As I have a 2yr. old lab and 2yr. old Golden, both of which who were dumped at the pound, I feel very strongly about "getting rid" of your lab. How do you have a dog for 2 1/2 years and just decide to get rid of her? I am sorry if this sounds mean, which I am sure it does as I am passionate about committing to an animal once you get one. That is why there is thousands and thousands of pets out there, homeless. It sounds a little like you are making excuses and trying to justify getting rid of her, so you can get another yorkie.
You may also want to think of the resentment towards you that your partner may harbor if you push getting rid of the dog. It sounds like you need both need to make a lifestyle change, which will include activity for the lab. Unfortunately, when you make a commitment to having a pet, you can't always do everything you want to do. I would assume it's like having a child. The last time I checked, you can't leave a kid at home all day and all night so you can go to the gym. It seems like walking or running could replace the gym activity and give Leah an outlet for her energy.
I have grown up with labs- have suffered from chewed EVERYTHING, failing puppy class, and being super frustrated. However, we never gave up on any of them, and had years of rewarding love after patiently waiting out the puppy phase, which seems to last until age three or four, unfortunately. It is still a commitment.
Sorry to be so harsh, but I am very passionate about people making excuses to abandon their pets... |