My buddy

[Hannathy]

Our decision not to take the dogs, felt like the responsible decision, I didn't mean to imply that I was throwing them away... I love my doggies, but because we don't know where we're going to be living, or working, I don't know if we will be able to continue to care for them the way they deserve to be cared for... I currently work less than 5 minutes away from home, so running home at lunch everyday is no problem. And I'm literally only away from home for the 8 hours that I work..

I hear all the horror stories of traffic in Orlando, what if my new job is 20 or 30 minutes away from the apartment, and I get stuck in traffic, then I'm late back to work at my new job? Or what if I can't even make it home at lunch? I can't just leave them in the apartment for 8, 9, 10 hours at a time.. That's no life for a dog.. These are the things that I am concerned about.

I have had my golden for 6 years, we we're there for her birth, I've had my buddy for 3 years, he's a rescue dog, and the other husky was the newest addition to our house hold and she just kinda fell into us, she was a skinny puppy mill dog, and I found her in dire straights,,, we never really planned to have a third dog, but she needed a good home, and we gave her one... I was a homeowner, and thought I'd live here forever, but we've decided to relocate, and move to Florida. I never thought of myself as unsettled... We just decided to make a change.

2 things first adult dogs do not need to be left out at lunch. Do you really think that everyone with a dog runs home at lunch to let them out? They will be fine not going out during the day, they can easily stay 9-10 hours.
Everyone I know leaves their dogs home while they work.

2nd once you commit to taking care of another living being whether it is a child or a dog you can't just decide to make a change!! that is for when you are young and without responsibilities, once you take on responsibilities you HAVE to take them into consideration.

 

[CathrynRose]

Gonna get another dog once you're "settled"?

Take your dogs with you.

 

[snowy76]

OP, I'm sure you have your reasons for moving. It's nobody's place to second guess that. But now that you've made the decision, you seem to be in a panic because it's happening without all the details settled (some big ones at that).

How soon do you close on the house sale? Are you set on renting in FL - seems like real estate is a buyer's market down there these days. You might find something surprisingly affordable with plenty of space for all of you. More importantly, I'd also suggest one of you find work there NOW and set up shop, so to speak, with the other one to follow along with the pups once a home has been secured for all of you. What were you planning on doing originally? Staying at a hotel? With friends? Seems expensive.

 

[lilsk8nmac]

We live in small apartment with a large adult lab. He is our best buddy and we could never leave him. I'm going to have a hard enough time going on vacation without him for a week.

He used to live in a bigger "house" then moved to the apartment.
He gets walks and gets to run out in the fenced in area outside for dogs.

He has no problems.

The decision is yours, but I know I couldnt personally leave this dog.

BTW. That photo of your dog is adorable.

Best of luck.

 

[goofyintoronto]

I feel animals are like children and when you commit to them they are yours to keep all their lives. I could not get rid of grown animals just because it isn't convenient. How sad for them. They don't know why their family has abandoned them and of course they cried they miss you. I don't think animals are throw away things and how you are going to take care of them their whole life needs to be thought of before you adopt.

Why couldn't they move with you? Animals move all the time. My neighbor moved half way across the country with a large chow. If you don't have a yard you will just have to walk them everyday and a long walk.

I agree with this. Take your furry babies with you!! I could NEVER leave my furry baby behind (golden retriever named Yogi). He's part of the family! Given the choice, your babies would much rather be with you no matter what the conditions are....homeless, big house, apartment, they dont care about the fancy things or frills. They just want YOU. So definitely take them with you. Even if you get an apt, all three dogs will adjust and do just fine as long as your all together.

Dont you think that putting them thru the stress of moving is a better alternative then leaving them behind? If they had a choice, which do you think they'd pick? Stress during move but in the end they get to be with you....OR.....stay with a whole new family for the rest of their lives. Pretty sure the dog will take the move to Florida!

 

[I loveStitchnippyjon]

Take the dogs! If you are concerned about leaving them at home for long hours, pay a neighbor or pet sitting service to come in and check on them until they get used to the new schedule.

 

[Mr.MouseFan]

Never ask for advice regarding how you currently live or plan to live, lest ye be judged by others who have apparently figured out the perfect (and only) way to live.

Leaving behind a pet is never an easy decision and it's one I've had to make as well. Hopefully you will be able to bring them with you. If it's not possible, I know exactly what you're going through. Best of luck in whatever happens.

 

[bitohoney]

11 years ago I moved from CA to MA with DD(then 8) 2 cats and 1 bird. The thought never crossed my mind to not take any of my pets. So I packed up, loaded my Camaro with DD, 2 cats and the bird and drove cross country. I still have those 2 cats and the bird (plus another cat and another bird ). My pets are mine to love for as long as they live because I know no one can love them as much as I do.
Take your dogs please. It will be more stress on them if they aren't with people they already love.

 

[CathrynRose]

When we rescued Charley, we didn't know why he. Was found wandering around in Southern Illinois, and brought to a kill shelter that. THANK GOD called no-kills looking for a spot for him. Our local shelter got him, and that's where we came in.

About a year after having him, we moved just across town. Charley was a nervous wreck. As soon as the packing, moving boxes started. Everytime we'd take a load, he'd push out. The door to come with us - which wasn't like him.

Last load, empty house, and a dog looking at us, that if he could cry, he would have been. But that's when we said "alright...come on". The look of relief and pure joy could be felt. He wanted to come with us SO BAD. And we tend to think that's what happened, in his previous life.

Your dogs don't care if you llive in a cardboard box, they only care that they're with you. You're their whole world. You're their reason for existance.

