I’m I being unfair?

phryne

redlove wrote: »

We have been together for 18 years and have children, One of which has special needs. Due to my sons condition I decided that buying a puppy would be a great idea to ensure he had company and he could take the dog on walks etc. I have never had a pet before.

I have not bonded whatsoever with the dog and absolutely detest having an animal in my home. I hate the smell, hairs everything to do with having a dog. I have tried for three years to change my feelings but I cannot.

My partner does all the caring but the dog is walked once a day due to work commitments and the dogs life is hardly ideal.

I have asked and asked for the dog to be rehomed and he won’t hear of it even though it would mean a much better life for the dog he loves.

I know the kids would not forgive me and my partner too but I am really feeling so frustrated with this situation. I feel completely unheard and my feelings are not being taken into account.

This is causing a lot of stress and unhappiness

No family members will re home the dog.

Three years is rather a long time to take to decide you don't like the animal. Had it been three days, three weeks or even three months I would have said yes re-home it.

Cheeky_Monkey

If I lived in that household, it would definitely be the OP that got re-homed not the dog :beer:

candygirl

Sad to say this, but you sound heartless �� I have 3 dogs, n they are really hard work, but so loving and rewarding.I could never get rid of them! How would your poor Son feel if you got rid of the dog? ������

pumpkin89

I agree that you can't rehome the dog.

However, some of the comments people have written are disgusting and unwarranted. The dog is an animal, not a family member; some of you talk as if it matters more than the humans in this scenario. OP can't overrule the rest of the family, but that doesn't make their feelings irrelevant. I'd hate to have a dog in the house and, while I believe OP agreed to it and must therefore bear it, it seems reasonable to want to vent about it and seek advice. Please, let's have a little empathy.

Tabbytabitha

Carrot007 wrote: »

I find your thoughts that cats are less important and less of a commitment than dogs offensive.

I've got two of each - cats are far less of a commitment than dogs, no way round that.

Doom_and_Gloom

boliston wrote: »

dogs are a major commitment (like having a child) - perhaps a cat would have been better?

Any animal requires commitment. If you have an animal in your care you should take care of them for as long as they live.

OP -
Even if they aren't what you thought unless you are severely allergic or they are too boisterous despite trying to train to be around children etc, you are their family and should treat them as such. Just because they aren't what you expected you shouldn't rehome them. The rest of the family have bonded with the animal and the animal them. To rehome the animal would be cruel to the animal and your family.
Wash the dog more often if you believe they smell. Also vacuuming regularly with an animal that moults is normal and something you honestly should have been aware of before you got them. Honestly you are being very selfish. This is why so many animals are needing homes, because people don't acknowledge that animals require commitment. They are not accessories that can just be gotten shot of when you feel like it.

You wouldn't get rid of your child if they weren't what you assumed having a child was like would you? My guess is no you wouldn't. You decided to have this animal in your care, if you didn't do any or enough research into this animal that is your fault.

sheramber

What type of dog do you have that smells?

Do others smell the dog or is it just a symptom of your dislike?

If your house smells that says more about your housekeeping than the dog.

Buy a decent vacuum, brush your dog regularly and hairs should not be a problem.

Keep the dog's bedding clean.

You thought your son would walk the dog. Does he? If not, why not?

Humdinger1

I appreciate that many of us love animals, but some empathy for the OP wouldn't be out of place here. It's a big step to go from no pets to a full on dog and at least he(?) has given it a good go. I think it would cause almost unfixable family problems if the dog was rehomed, but think dog grooming and washing as suggested above could help. I get the impression (poss wrong) that it's part of a bigger situation about being heard and valued. Are you doing all the domestic stuff (apart from 1 dog walk per day) and working outside the home too? It may be worth looking at the situation in the round as well as thinking about how to manage the specific dog related issues. You are allowed to express your feelings even if they are somewhat negative towards a dog OP.

Good luck and keep us posted
Humdinger

Cheeky_Monkey

Personally, I have no sympathy/empathy for the OP at all. They didn't just agree to getting a dog for their son, they instigated it.

The OP appears to be putting their own feelings above that of their children, something which, as a parent myself, I find unacceptable in this situation.

pollypenny

Gosh, some harsh comments!

The OP says she's tried, for three years, to bond with the dog. I can't stand dog smell either. Maybe they can't afford regular grooming and it's difficult to bath at home.

I feel sort for the dog and the OP.