Finding a new home for my dogs
Discussion
In possibly the hardest decision I've ever had to make, I'm now in the position that I need to find a new home for my dogs.
They have always lived with my parents, as I was at home when I first got them and have never had a big enough place for them to live in.
My parents are in the process of selling their house and moving somewhere smaller. After many discussions (some rather heated...) they have decided that they really wont be able bring them with them to their new house.
I've been putting this off for the last three months but I've now no other option and I dont want to have to do this under the severe time pressure that having sold the house will bring.
I have two 8 year old pedigree samoyeds named Boss and Babe (my mother named her...), utterly gorgeous dogs, perfect with children, completely loving, incredibly fluffy and very well behaved. There are a couple of potential problems, in that having been together since birth, they cry if they are seperated by a door, let alone away from each other for any length of time. As a result they are pretty much inseperable.
As a potential second issue, Boss is boss eyed (hence the name, he's been like that since he was a couple of weeks old) and is half blind. As a result he is very clingy (loves being around people and will follow his favourite people around endlessly, in fact both think they are lapdogs...) and has a tendency to walk into things if anyone moves the furniture.
They are relatively large dogs (think golden retriever size with a very thick fluffy white coat) and their tendency to shed incredible amounts of white hair I'm thinking may make this less easy than were they a smaller breed. They need a reasonable amount of space.
While the thought of losing them brings tears to my eyes (tearing up while typing this, tragic really!) I cant find any other option, despite hoping to think of one, they have to go.
I know that there have been a few threads (both recently and over the years) on getting dogs from various rescue centres, does anyone have any advice on how to find a new home for much loved pets?
I have no idea of where to even start...
They have always lived with my parents, as I was at home when I first got them and have never had a big enough place for them to live in.
My parents are in the process of selling their house and moving somewhere smaller. After many discussions (some rather heated...) they have decided that they really wont be able bring them with them to their new house.
I've been putting this off for the last three months but I've now no other option and I dont want to have to do this under the severe time pressure that having sold the house will bring.
I have two 8 year old pedigree samoyeds named Boss and Babe (my mother named her...), utterly gorgeous dogs, perfect with children, completely loving, incredibly fluffy and very well behaved. There are a couple of potential problems, in that having been together since birth, they cry if they are seperated by a door, let alone away from each other for any length of time. As a result they are pretty much inseperable.
As a potential second issue, Boss is boss eyed (hence the name, he's been like that since he was a couple of weeks old) and is half blind. As a result he is very clingy (loves being around people and will follow his favourite people around endlessly, in fact both think they are lapdogs...) and has a tendency to walk into things if anyone moves the furniture.
They are relatively large dogs (think golden retriever size with a very thick fluffy white coat) and their tendency to shed incredible amounts of white hair I'm thinking may make this less easy than were they a smaller breed. They need a reasonable amount of space.
While the thought of losing them brings tears to my eyes (tearing up while typing this, tragic really!) I cant find any other option, despite hoping to think of one, they have to go.
I know that there have been a few threads (both recently and over the years) on getting dogs from various rescue centres, does anyone have any advice on how to find a new home for much loved pets?
I have no idea of where to even start...
Very sad to hear you are going to have to re-home your dogs. Can't image ever doing this but then I'm not in your circumstance.
I would love to help you out but with a Greyhound, a house rabbit and a house guinea pig I think I've got enough animals!
Good luck and insist on both dogs going together and re-home them yourself not via a rescue place as you have no idea what they will do with them once they are out of your care.
I would love to help you out but with a Greyhound, a house rabbit and a house guinea pig I think I've got enough animals!
Good luck and insist on both dogs going together and re-home them yourself not via a rescue place as you have no idea what they will do with them once they are out of your care.
rolyrat said:
Whatever you do, dont involve the RSPCA, they kill a damn sight more than they rehome.
Thats my fear if I leave it until they've sold the house and have a move date etc. If I can manage it in advance, then at least there isnt a time pressure of "they have to go by the end of the month" etc.
Boosted Ls1 said:
Lemming, I don't get this. Why don't you move and take the dogs with you. You obviously love them and it's going to be nigh on impossible to secure their future with any certainty.
Boosted.
Unfortunately my girlfriend and I moved back in with my parents shortly after I was made redundant. There is no chance of us being able to buy something in the immediate future (let alone big enough) and there is minimal chance of being able to rent somewhere that not only has a large enough garden, but would also allow pets. Its something I'm actively trying to do, but as I'm working on a fixed term contract due to expire next month, at a company that's just been bought out and made massive redundancies, I dont reasonably expect to be employed next month.
Basically I cant see another option.
If my parent's house sells within the next few months I've got no choice. If it languishes on the market for six months or more then options may become available.
The choice is basically :
1: Have the time to find someone who will love them,
or
2: Face being in a position of having to find them somewhere VERY rapidly if and when the house sells.
