I'm at a loss..

[tokes]

I'm looking for advice about what to do.. I've posted on Yahoo Answers as well. I want as many opinions as possible....

I have a Yorkie that is a year and a half. I love him with all my heart, but am afraid that I might have to re-home him.

Here's my LONG sob story:

I got Tokyo at 8 weeks. He was the cutest, most lovable creature I'd ever seen (still is). When I first got him, it was great. After the novelty of a new puppy wore off, I started taking less responsibility for him. He would begin peeing and pooping in the house (I was lazy and stupid, I know). My parents wanted to give him away. I agreed assuming this was the best for him as I was working and going to school.

My parents gave him to a family friend who lives about 50 miles from me. They gave him away without my knowledge, and to a person who I didn't believe should have him. I was devastated. I wanted to take my time to find the best home I could for him, and that privilege was taken away from me.

[Background on the lady who agreed to be his new mom: She has two maltase’s which are kept in tip-top shape -- very well cared for -- thought taking on a third wouldn't be a problem.]

Months passed and it got easier without Tokes, but there were days when I missed him so much. I was never able to shake the feeling that I needed him back in my life. I called the lady who had him and asked her how things were going. She said that she had been stressed out with a third dog and agreed to give him back to me. I was ecstatic that I would have a second chance to show myself and everyone around me that I could be a better dog owner.

Tokyo has been back now for a month or so. I am SO happy that I have him back and have no regrets about bringing him back home. He has a pretty strict schedule that I keep him on. Since he still has problems with pooping and peeing in the house occasionally, he is crated while I am not home.

If I'm working this is his schedule --
7AM -- Pee and poop (if he pees only, he only gets to roam around my bedroom. If Tokyo pees & poops, he gets free run of the house.)
7:10AM – Eats if he feels like it
8:00AM – Goes into the crate until 3:30PM, which is when I get home
3:30PM – Walk with same rules applying for pee and poop.
If I don't go anywhere for the rest of the day, he does whatever he wants around the house.

If I have school this is his schedule –
7AM -- Pee and poop (if he pees only, he only gets to roam around my bedroom. If Tokyo pees & poops, he gets free run of the house.)
7:10AM – Eats if he feels like it and romps until 11AM or so.
11AM – Goes into his crate until 2:00PM or so depending on traffic.
2:15PM – He will go on a walk in which I don’t expect him to poop and peeing is good enough for me.
5:00PM – School until 8:15PM which means crate time.
8:30PM – Romps until 10:00PM which is his bedtime.

Details vary day to day, but that’s the gist of our day. I also work on Saturday’s all day in which he is at home in his crate. Since I’m really the only one who wanted him back in my family, no one really wants to help me take care of him. I am his sole provider. I am fine with that, but I’m afraid I cannot give him enough.

Extra details:
Dinner for him is 6:00PM daily.
Has a toy in his crate if he gets bored.
He and I play together on a daily basis (not always for a long time, but I try to remember to give him his play time).
Bath time for him is once a week.
I brush his teeth during bath time.
Since his hair is short right now, he’s brushed a couple times a week.



I know I'm writing a novel, but I'm at such a loss about what to do. I have NO PROBLEMS with taking care of him and putting in the work. I’m over myself and have taken full responsibility of taking care of another living being. I'm just afraid I don’t have enough time to give him the love and care he deserves. I feel as though he’s always stuck in his crate. When the semester is over, I want to work more which means I will have even less time for him. I feel so selfish that I’m not actively looking for someone who can give him more time. I’m so happy that he’s here and I would be devastated to give him away again. I can’t imagine him not being in my life, but right now I have to know what my priorities are. I need to focus on work and school.

My heart is in the right place, but my schedule and the demands of life are not compatible with having a dog right now. Maybe I’m being a drama queen and everything is fine. I just can’t shake the feeling that he needs more than what I can give him.

So, my question is, from your point of view, what should I do? Should I keep him, or should I re-home him? I’m really hurting because I don’t know what to do… I feel like I have so many things to say to explain my situation better, but this is a start. Please don’t judge me harshly, I need advice.

Background on me: I’m 21; work about 30 hours a week. School is about 10 hours a week not counting school work. I would like to increase my work hours soon.

