Yorkie Advice - Re:homing?
 

Hi Forum!

Well, I've decided to turn to you all for your thoughts on a decision that has been on my mind for probably about a year now.

I've had my pup for just about 7 years now. I purchased him in my mid-20's on a whim, like many young people, not really understanding that having a dog is about the same as having a kid. I wasn't sure the direction my life would go over the course of the next few years.

I am now 33 years old, and basically I'm torn for a couple of reasons. Mainly because I feel like a selfish jerk for even thinking of finding him a new home.

1. I want to travel. As much as possible, and the one thing that often holds me back is finding my pup a house sitter (or not being able to find a house sistter), or being away too long, etc.

2. I work all day, and he's alone for a good 8-9 hours while I'm away. When I do get home I often don't feel like I am/ or can give him the attention that he needs.

3. I'm a professional photographer (balancing 2 careers currently), and probably in the very near future, will be relocating to a major city for career purposes. Having a dog will make this much more difficult.

I actually got my pup a cat companion a little over a year ago, but my cat is an independent cat, and they aren't really friends so that didn't work.

I'm starting to really feel that he would be much happier in a home with ideally ANOTHER Yorkie, or other dogs in general. Or at least with people who are home more.

Obviously making this decision is one of the most difficult for me to make, and I'm nervous that I won't even be able to follow through, but I can't help but feel that gut feeling that it's the right thing to do at this point. My friends all ADORE him and it's possible that I could easily find a great friend to home him, where I could still see him and keep tabs, but I'm just in the beginning of this process at this point.

Thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

I think you should not re-home your dog for such shallow reasons. There are many reasons but the main one to me would be that you had that wonderful puppy for 7 years and it wouldn't be fair to him. How do you think he would feel being abandoned by you? Maybe I am biased because I just lost my 10 year old baby last month and would give anything to have him back. If you don't love your dog then give him away to a loving person that would love him unconditionally. This is just my opinion and what do I know?

First of all let me say I don't like the thought of rehoming an older dog; however, it has been done before and sometimes the dog is much better off. My thought is that the best thing to do is to determine what is actually best for your dog.

If you feel it is best to rehome, you might consider contacting a rescue group to help with his new placement if needed. I would be very careful where he ends up.

I can't imagine the feelings of having to rehome one of my pups. I would think it will be a difficult decision for you. I can tell you are really battling with this decision and it will be one that is not taken lightly.

My advice would be to consider what is in the pups best interest. My girls love it when I'm home. They love the social interaction. Even though they have each other, they still need the human interaction as well. If you plan on bring gone a lot, you need to keep that in consideration.

Basically, if there is anyway possible to keep him I would. However, if rehoming is in his best interest, I would look at my options as well. This will be a hard decision. I wish you luck in what you decide to do.

Wow.... Please don't think you are being "shallow". You want to do what is best for your dog and there is nothing wrong with that. Things in our lives change and you can't hold back on your career no matter how much you love your dog. Loving your dog is doing what is best for them, and if you are not able to be there and give it the attention it needs then finding a new loving home may be best.

It sounds like you are taking a very good look at your life and the future of your dog. Although 7 years is a long time he could actually live 10 more years so being open to possibilities is great for both of you. My suggestion is to take your time, find a doggie daycare that also boards overnight when needed. See how he does and if this can be a permanent plan for you. It may be costly but it may be worth it.

If that doesn't work, take the time to find a group that will be very picky about his placement.

If I were young I would love to travel but I would still want to have a Yorky welcome when I got home. Best wishes to you both.

That is a great option for you and I say go for it. In my opinion when people say they are thinking about rehoming they need to rehome. People saying negative things about rehoming or scolding you are doing you and your yorkie a disservice. It sounds to me like both of you would be happier in the long run. And let me say that giving the amount of thought that you are giving it is a good sign. So many people dump their pets at a pound or shelter. They put them outside to fend for themselves or dump them on the side of a road. Thank you for caring about your little one and trying to do the best you can for him.

I agree. If you are truly being honest with yourself, and think he'd be better off in a different home then you are doing right by your dog.

Thank you all for the advice. It was difficult to bring this up as I know people's thoughts on re-homing a pet. I'm the same way, I choose a pet for life. My own mother (who owns a yorkie) has been giving me a really hard time about this thought as well.

I really am not doing this for selfish reasons, I want this to be because he deserves a better home, with more attention and love and care. I'm getting ready to start traveling more often for my photography business, and I've never put him in day care, I think that would really upset him, and I always feel bad leaving him with a house sitter. Such a catch 22.

Also - I wouldn't just give him to anyone. I would absolutely make sure it was the BEST fit and situation for him to be very happy.

What about your Mom, can she take him?

Personally, I could never, ever rehome my dogs as I believe they're my family and that you commit to them for their lives. That said, I understand it's not that way for everyone. I do think, however, that you could make it work for you both in a very good way - if you want to put the time and effort into making it work and keeping him in his home.

If you do choose to rehome him...gosh, it'd sure be ideal if you could find someone that he already knows and is familiar with as it's going to be so tough on him, losing everything he knows in his current life.

I do wish you the very best in this tortuous decision...it's such an incredibly tough situation :(. If you do rehome, just PLEASE make sure it's his forever home...that he won't be rehomed again and again.

I agree it has to be what is best for him! And would your mom take him that is a great idea if it could work for her family! I wish you the very best in your decision.

My mom taking him is an idea, but that worries me also !!
She lives in the country, has a HUGE German shepherd, and they're looking to move to Florida and downsize soon, so that could potentially be a dicey situation for him also. I do have a friend who rescue's min-pin's that I'm very close to, and they LOVE my pup. They would be the 1st people to ask. They treat all of their dogs like kings!

You may love your dog but it sounds like he is in a very lonely situation already. Please do what's best for him & find a home that can give him the love & attention he deserves.

I can totally understand how you feel hon, you've been through a terrible time recently and in the process of grieving, so this is particularly hard for you to read. Your points are honest and good ones, and at a time like this the OP has to take all things in to consideration before she makes a permanent decision. I'm sure though blunt she will take your points in to consideration as well.


I'm sorry for the loss of Dudley.

I am not into re-homing my furbabies, I moved 2 states away to be able to keep mine, but, I was not 22 when I got my pups, nor am I 33 with a awesome future before me. In your heart you know what is best for him and that's what matters most. Re-homing him with ppl he knows, and you trust is the best thing for him and for yourself. At least you will know he is with good loving ppl and not with a stranger you know nothing about. Good luck in making the right decision for your little boy.

Agree , especially the highlighted part. OP, if you need suggestions about how to rehome your pup, feel free to PM me.