Difficult Choice

[Twisted_Angel]

Recently I had to move and when I brought my dog with me, there were new rules. As in dogs have to stay outside, chained in the back yard. I absolutely hate chains, but it wasn't so bad since there was another dog outside with mine, close enough to interact but too far apart (I thought) to touch each other, and I was able to let him off constantly and take him for a run every evening in the pasture across from the yard.

We don't know how they did it, but one or both dogs stretched out their cables and they got tangled. I was unable to save my grandfather's dog, as he broke his neck. I got mine breathing again, though, and there was not permanent damage.

I am now adamant about getting my dog off that chain. Also, his nickname is Velcrodog. Can't stand to be alone, and now he has no companion while I am at school and work. My grandfather is not budging about letting him in the house or letting me fence the yard. There is a lady who goes to the college with me. She has a fenced in yard, another big dog, and 5 children. It sounds like a perfect home.

BUT... I wasn't allowed to get a dog, and this one found me. I don't want to let him go, as I am very attached and I also know that I will not be permitted to get another dog until after I graduate in roughly 3 years. I think its best for the dog to be with the lady in the house/fenced yard with plenty of companions, there is another catch. I currently feed raw because I feel its best for the dog. It would be impractical to expect this from his new potential owners. Which is more imporatant, his health or his happiness?

[TeriM]

I assume that moving is not an option for you? I am a raw feeder as well but in this case I think that feeding kibble (hopefully a good one) is probably the lesser of two evils. It sounds as though you love your dog but recognize that another home is probably better for him. If it was just a few months I would suggest sticking it out but three years is a long time and I feel the other home is probably a good choice.

[Dracko]

Happiness.

[Love4himies]

I am sorry to hear about your grandfather's dog. I agree, happiness is more important than the food. Will you have the opportunity to visit your dog?

[BenMax]

Does your dog live outside during the night as well? If you cannot move, really investigate your friends offer if she is a responsible pet owner and if the conditions are better than yours.

Remember that dogs are very social beings. They require human presence - infact they live for it. When people are faced with circumstances and there is opportunity to do better by their pets I always ask them to put themselves in the animal's position - where would YOU be happier if you were chained all day?

If you cannot reason with your grandad and if this potential home is committed to love this dog to the end - then do what is best for the dog. Food quality is important but I would live on toast if I had a choice of lobster but restricted or toast and living loved and cared for.

When you are independant and ready to commit to an animal for his/her entire life through thick and thin - then adopt. My .

[babymomma]

That ^^

Well said BM.



Coming from somebody who walks other peoples chained up dogs. They hate being out there.To the point that when i try to bring them back home. The Pull with all there might to get past their driveway so they dont have to go in there.

Do you want your dog to live like that? A prisionar in his own, "home"..

[Twisted_Angel]

Unfortunately, moving is not really an option. I might be able to visit some, so thats something to think about.

I KNOW that the chain is bad, really I do. Before I moved here, my pets were always house pets that were allowed outside when they wanted to go. I do not have that option here. I've tried to get him in the house during the night at the very least, but he is a large, rambunctious dog and my grandfather isn't budging on it. He barely tolerates the cat in the house.

He will be going to his new home some time before this weekend.

[TacoGrl]

This is really a sad situation :sad:

I don't understand how your grandpa can own a dog and yet not really like them

[luckypenny]

for you TA. Re-homing your dog with a family who'll do well by him is the most responsible, loving gift you can give him.

[Jim Hall]

i agree at least you can visit him once in a while

[edwina]

Maybe you could still buy him some good food and give it to the family. It would also be helping them out since there household seems to be large already.

[Twisted_Angel]

Don't get the wrong idea about my Papaw, he loved his dog and is rather fond of mine, but he is older and set in his ways. He grew up on the farm and was raised to believe that people stay in the house, animals stay outside. The only reason I am getting away with the cat, is that cats around here end up getting shot, poisoned, or run over. In the beginning, whe was only allowed to come in at night and when weather was bad. I started letting her in earlier and earlier. Then she was only allowed inside when someone was home to supervise. Then I started "forgetting" to let her out. Now she is only allowed outside when someone is home. I thought I could do something similar with the dog, but it didn't work.

I'll have to see if i can do that with the food, but I'll have to be careful so it doesn't look like a handout - she is a very proud woman.

[BenMax]

My dad is from India and animals there were also outside and had a purpose such as ensuring the monkeys and snakes stay out of the home. Mom, being a born blond Canadian educated dad that this is Canada, and animals are indoor pets....dad really had no choice in the matter....or else.. Long story short, dad loves his pets. He took the passing of their cat last Sunday very badly. Good news is: everyone can change through education and a good strong woman to set things the way they are suppose to be.

Please keep us updated on the dog. We all want to know.

[kandy]

I'm sorry that you are in this position, but the decision you've made is what's best for the dog. Dogs that are ostracized from their pack typically develop behavorial problems, which would make it harder for the dog to be placed in a home (or for your grandfather to change his mind). I would guess that if you had waited another year or so to make this choice, you might've had problems rehoming your dog. I think you've made the right choice - not an easy choice, but probably the right choice.

[Twisted_Angel]

I'm taking Saihlei to her house tomorrow around 12:00.

[TeriM]

Originally Posted by Twisted_Angel

I'm taking Saihlei to her house tomorrow around 12:00.

I'm sorry :sad:. You really are doing the right thing but I'm sure it is still a terrible time for you. Lots of hugs for you, I hope everything goes well .