came an argument about how it wasn't our responsibility etc etc. She won't say anything to my aunt- and I can't because lets face it i'm her 20 year old niece...she is hardly going to listen to me is she? I think this proves she is stubborn anyway because she went against my mums wishes and got the dog for him anyway.

He seems excited according to my mum but I just don't think he realises how much work it will be. My aunt lives an hour away from him and Mum has said under no circumstances am I to go around and help him out with it and she won't either- I have a feeling she is digging her heels into the ground with this one! I will go and see it when I can but its not going to be everyday.

I just don't have a clue what to do about it- it might be fine but I really don't think it will be

Joons

Looks like the dog's coming no matter, and also looks like you and your mum will be doing a fair share of looking after it - I wouldn't be happy either but what can you do......I do know my father who is 79 loves having my sister's dog, it has given him a new lease of life but at 85, I'm not sure how he would cope.

Froglet

Well,compared to being in kennels all the time i think the dog will actually be better off in a home!As long as it can be given a decent walk every day,maybe by a neighbour,friend or dog walker if he can afford it, and your grandfather is able to let it into the garden and feed it properly then the situation could be a lot worse for the dog.

However from your grandfather's point of view,he may struggle to cope and that will not be fair on him then.I hope if it gets too much he can speak out and your aunt will then have to face up to what she has done and either take care of the dog herself or look to rehome it.However that would then be very harsh on the poor dog ,keeping changing homes,etc.

A sad situation all round really but bless you Beth for caring enough to try and help.

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

What if arrangements have been made for cleaning, exercising and the actual result is a happy, more positive grandad and a happy old dog in a loving home?

It could be a wonderful thing to happen for both of them.

arbroath_lass

Does your grandfather live alone? Does your aunt visit every day? Is she going to walk the dog? Have you even discussed it with her.

I can't understand why the family won't help out if it is going to make a loved old man's life happier.

ETA I'm probably being a bit harsh, sorry, but maybe aunt has thought of all this. I don't understand your Mum's attitude but maybe there is a history you don't wish to discuss.

zaksmum

How old is the dog? PLEASE don't tell me it's a puppy! And what breed?

They can be tremendously hard work even for a much younger person and I can't imagine how this gentleman will even begin to cope!

ariba10

Get him a cat instead.

(They go into other people's gardens to tish.)

barbiedoll

Has your Granddad ever actually owned a dog? As an asthma sufferer, he may well find that the dog hair and dander (?) makes his asthma worse. That's one of the reasons that I don't own a dog, much as I love them.

This is a terrible idea, for lots of reasons. I don't see why you can't speak to your aunt, at 20 yrs old, you are an adult, and obviously a much more sensible one than both your aunt and your mum!