Rehoming our dogs

Person_one

So what's the plan now? What are you going to do to improve this situation?

Crisp_£_note

Mother in law comes to walk them both daily (when husband is working) and stays until they have had their evening feed and are settled. Husband walks the Greyhound (Lurcher often chooses to stay behind) every day when he is at home - currently 2 days a week. I dont pay them to get walked but as I recognose their kindness and commitment I repay this with other tasks they need help with.

Dogs now eat twice a day with adequate time before / after strenuous exercise to allow their stomachs to settle. Usualy morning and evening after we have eaten. I have changed their food from the value brand to the supermarket own brand which seems to help a lot. One is a complete biscuit mix the other is a 'meaty chunks' variety as 'tinned or chubs' meat causes problems also ensure they both have fresh water at feeding times as I realised the food maybe a little dry which is why the one was leaving it which led to guarding it and so the downward spiral into aggression due to hunger. They have always been fed and watered with raised feeding bowls There is no fuss but we have established eating areas (separated) and a mealtime routine which they has been easy for the dogs to pick up on. After eating there is a few minutes separation whilst I distract the previously aggressive food guarding dog with a ball or squeaky toy. On occasion we have had a few grumbles so its not eliminated but I try to keep as calm as possible and distract myself by sticking with the distraction techniques. Then I can let second dog out into garden. Greyhound X also takes his pill for nail problems regularly now with morning feed and doesn't spit it out.


So things have changed and advice has been sought and followed. I just pray now it continues to be good (am a little worried what happens on wet days now as to date its been dry enough to keep the back door open so they can use the garden for extra space and separation at mealtimes but I am sure I will find a way.


I realise the heading of this post and the first anxious post was about rehoming my 2 dogs but now I have calmed down and am trying to remain calm things have changed and although it may have been an OTT reaction I wouldnt want to rehome my dogs or PTTS ever. Life is stressfull and has changed since we took the dogs in but its me who has to adapt not them.

Husband is currently working 6am - 8pm 5 days a week and I am left alone with dogs until mother in law comes around to walk them, usualy between 4pm - 5pm so I appreciate and am greatful to see someone too and for the help she provides. I dont get paid for looking after them either - me and dogs hardly even get a hello when he gets home after 8pm right now. I have shared almost every deatail I need to so people can get their facts right and I can get advice that I need. Hopefully now you can see what stress and life is like for me and dogs currently and will think before attacking me as I say I am no perfect pet owner and have never claimed to be but I do do my best with what I have and what I can. With the added depression fear and anxiety and disability on top I put my dogs first and hope to overcome.

Thank you everyone for the helpful advice.

arbroath_lass

Crisp_£_note wrote: »

All other income he earns I dont see as he doesnt share - basically whats his is his whats mine is mine. Not ideal for a married couple but its the way it is.

Not ideal? With such disparity in incomes it is abusive! You have bigger problems than your dogs. I wish you luck.

tea_lover

Crisp_£_note wrote: »

I dont get paid for looking after them either

No funnily enough my cat doesn't pay me to look after him either. I realise I've probably misread this part of your post but who do you think should be paying you to look after your own pets?

I'm glad that the changes you've made so far seem to be working and I really do hope that continues. You seem a lot calmer about everything and that has to be good for all of you. Good luck with it all.

seven-day-weekend

Post irrelevant

arbroath_lass

tea_lover wrote: »

No funnily enough my cat doesn't pay me to look after him either. I realise I've probably misread this part of your post but who do you think should be paying you to look after your own pets?

Possibly the man who wanted them in the first place and who, now, won't pay for what they need. Her OH.

elliesmemory1

Water should be available to dogs at all times, also dried food should have a little water mixed in with it.

Crisp_£_note

Hardupandfedup wrote: »

Water should be available to dogs at all times, also dried food should have a little water mixed in with it.

It is always available and they wont eat it if water is mixed with it it turns to much and the situation isnt helped.

I pointed out the bit about the water to inform people we do constantly supply fresh water

Katiehound

Glad to hear that you are starting to be able to resolve the issues with the dogs at least.
Other than that it does not sound the perfect relationship by any means.
Take care.

ps If you have changed your mind over the title of this thread you can easily change it to something that better reflects your thoughts