not sure what to do, need advice
Here is my problem. I am not trying to make excuses but I just want to explain my situation, and I would like everyone's input on what's best for my sheepie. I am single, working full time and going to school part time. Lately I am going through a lot of stress and I really just want to move to DC to start over again. My school is in DC anyway, so it would make sense. I do have a high paying job now, but I am willing to leave that behind and concentrate on school. Having say that, I wouldn't have too much $ to rent, so that limits my option. In addition, it would be even harder to find a place that would allow large dogs like OES. I also don't think I would be home a lot at all. Is it fair to put a large dog in a small place? I really don't think so. I have a large house with a backyard for now, and I feel horrible at the thought of putting him in a small room (if I can find one to rent). I also feel bad that I am in such a big mess right now, so confused about my life. I barely have time for him, with work and school and try to have a life. Is it bad that I am even thinking about giving him to someone who can spend more time with him? Anyone ever did that, and how did you feel? I really don't know what to do, so please help! Non of my family members would take him, since they all have dogs and he is afraid of little kids. Any advice would be appreciated. Karole |
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| Karole, where in the DC area are you. OES rescue may be an option and this forum has many member's that could give you the information you need. They can find a home for your sheepie that would be a good match
for him. |
| I live in DE right now. If I have to give him up, I would drive him anywhere within 8 hours drive. I want the best for him. |
| I'm not involved with rescue, although I'd like to be at some point, but many on the forum are. Keep watching here, I'm sure you'll soon get lot's of good advice.........Kathy |
| I don't 1think it is a terrible thing at all to be thinking about the best interests of Phlufie.
I know that just because you're asking, you'll do the right thing for him. That said, our dog lived just fine in our motorhome, which is maybe 300 square feet. He DID get plenty of time with us and lots of walks though. |
| That's my main concern, not having time for him when he has to be in a small place. I might be able to get a friend to live with me, but there is a chance that she might back out.
He is such a big part of my life, and the thought of losing him is horrifying. |
| I just wanted to add that I don't think that him living in a small space would be that bad. We moved to an apartment over the summer from a nice large house with a yard and I don't think Barney even noticed. But he's never been one to run through the house or anything. He gets his exercise on walks.
I hope you find what's right for both of you! |
| My sister and I live in a townhouse. It is quite large, but does not have a fenced in yard. We both work all day, but are usually home in the evenings. As long as we take Izzie on walks and find time and a place for a little ball play she is fine...especially with a day or two at doggie daycare. As she gets a little older, calmer and her energy level decreases she settles even better into life without a yard.
You could always try finding a place that would accept dogs. If the situation ends up being detrimental to Pflufie's health, then you could contact rescue. |
| I agree with others that apartment life is just fine for an oes AS LONG AS they get plenty of exercise. Oliver did just fine in the 1 bedroom apartment. We did take him on two walks per day, but who couldn't use a little extra exercise? For Oliver, as with most oes, he just desires to be with me, touching me preferably.
It must be a very hard decision, and you are right that you must think what is best for your friend. There are some great rescue groups that if you decide, will find a great home for your buddy. |
| I think he would do fine but if you have to rehome him please use rescue. Does he get along with other dogs?? etc. Good luck. You could try him in a small place Guinness has stayed in a hotel with me for a week and did fine in one room we just walked a lot!! I am in Maryland so give me a shout if you need to
Cindy |
| You are doing the right thing to be thinking about your dog's welfare. Phoebe came to us from someone who realized that she could no longer provide the best care for her. She and Phoebe came to visit to see if it would be a good fit. We are soooo happy that her former owner made the decision to give Phoebe up. We've had Phoebe for just over a year and I did send a picture of her to her former owner at Christmas.
It a tough decision and I'm certain that you will make the right one for both of you. Nancy and Phoebe in Cincinnati |
| Karole, I'm about 70 miles NW of Washington ( near Hagerstown ), but have spent alot of time in DC. They have several dog parks in the city and many more in the surrounding counties ( MD and VA ).
Have you checked with the college to see what off campus housing they have listed, maybe you could find something through them? We have a house with a large fenced yard but Chauncey prefers to be wherever we are. He will rarely spend more than a few mins outside by himself. I'm also a bad influence....I play ball with him in the house. He's 2 1/2 and is outgrowing the puppy stage, in fact he's turning into a bit of a couch potato, so if living space is your only concern for his well being I wouldn't worry. Exercise & quality time with you is more important. If you do have to rehome PLEASE come here to contact rescue so that Phlufie can find a home that is selected just for him and his needs......Kathy |
| Hi Karole
If you do need to rehome Phlufie, rescue would certainly help him find a great home. All the rescues are very thorough with where they place the dogs. One suggestion(if it is in your budget) would be to get a dog walker for a big run! Then, you can take the shorter walks and enjoy the cuddle time to relax!! Just a thought Good Luck Kathy |
Phlufie's mom wrote: Is it fair to put a large dog in a small place? I really don't think so. I have a large house with a backyard for now, and I feel horrible at the thought of putting him in a small room (if I can find one to rent).
I also feel bad that I am in such a big mess right now, so confused about Karole, your decision is a difficult one. BUT do not make it based on living in a small place. Patch has lived in a townhouse for the five years I've had her until 3 months ago where now she has a nice fenced yard. All these years I've had to walk her - well, she has not adjusted to her yard and wants that leash on for a walk! She would much rather just be with me than live in a mansion. We practically live at the dog park when the weather is nice, so find lifestyle alternatives for Phuflie. Good luck. |
| if it were a child would you give up your child? You are all this OES has known as his "mum"...............
I am sure he would rather be with you in a small place, than given up. |
| You are being the best Mum ever exploring your options
Being overwhelmed can happen to any of us at any time There are options and thank you for looking into them for your sweet sheepie Please know that we are here to help you Hugs Kathy |
| I think you are being very responsible by exploring your options. Whatever you decide you are putting the dogs best interest first and I applaud you for that. |
| You have to do what is best for you and Phlufie, that is all that can be expected. One thing you may want to think about is when times are blue and you are in a funk, a fluffy, aka phlufie, can lift those spirits and sometimes make them better. Good luck with whatever you decide. |
| Ok...yes we are nuts, but we live in a townhome. Its not big, but cozy and filled with love. We have almost 200 pounds of dogs living with us. 2 OES and a border collie. I don't think our dogs want for anything! They are completely loved and truly spoiled. We both work long hours (I do come home at lunch), and we view our play/exercise time with them as play/exercise time for us, too! Oh and did I mention the 2 old gentlemen cats we have? |
Thanks to all. Debcram, your post makes me smile 
Phlufie loves to sleep on my belly (doesn't help to reduce my belly size, though). I used to take him to dog park almost everyday when I was in CA. Being in DE doesn't do anything for him.... It's not the small place I worry, it's more of the time I can spend with him. I probably didn't make it that clear on my post, since I started out by saying it's not easy to have him in a small place. I meant to say to be stuck in a small place without a fence yard and I might not be home for 10-12 hours is too much for him. Well, if it comes down to it, I will do what's best for him. If I think giving him up is the best, I will definitely contact rescue group. I won't give him up until I find a good home. Thanks for all your advice! That really helps! |
| how about a dog walker?
Check the local high school. There are usually responsible kids who will walk your dog. Guidance counselors will often be able to help & know the kids who would be responsible. |
| When I am gone on business, w have a dog sitter come in at lunchtime to give Bailey a chance to do his business and play a bit. That's just guilt on my part - he could easily hold it 12 hours, I just feel bad. A dog walker might be a good solution for you, at least for now until you see if you can make it work. |
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