Thank you so much if you’ve made it this far.

[MIZBROWN]

Well... I think your little Tokyo is adorable And for the most part, I say do what best for you and your pup IMO... I work full time and have a 6yr old child and there still isnt enough hours in the day..lol. But if you can do it, go for it

[bildio]

Welcome to YT. Tokes is really cute.

I think you love and care for him a lot.

I think quality time which you can give him is more important than quantity time which you can't.

I'd switch from a crate to an xpen with bedding, toys, & pee pads (just in case) to give him maximum comfort when you can't be with him.

Let him sleep in your bedroom when you sleep either in the xpen, on the floor or in bed with you.

If you get to the point where you don't think he's getting quality time on an almost daily basis consider rehoming him, but only as a last resort. Remember rehoming is always an option at any time in the future, but once he's rehomed he's out of your like.

I tend to think that even with your schedule, you will give him better love and care than many pet owners do. YorkieTalkers being the exception.

Good luck.

[luvfla]

He IS adorable & you are wonderful to think past yourself. I kind of think you have answered your own question about rehoming him. You are young & your life should go beyond school & work. So where does that leave Tokoyo?

[phfgkl]

At a year and 1/2 he should be able to be trained well enough, that he should be able to roam at least certain parts of the house without being penned up. If someone could just let him out at noon to go potty and then around 5:00 that would be great. I feel for you, but, I really don't think anyone is going to be able to come right out and tell you what to do as far as finding him a new home..It's a hard decision, but the decision has to be made by you. Go with your heart..Good luck, Life isn't very easy at times

[meeker]

I think you need to just keep doing what you are doing
It seems like you are doing everything right
You could try peddle pads for when you are gone when he roams free
keep up the good work
time will make it all easier

[Keely_momma]

I think he would exell with a nice long walk. Even if it isnt everyday. If you get some spare time, Take the little guy for a walk. I myself, walk dogs in my community that otherwise would be chained up outside all day long with no attention. Im 15 years old, maybe if you found an animal loving teen like myself, and get to know he/she very well to the point where you would trust them, maybe they would walk him for you when they get the chance, maybe for free, or for a small fee. I do it for free, simply for my love and passion for animals. But i think his situation would be Alot better with a bit more excersize!

GOod Luck..

Dont give up on your little guy Again, im sure you would regret it!

[TresCutePiggies]

Originally Posted by tokes

I'm looking for advice about what to do.. I've posted on Yahoo Answers as well. I want as many opinions as possible....

I have a Yorkie that is a year and a half. I love him with all my heart, but am afraid that I might have to re-home him.

Here's my LONG sob story:

I got Tokyo at 8 weeks. He was the cutest, most lovable creature I'd ever seen (still is). When I first got him, it was great. After the novelty of a new puppy wore off, I started taking less responsibility for him. He would begin peeing and pooping in the house (I was lazy and stupid, I know). My parents wanted to give him away. I agreed assuming this was the best for him as I was working and going to school.

My parents gave him to a family friend who lives about 50 miles from me. They gave him away without my knowledge, and to a person who I didn't believe should have him. I was devastated. I wanted to take my time to find the best home I could for him, and that privilege was taken away from me.

[Background on the lady who agreed to be his new mom: She has two maltase’s which are kept in tip-top shape -- very well cared for -- thought taking on a third wouldn't be a problem.]

Months passed and it got easier without Tokes, but there were days when I missed him so much. I was never able to shake the feeling that I needed him back in my life. I called the lady who had him and asked her how things were going. She said that she had been stressed out with a third dog and agreed to give him back to me. I was ecstatic that I would have a second chance to show myself and everyone around me that I could be a better dog owner.

Tokyo has been back now for a month or so. I am SO happy that I have him back and have no regrets about bringing him back home. He has a pretty strict schedule that I keep him on. Since he still has problems with pooping and peeing in the house occasionally, he is crated while I am not home.

If I'm working this is his schedule --
7AM -- Pee and poop (if he pees only, he only gets to roam around my bedroom. If Tokyo pees & poops, he gets free run of the house.)
7:10AM – Eats if he feels like it
8:00AM – Goes into the crate until 3:30PM, which is when I get home
3:30PM – Walk with same rules applying for pee and poop.
If I don't go anywhere for the rest of the day, he does whatever he wants around the house.

