Dog owners......HELP!!!!!!

[mommyto3]

Okay...so this dog shows up at my husband's firestation. Obviously abused in the past, he was scared to death of the guys. Very skinny...ribs sticking out. Has a scar around his neck, I guess from being chained at some point in his life . The guys gave him some food and water, which at first he was scared to take. My husband said he crouched real low and crawled over and then backed away , but finally, ate the food. The guys finally gained his trust and by the end of the day the dog was playing with them .

So the dog hangs around the station, the guys feed him and play with him all day, and then..........the guys talk my husband into BRINGING THE DOG HOME!!!!!!

Well, before everyone starts asking what the problem is.... let me tell you.
You know how some people like kids as long as they are other peoples???? Well, that's how I am with dogs. I like OTHER PEOPLES dogs but I have never wanted one of my own. Of course my 3 kids are thrilled (and so is my husband). They have wanted and begged for a dog FOREVER.

He is a beautiful dog. Looks like a mix of a boxer and ?????, but he's a big fella. He's young so he will probably get even bigger. He is a very strong dog and I'm sure will get stronger when he puts some weight on. He is very sweet and likes to play but also likes to be alone. When he is done he walks away and plops down in the grass.

So,.... if you have made it this far..... if he stays with us he has to be outside. We have a HUGE fenced in yard with nice shade trees. I know he is used to being outside, I can leave the back door wide open and he won't come in. We have bought for him the biggest dog house available and put a nice fluffy bed in there for him, he has used it the 2 nights he has been with us. He doesn't bark, doesn't dig, hasn't tried to get out of the fence. If we keep him, we will take him to the vet and do all the necessary things. He is a REALLY good dog. It breaks my heart that someone abused him.

BUT....I feel SOOOOO bad for him being outside .I know dog lovers frown on having outside dogs. But I can't handle dog hair. I am a clean freak and dog hair would put me over the edge. I tell my husband all this and he says that he is better off with us then he was on his own, which is true....but I still don't feel better.

I don't know what to do !?! I know the dog was miserable, scared, and hungry when he was on his own. And with us he will never be scared, hungry or abused. My kids (and husband) are already so attached to this dog, so I feel like a terrible person for having second thoughts. But my second thoughts are only because I feel so bad for him having to be outside. I have been crying over this because I want everyone to be happy.....the dog , kids, husband, and me.

Please don't flame me, I am only being honest. And I want what is best for this dog! Any words of wisdom???????

 

[Linzybrooke]

Contact either you local Humane Society chapter or www.dogsdeservebetter.org. If you don't feel that you and your family can provide him with the best home then it is best to contact an organization that will help place him with the perfect forever home. Just please don't send him to the pound or animal control!!!!

 

[Chicago526]

Well, I'm not a huge fan of letting pet dogs live outside (farm dogs are a differant matter). But given that this poor dog was homeless and abused, even living outside he has a much better life! You have proper shelter with access to water and food so, so far so good.

If you haven't already you should check with your town/city and make sure they don't have rules about keeping pets outside full time (some don't allow it, others have strict regulations). But be prepared to let the dog inside the house durring extreme weather or if it becomes sick. You may want to prepare an area inside your home ahead of time for situations like that.

Also be aware that dogs can cost a lot of money. They need regular vet care (at least once a year for a checkup and shots) and more often if he gets sick or injured. Since it will be an outside dog he should be on year round flea and heartworm prevention. And when you go away on vacation, you need a pet sitter or a kennel to board him at.

 

[luvwinnie]

WHat kind of climate do you live in?

 

[luvwinnie]

Just wanted to say that you could let him in, but not on the furniture or beds...just a thought!

 

[Mermaid02]

Ask your husband and kids to chip in with the housework that the dog hair will generate.

 

[Uncle Remus]

Sounds like that dog found a great home.
Don't worry about the dog bein' outside,
some dogs like it that way, just bring
him in when the weather gets bad.
Now to the hard question...
what are ya gonna name him?

