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Originally Posted by Britster  This isn't a puppy though. I could understand if you had, say, an 8 month old dog and you realized it just wasn't fair for it, I would honestly feel a little different. Not that a dog is not bonded to you at 8 months, I know Jackson was, But after a dog has been with you for 7yrs? It just... rubs me the wrong way. Obviously the dog has been okay for the past 7yrs living this lifestyle. I don't understand what's so dire about this situation for the need to rehome. The dog isn't in danger or having health problems not taken care of. I guarantee you 90% of dogs in this country are at home for 8-10 hrs a day by themselves but as long as they getting the proper exercise/attention when you ARE there, I don't see the problem. And obviously the dog is used to being left while the owner goes on trips/etc now. And I am sure the dog is super excited when you get back.
I guess I would just ask the OP to imagine going away and then the dog that has shared her life with her for 7yrs NEVER seeing you again. Will the dog eventually get over it? Likely. But then you hear stories of dogs who have been missing for YEARS or someone found a lost dog and took it as their own and then they come back home and immediately remember who you are, too. And dogs who keep running away trying to find their deceased owners, etc.
I'm not saying that all people who own rehomes have dogs that don't love them or miss their previous owners. I know plenty of dogs that would perfectly content going home with anyone. My grandmas Goldendoodle would probably happily go into anyone's car or home and be happy for the rest of his life because that's his personality. And dogs are wonderful, resilient, forgiving little creatures.
But in this case, I just wonder why. I don't feel the reasons are good enough and choices will be regretted years from now. But maybe I'm wrong. |
I completely agree with this. I got Couver when I was only 21 and I have had him for almost 6 years now. My life has changed drastically, a new home, full-time career, house renovations, graduate school, friends, etc. but I could never re-home him. I think a lot of people re-home pups for selfish reasons, but I guess it is better than keeping a dog you feel resentful of. If you honestly feel that your pup would feel happier in a different home, then go for it.
I just know my little guy, and he is very attached to me. He would do anything to get to me. Just yesterday, I was helping my brother move out of his apartment. Couver was downstairs in the truck that was running with the a/c blasting. My brother was with him and he opened the door. Couver jumped out and began running around searching frantically for me. My brother had to chase him down and catch him because he was so desperate to find me.