If I have school this is his schedule –
7AM -- Pee and poop (if he pees only, he only gets to roam around my bedroom. If Tokyo pees & poops, he gets free run of the house.)
7:10AM – Eats if he feels like it and romps until 11AM or so.
11AM – Goes into his crate until 2:00PM or so depending on traffic.
2:15PM – He will go on a walk in which I don’t expect him to poop and peeing is good enough for me.
5:00PM – School until 8:15PM which means crate time.
8:30PM – Romps until 10:00PM which is his bedtime.

Details vary day to day, but that’s the gist of our day. I also work on Saturday’s all day in which he is at home in his crate. Since I’m really the only one who wanted him back in my family, no one really wants to help me take care of him. I am his sole provider. I am fine with that, but I’m afraid I cannot give him enough.

Extra details:
Dinner for him is 6:00PM daily.
Has a toy in his crate if he gets bored.
He and I play together on a daily basis (not always for a long time, but I try to remember to give him his play time).
Bath time for him is once a week.
I brush his teeth during bath time.
Since his hair is short right now, he’s brushed a couple times a week.



I know I'm writing a novel, but I'm at such a loss about what to do. I have NO PROBLEMS with taking care of him and putting in the work. I’m over myself and have taken full responsibility of taking care of another living being. I'm just afraid I don’t have enough time to give him the love and care he deserves. I feel as though he’s always stuck in his crate. When the semester is over, I want to work more which means I will have even less time for him. I feel so selfish that I’m not actively looking for someone who can give him more time. I’m so happy that he’s here and I would be devastated to give him away again. I can’t imagine him not being in my life, but right now I have to know what my priorities are. I need to focus on work and school.

My heart is in the right place, but my schedule and the demands of life are not compatible with having a dog right now. Maybe I’m being a drama queen and everything is fine. I just can’t shake the feeling that he needs more than what I can give him.

So, my question is, from your point of view, what should I do? Should I keep him, or should I re-home him? I’m really hurting because I don’t know what to do… I feel like I have so many things to say to explain my situation better, but this is a start. Please don’t judge me harshly, I need advice.

Background on me: I’m 21; work about 30 hours a week. School is about 10 hours a week not counting school work. I would like to increase my work hours soon.

Thank you so much if you’ve made it this far.

I think Tokes is so cute! I think you are doing the responsible thing by considering all your options as well. I know how devastating it must have been to be without him. Would doggie daycare be an option for you? Even if it was only once per week? It would give him a chance to run and play while you were at work. I see you are a student, and I know funds are tight for a lot of us.

Originally Posted by bildio

Welcome to YT. Tokes is really cute.

I think you love and care for him a lot.

I think quality time which you can give him is more important than quantity time which you can't.

I'd switch from a crate to an xpen with bedding, toys, & pee pads (just in case) to give him maximum comfort when you can't be with him.

Let him sleep in your bedroom when you sleep either in the xpen, on the floor or in bed with you.

If you get to the point where you don't think he's getting quality time on an almost daily basis consider rehoming him, but only as a last resort. Remember rehoming is always an option at any time in the future, but once he's rehomed he's out of your like.

I tend to think that even with your schedule, you will give him better love and care than many pet owners do. YorkieTalkers being the exception.

Good luck.

I agree with all of this. I think the x-pen rather than the crate would be a great idea. I also wonder if you could train him to use a pad for when you aren't home?

Good luck!

[Hooks_Yorkie]

I'm 21 too and I am increasing my course hours and work hours along with doing some activist stuff and I get down about my two babies too, but you have it down to a schedule and I don't even have that so that's a plus

I wouldn't give him up unless your situation is making him unhappy or stressing him out. I believe they are more forgiving than we think they are. If it works with your schedule maybe you can visit him more often in the day or take him on little errands with you if possible. I just make the hike from work or classes in the middle of the day to visit them and say hi.

I didn't/don't necessarily crate train Hooks. I have an aversion to crates since my other pup spent his early life in one and can't stand them. It is like this large bin that he can't jump out of and it is open at the top so it doesn't give me the mental image of a crate while serving the same purpose

I hope that helps.