Its not fair on them to even consider option 2.
Why is it impossible for them to come to your home? Are renting in a no pets building or something? How far do you commute? Can you get or pay anyone to walk them at lunchtime? You may have to make some sacrifices for their wellbeing, but it sounds like your parents already did their stint and it's your turn. Dog ownership is a lifestyle, not an accessorising exercise. Sorry if that sounds harsh, but they are living beings who are going to find it hard settling elsewhere.
tallbloke said:
Why is it impossible for them to come to your home? Are renting in a no pets building or something? How far do you commute? Can you get or pay anyone to walk them at lunchtime? You may have to make some sacrifices for their wellbeing, but it sounds like your parents already did their stint and it's your turn. Dog ownership is a lifestyle, not an accessorising exercise. Sorry if that sounds harsh, but they are living beings who are going to find it hard settling elsewhere.
Point is we are living with my parents. We cant afford to move out of there right now, my contract expires next month and the odds of it being renewed are bugger all.
Their "stint" comprises the dogs living under their roof as well. I walk them, feed them, play with them, look after them etc. I'm fully aware that dogs arent a bloody accessory. I was there when these guys were born and I've been there nearly every day for them since.
I'm VERY aware they are going to find settling ANYWHERE else very very hard, especially considering my dog is partially sighted, he still walks into walls occasionally and that's in a house he knows.
Can I suggest you READ what I've written before making those comments. I've been putting off having to do this for the last three months, however the situation hasnt changed and as much as it breaks my heart I cant think of any way I can keep them.
tallbloke said:
Why is it impossible for them to come to your home? Are renting in a no pets building or something? How far do you commute? Can you get or pay anyone to walk them at lunchtime? You may have to make some sacrifices for their wellbeing, but it sounds like your parents already did their stint and it's your turn. Dog ownership is a lifestyle, not an accessorising exercise. Sorry if that sounds harsh, but they are living beings who are going to find it hard settling elsewhere.
This is what I was thinking but I didn't want to sound harsh either. I appreciate that not all situations are the same but these dogs aren't younsters anymore and have quite a lot going against them. I'd go homeless before I gave my dogs up. In fact when I was a teenager I had to sleep rough for that very reason and it was winter. I kept the dog until his old age.
Boosted.
Samoyeds - utterly fantastic animals.
My Samoyed male (Boris) is two years old now now is is just about the best thing with four legs that I know.
Fantastic sense of humour (really), super loyal, brilliant with my 3 kids (and all their friends who visit. )
strong, and charismatic.
Not much cop as an attack dog though - unless someone makes the utterly mad mistake of attacking one of
their loved ones in front of them, (especially a child, Samoyeds are very protective of children) - in that case watch captain fluffy turn into a very fast, very vindictive war machine that absolutely will not stop
until the threat is eradicated. (and I do mean eradicated!)
If they are true to the breed then I can thoroughly recommend these animals to anyone out there
looking for pets. Don't splt them up.
Andy
>> Edited by andymadmak on Monday 9th January 18:31
My Samoyed male (Boris) is two years old now now is is just about the best thing with four legs that I know.
Fantastic sense of humour (really), super loyal, brilliant with my 3 kids (and all their friends who visit. )
strong, and charismatic.
Not much cop as an attack dog though - unless someone makes the utterly mad mistake of attacking one of
their loved ones in front of them, (especially a child, Samoyeds are very protective of children) - in that case watch captain fluffy turn into a very fast, very vindictive war machine that absolutely will not stop
until the threat is eradicated. (and I do mean eradicated!)
If they are true to the breed then I can thoroughly recommend these animals to anyone out there
looking for pets. Don't splt them up.
Andy
>> Edited by andymadmak on Monday 9th January 18:31
Boosted Ls1 said:
Why is it impossible for them to come to your home? Are renting in a no pets building or something? How far do you commute? Can you get or pay anyone to walk them at lunchtime? You may have to make some sacrifices for their wellbeing, but it sounds like your parents already did their stint and it's your turn. Dog ownership is a lifestyle, not an accessorising exercise. Sorry if that sounds harsh, but they are living beings who are going to find it hard settling elsewhere.
This is what I was thinking but I didn't want to sound harsh either. I appreciate that not all situations are the same but these dogs aren't younsters anymore and have quite a lot going against them. I'd go homeless before I gave my dogs up. In fact when I was a teenager I had to sleep rough for that very reason and it was winter. I kept the dog until his old age.
Boosted.
Come on Mike - you know you need a couple more dogs - and you know Boris already!
Andy
Bad news mate 
I know what it is like to give up a dog for rehoming. Have you tried www.samoyedrescue.co.uk/
I agree about with the comment about the RSPCA by the way. My mother has had dealings with them over many years, she used to feed the stray cats over at the local common for many years. Very helpful at the begining but now just like to make money.