 

[TiggersPal]

I bet that dog will be IN THE HOUSE and a huge part of your family in 3 months!!!

I can already hear your heart....

Your life will be changed forever... not only for you, but your kids - animals are the best teachers of unconditional love you can find!!!!

I VOTE YES, grow change and enjoy!

 

[Crokette]

If this dog has been used to live outside, the care you give him is huge yet to him.

My mum was a clean freak too, and she was the one to let our Lytchee (see the photo in my signature-lot of hair...) stay inside. But she couldn't come inside the bedrooms, and couldn't jump on the sofas...
Once you start to love your pet, you don't mind about the hair... You just hoover the floor a little more often...

But just taking care of him, offering food, dog house, hugs, playing and vet care, is a lot, and you can be proud for helping him.
I hope you'll find a solution soon!
Good luck!

 

[poohandwendy]

If you are absolutely sure you will not be able to bring him in at least at night, I would suggest the above advice, to find a rescue group or humane society who will place him in a home where he will not be left outside.

The fact that he has been on his own outside does not mean that is what is best for him or even that he is used to it. I don't think being outside is bad, but always being outside leads to neglect, IMHO. Out of sight, out of mind and not truly a part of the family. Dogs are pack animals and need the socialization that comes with being ivolved with the family on a regular basis. You can't really be part of the family if you are only around them 'sometimes', when it is convenient.

I don't think it is horrible for you to feel that way about dogs, but I think it is important to be fair to him and find him the best home possible. I just think the most important and humane thing we can do for animals is to find the most optimal circumstances possible. It's not optimal for a dog to be outside all of the time espcially alone most of the time.

I wish you luck with it.

 

[Crankyshank]

Is there a mud room, finished basement, or large kitchen area that the dog can play in during extreme weather and at night? If you can't bring the dog in at all I really would urge you to bring the dog to a no kill shelter.

My Mother is a compulsive clean freak. Hates dog fur. Washes the kitchen floor nightly. The house is immaculate. They got a dog 2yrs ago and initially he was allowed in the kitchen and the living room. within 2-3 months the dog was allowed everywhere. It was a sign of the apocalypse for my family The house is still immaculate even though pugs are known for excessive shedding despite their short coat.

 

[Miss Jasmine]

If you are absolutely sure you will not be able to bring him in at least at night, I would suggest the above advice, to find a rescue group or humane society who will place him in a home where he will not be left outside.

The fact that he has been on his own outside does not mean that is what is best for him or even that he is used to it. I don't think being outside is bad, but always being outside leads to neglect, IMHO. Out of sight, out of mind and not truly a part of the family. Dogs are pack animals and need the socialization that comes with being ivolved with the family on a regular basis. You can't really be part of the family if you are only around them 'sometimes', when it is convenient.

I don't think it is horrible for you to feel that way about dogs, but I think it is important to be fair to him and find him the best home possible. I just think the most important and humane thing we can do for animals is to find the most optimal circumstances possible. It's not optimal for a dog to be outside all of the time espcially alone most of the time.

I wish you luck with it.

As always, I agree with PAW.

 

[juligrl]

If you really feel you can't keep him in the manner which he deserves then contact your nearest no-kill shelter to let them find somebody who can.

I have to agree with previous posters though who said that it already sounds like he's better off than he was before. If you truly do feel bad about leaving him outside, even if you are a clean-freak, and he wants to come in, you'll let him in. Either way obedience training can't hurt and it can only benefit the dog.

Personally, I have a problem with people keeping their pets outside. My in-laws do this. I just don't see a point in having a pet if you aren't going to make it part of your pack. This is said by someone who shares her pillow with her dog though, so please don't take offense.

 

[beckmrk04]

I'm not a huge fan of outside dogs as pets, BUT- I think you are doing the right thing. Poor thing would probably die on the streets, starve, or get hit by a car- and those obviously aren't better options.

I agree that you should make arrangements for the dog in cases of severe weather- they need better shelter then, and a warm place to sleep.