[yorkiepuppie]

your puppy is really cute! i think it's very nice of you to worry about whether or not you are spending enough time with him.

well, you are working a lot of hours. plus school, and you didn't include the hours that you need to put in for homework and study, so once that's included, how many hours is that?

you can look into dog daycare places if you can afford it. make sure you do your research to find a good doggie daycare. i know that most dogs are very happy to go to doggie daycare because they can play there and they make friends with other doggies. it's really cute.

also, maybe you can find a pet sitter, or if your friends can help you watch your dog while you are away.

OR, you can get another dog, so at least they can keep each other company while you are gone.

i wouldn't want to give my dog away either, but i think that they do deserve to have a good quality life (and their lives are way to short and precious to be wasted being alone and bored) so if i were you, i would look into doggie daycare, or pet-sitting services because i would not want to give my dog away. but if you can't do that for whatever reason, then you really should look for a loving home for your baby. obviously you will need to take time to find someone you can trust that will provide the love and attention your dog deserves. there are a lot of dog lovers out there that have the time and means to spoil your baby if you cannot keep him.

i really hope you can keep your baby. but i say do what's best for the little dog even if it means you cannot keep him.

good luck to you!!!

[manolos mom]

Wow, You guys are very responsible. Keep it up and only good things will come your way. I would get him an xpen. About 75 dollars but will last you a life time...And your baby will have plenty of room to play and stretch....GREAT JOB AND YOU ARE VERY MATURE.......

[mackymom]

I work everyday from 8am till 3:00. My 2yr is potty trained so he gets run of the house, my 15weeks pee-pees everywhere so she is confined to the puppy-proof utility room (in there she only goes on her pee pad) they are perfectly content. At 7:45am Mac assumes his position on the couch and Maci is ready for a nap so she never fusses when I lock her up. They are so accustom to the routine on week-ends they both pretty much nap off & on until around 3 pm when they "come to life"...I think getting a play-pen is a great idea until your baby get fully potty trained and could possibly have the run of your room.

Do you think if Tokyo was fully housebroken your parents would be more receptive to him being out and about with them?

If you are wanting someone to reassure you and tell you its ok to rehome him, it is ok and you shouldnt feel guilty wanting him to have what you might feel is a "better life" thats something only you can decide. Just do your homework and find a good family that you know will take good care of him..possible someone that you could visit/check in on him periodically..boy am I rambling lol... You sound like a very smart and responsible girl..I think you will make a good decision however you decide.. Good luck..

[LadyMadonna51]

The most significant aspect of this post is the fact that you truly love and care for this dog ...especially since you have him back with you twice . Never underestimate the power of that love ..it can move mountains.My feeling is that if you rehome this dog , your dog , you will forever wonder if he is alright. I think you are doing an amazing job ..nothing ever comes easy in life.

[marcerella02]

well my GOD he is cute! Those ears! AHH!!

Sounds like you are doing a GREAT GREAT job and it is obviously you love him so much. There are many people on here who crate their dogs all day and they do just fine. And hopefully as he gets older you'll be able to just confine him to a room or something. You can pee pad train him so that when you do leave he can just stay in your room and use the pee pad. I think for his sake- keep him- he has been moved around and is probably quite confused. It's hard having a puppy but as they get older it gets easier. Someone mentinoed a doggy day care- even one day a week would be great for him. Do you live at home?

I would work on pad training him- same as training outside- LOTS of praise and treats when he goes on the pad- many dogs can be trained to go both- outside and on the pad. This way you can leave him in your room and not feel so bad that he is in his crate. Or you can get an x pen and leave him in that- more room- with the pee pad in there - this way he can have access to his food/water. hang in there you sound like a GREAT mom.

[Lucia]

Welcome to YT!!! Your baby is adorable! I just want to wish u all the very best in making it work - I think a playdate is a great idea, and also as someone else has suggested, maybe a dog walker who could come and walk Tokyo during the day while you are at school or working. Tokes is lucky to have such a caring, responsible owner. Don't forget to keep us all updated on your little guys progress - and we'd love to see more pics of the gorgeous little booger xxx xxx