Added: I will tear you apart when you hand them over. I had no choice what so ever when I gave my dear Scooby back to the dog home - It was one of those points in life when I lost the Lot, House, Car, Job and relationship. I will NEVER get my self into that situation again.
>> Edited by scared but happy on Monday 9th January 19:14
I know what it is like to give up a dog for rehoming. Have you tried www.samoyedrescue.co.uk/ I agree about with the comment about the RSPCA by the way. My mother has had dealings with them over many years, she used to feed the stray cats over at the local common for many years. Very helpful at the begining but now just like to make money.
Added: I will tear you apart when you hand them over. I had no choice what so ever when I gave my dear Scooby back to the dog home - It was one of those points in life when I lost the Lot, House, Car, Job and relationship. I will NEVER get my self into that situation again.
>> Edited by scared but happy on Monday 9th January 19:14
TheLemming said:
Can I suggest you READ what I've written before making those comments.
I've re-read all of it and I still can't see the bit where you told us you were living at your parents as well as your dogs. Anyway, sorry, I didn't mean to add to your distress.
Is your girlfriend working full time? Have you tried advertising for dog friendly accomodation? How about a nice big caravan in the countryside out of town? You'd be surprised how many opportunities there are for living on other peoples land if you can offer some of your time to help them maintain it...
Best of luck and don't worry too much.
andymadmak said:
Why is it impossible for them to come to your home? Are renting in a no pets building or something? How far do you commute? Can you get or pay anyone to walk them at lunchtime? You may have to make some sacrifices for their wellbeing, but it sounds like your parents already did their stint and it's your turn. Dog ownership is a lifestyle, not an accessorising exercise. Sorry if that sounds harsh, but they are living beings who are going to find it hard settling elsewhere.
This is what I was thinking but I didn't want to sound harsh either. I appreciate that not all situations are the same but these dogs aren't younsters anymore and have quite a lot going against them. I'd go homeless before I gave my dogs up. In fact when I was a teenager I had to sleep rough for that very reason and it was winter. I kept the dog until his old age.
Boosted.
Come on Mike - you know you need a couple more dogs - and you know Boris already!
Andy
Hi Matey, you probably didn't know I just got another dog. Guess what, another rescue dog as seems to be the norm. Nearly every person I meet on the park has somebody's cast off. Jake had 3 owners in under 18 months and he's a perfectly normal dog. I meet to many people with problems who need to ditch the dog. Often really nice dogs to! I can't understand it, to me the dog would be the first priority, before the house, flat, job or car. I wouldn't palm him off on anybody else either.
See you on the 10th if you can make it.
Mike.
scared but happy said:
............ Have you tried www.samoyedrescue.co.uk/ ....................
What SBH said, all pedigree breeds, dogs & cats have specific breed rescues , always best to go to them. They will take care of them & safely re-home them.
Martin
Currently looking for a couple of Persians from the breed rescues to go with the 2 we have already got ( also both from breed rescues)
Try the N.A.W.T (National Animal Welfare Trust) at Trindledown Farm, Nr Wantage, Oxon.
I adopted Bryn a beautiful elderly Lurcher from there when he was already 15. He had his 17th Birthday in October then in November at the age of 17 he could not stand and I stayed with him while they put him to sleep. Words cannot explain.
As a rule Trindledown does not usually except dogs under 10 but I am sure they would try and help you. The place is set up around a courtyard where each dog has a shared room which includes sofas, central heating and tv. They try and keep the home/family enviroment that the dog has been used to.
They do not put dogs down and they cope with special needs. I was there in September when they had a medium size collie cross with his back legs paralysed and was using a buggy device for him to get about. That is high maintenance attaching the device every time the dog needs to go anywhere.
I cannot comprehend having to re-home an animal after bonding with it for 8 years. In fact I would not do it. There has to be another way.
" He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heat. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion. " - Anonymous.
>> Edited by shoebag on Monday 9th January 23:47
I adopted Bryn a beautiful elderly Lurcher from there when he was already 15. He had his 17th Birthday in October then in November at the age of 17 he could not stand and I stayed with him while they put him to sleep. Words cannot explain.
As a rule Trindledown does not usually except dogs under 10 but I am sure they would try and help you. The place is set up around a courtyard where each dog has a shared room which includes sofas, central heating and tv. They try and keep the home/family enviroment that the dog has been used to.
They do not put dogs down and they cope with special needs. I was there in September when they had a medium size collie cross with his back legs paralysed and was using a buggy device for him to get about. That is high maintenance attaching the device every time the dog needs to go anywhere.
I cannot comprehend having to re-home an animal after bonding with it for 8 years. In fact I would not do it. There has to be another way.
" He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heat. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion. " - Anonymous.
>> Edited by shoebag on Monday 9th January 23:47
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