If you still struggle with this, call around to different no-kill shelters and see if they have an opening (my in-laws ended up with a dog because literally NO ONE would take him due to already over-populated shelters). And honestly, I think it's better that he live outside with you rather than languish in a shelter or be put to sleep.

In the end, the kindness you show that dog will be repaid by the love he gives back!

 

[Aimeedyan]

I think your family is wonderful for taking this poor dog in but I do have to agree that if you really can't open your home to him and allow him to become part of your family (a dog is a pack animal - they NEED their family) then I think it'd be best for you to find a shelter or rescue that can place him.

Maybe you can even foster while they hunt for a family for him.

I do think he's 100% better off then he was but living outside is just not appropriate for dogs. There are things you can do to avoid the dog hair; give restrictions on where he can be and what furniture he can be on, use a furminator brush, recruit the kids to help with housekeeping, etc.

I hate the shedding hair, too, and have 1 dog that sheds. The love he gives our family and the joy he gets from curling up on my feet to sleep is worth the extra sweep of the broom I have to make. We consider our pets members of the family and the family lives inside. Don't get me wrong - Winston LOVES being outside but he's allowed inside when he wants to be.

I'd give it sometime, see if you can make arrangements that would allow the dog inside, and if you just can't then I would contact local shelters and rescues for help in placing him in a loving home.

Good luck!

 

[Firedog]

Just because a dog is kept outside does not mean he is being abused. It sounds like you have found yourself a perfect dog. As long as you can give him loads of attention, food/water, and a warm bed, he will be fine.

 

[KerriSue]

I give you 3 months before the dog is sleeping with the kids or worse YOU

Your stuck now, everyone is in love with the new dog.

My mom had a dog that hated coming into the house (hardwood floors) so at night she would put him in the garage. He was the happiest of dogs.

Good luck and keep us updated at what you decide. Pictures would be nice too. Im a visual kind of gal

Kerri

 

[chyam]

What kind of climate do you live in? I would defineately say that if you live in a cold/winter type area then the least you could do is let him into a basement at night or something similar the same with a very hot climate during the day.....I have nothing against animals being outside if that is what THEY would rather be but to subject an animal to very cold, snowy conditions or very hot conditions to me is just cruel. Have you considered maybe even a crate for when he needs to be inside. If you feel you cannot provide the dog with proper care then the best thing to do is find a no kill shelter and give the animal the chance at a great home. I too am a clean freak and I live with 7 cats, they all get baths once a month and I tend to be a little compulsive with the cleaning but that is the choice I made to give them a great home.

 

[Dee & Greg]

Understanding that I have three rescue dogs that live on my sofa (and I bought sofas to match the dog hair) I will say: depending upon the climate you live in, being outside during the day but in at night would be the best option. How about a basement, or even the garage? My reasoning is: your neighbors do not want to be woken up by a barking dog during the night. He might be very quiet now, but as he gets used to you and begins to love and trust your family, he will feel it is HIS DUTY to protect you and your property. Thus, barking.
Then he'll get bored and start digging in the yard when left alone. When not entertained, they will entertain themselves. This is not bad dog behavior, it is boredom.
My last rescue had virtually no personality when we got her. She was very quiet and docile. 6 months later, her true personality appeared as she gained confidence. She is a love bug!! She follows us from room to room. She is delighted with her toys, her bed, her food, and her "sisters". But left outside she would dig her way to China.

Sorry so long... this subject is one dear to my heart. If your children give the dog enough attention and you don't abandon him in the backyard alone, then I think it is better for him to have a home than be traumitized again by sending him to a shelter.
thanks for listening.

 

[JR6ooo4]

Maybe the best answer is not what you want to here...
another dog for company when you guys are not outside with him.
That is why we got our second puppy.

one problem to being a 24/7 outside dog is if you are in an extreme climate. Too hot or cold. I am no expert but I do not think that a boxer can grow enough thick winter hair.

Mikeeee