Story time:
My friend's 7 year-old German Shepherd took it into his head one day to "redecorate" her apartment after being moved into it from the country. He literally did thousands of dollars worth of damage. Forget getting the pet deposit back, she is going to have to pay all of the repairs. You can literally not imagine the damage. Carpet, walls, patio, kitchen. You name it, the dog destroyed it.
This is a dog which was supposedly housebroken. She does not have the money to fix this problem, but she's still working with the dog, even though it now periodically destroys something else (couch, throw pillows, piano...) About twice a week. He is medicated with Xanax and several other sedatives, and still does this. He has seen behaviorists (he is extensively obedience trained). She exercises the dog by walking him 3 miles a day (with back weights). It just isn't working out.
Now she's bringing home another puppy, hoping it will cure the dog's separation anxiety. Her new dog? A Border Collie/German Shepherd mix.
In an apartment.
If I was her, I would have rehomed the shepherd weeks ago. I definitely wouldn't be bringing in another dog of the same activity level/temperament to add to the chaos. Moving a German Shepherd which had been living in an open yard into a one bedroom apartment is just not going to work. She's trying to deal with things the best way she can, but her refusal to give up her dog is ruining her life. It's affecting her productivity at work and it's emotionally draining her. She's pushed it to the point of absurdity. She can't even invite people over to her house anymore.
JMO, but I don't think you should keep an animal if it's ruining your life. |