 

[Soldier's*Sweeties]

When we rescued Charley, we didn't know why he. Was found wandering around in Southern Illinois, and brought to a kill shelter that. THANK GOD called no-kills looking for a spot for him. Our local shelter got him, and that's where we came in.

About a year after having him, we moved just across town. Charley was a nervous wreck. As soon as the packing, moving boxes started. Everytime we'd take a load, he'd push out. The door to come with us - which wasn't like him.

Last load, empty house, and a dog looking at us, that if he could cry, he would have been. But that's when we said "alright...come on". The look of relief and pure joy could be felt. He wanted to come with us SO BAD. And we tend to think that's what happened, in his previous life.

Your dogs don't care if you llive in a cardboard box, they only care that they're with you. You're their whole world. You're their reason for existance.

Aw...That was a really sweet story and just shows that animals KNOW what is happening in their lives.

OP...We just moved across the country(from central TX to NY) with our Boxer, Guinea Pigs, twin five year olds my DH and I in a Jeep! It was an intersting ride for sure. And you know what? We don't have our place yet either. We're staying with family who already has two other dogs. We just make do with the situation.

 

[MM27]

I feel animals are like children and when you commit to them they are yours to keep all their lives. I could not get rid of grown animals just because it isn't convenient. How sad for them. They don't know why their family has abandoned them and of course they cried they miss you. I don't think animals are throw away things and how you are going to take care of them their whole life needs to be thought of before you adopt.

Why couldn't they move with you? Animals move all the time. My neighbor moved half way across the country with a large chow. If you don't have a yard you will just have to walk them everyday and a long walk.

Thank you, because everything I was thinking as I read the OP, you touched on in yours.

 

[dakcp2001]

So just like that you've figured me out, hu... and yes, that's exactly what I was planning on doing. We have an idea of where we'd like to live, and work, but so far we have not secured employment... So until we do, where we will be living and working is an unknown.. I'm sorry if you think that's not responsible.. Maybe instead of passing judgment with a snide, unnecessary comment, you could share some of your expertise and experience, and help those that apparently aren't up to your responsible standards...

I've NEVER done anything like this before, thus the reason I've asked for some opinions from those who have. I'm trying to make a plan, but it's not in place yet. My house sold in 20 days, and in this market WE NEVER EXPECTED THAT.. I'm trying to do the best I can with the hand that's been dealt to me...

I don't understand why people have to be rude, didn't your parent's teach you if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all?

I will tell you what my parents did teach me, and that is responsibility. You are an irresponsible pet owner and do not deserve the love & loyalty these dogs give you since you seem to think of them as disposable. If you have pets and you move, you take them with you. If the place you go does not accept pets YOU CANT GO THERE because you have pets. See where I am going with this?

How selfish to dump your dogs with someone else. They will be sad have to adjust and never know why they got left behind. They are not going to understand.

Not a single one of your reasons for getting rid of them make a shred of sense. You might have to commute? Do you think no one else has ever done that in the history of time?

You are what is wrong with society. 6 months from now you'll be heading back to Ohio blaming the economy for your poor planning.

 

[Mr.MouseFan]

You are what is wrong with society. 6 months from now you'll be heading back to Ohio blaming the economy for your poor planning.

Are you kidding me with this? Seriously?? What an incredibly judgmental and unfounded statement to make. It must be nice to be sitting in your castle in Perfectville, casting judgment upon others.

 

[Luv2Scrap]

Large dogs can easily be left alone during the day for as many hours as you are describing. And if they have each other, they will keep each other company. We just close the doors to whatever rooms they aren't allowed in before we leave for the day. The only accidents they've ever had was when they were sick.

 

[Sgt Mickey]

I moved from Alaska to Virginia with our lab. It is a challenge but I would rather move with them and find families for them in Orlando then move and realize that you want them back.
There is always doggy daycare while you adjust.

 

[TacoBaco]

How soon do you close on the house sale? Are you set on renting in FL - seems like real estate is a buyer's market down there these days.

Already closed, from the day they looked at the house, to the day we closed it was 20 days. Cash deal. The house was on the market in all for only 25 days. Never expected that...

2 things first adult dogs do not need to be left out at lunch. Do you really think that everyone with a dog runs home at lunch to let them out? They will be fine not going out during the day, they can easily stay 9-10 hours.
Everyone I know leaves their dogs home while they work.

And YES, I honestly thought that, I live in a small town, and no one I know would dare leave there dog's home alone for 9 or 10 hours at a time. Apparently our versions of appropriate dog care are different. I wouldn't dare leave them alone for that long, but that's my decision. But I'm not saying that your choice is wrong, I'm just saying that your choice to leave them alone is not shared by me.

Ok, so maybe I've been naive... I guess I didn't realize the bond my pets have with me...

I have looked at several apartment complexes (online) that are dog friendly, but still without knowing where we'll be working I hate to apply for an apartment... I am willing to make the sacrifices I need to make to bring my four legged babies along on this journey, I just wondered how things worked out for everyone else.

 

[CathrynRose]

PLUS ....you don't really know where your dog(s) will end up. Perhaps the people you rehome to, will also "rehome".

http://******************/article/listing-your-dog-as-free-could-kill-him

And don't think that people who do this, are foolish. They know what they're doing, they do it for a living. They know what to say, what to do, sometimes will even bring children along, for their facade.

Bait Dog. Laboratory Dog. Sounds awesome.

Will it be harder to move with dogs? Sure, but its something which should have been considered before deciding to move.

Sorry, I'm passionate about this.

 

[TacoBaco]

I will tell you what my parents did teach me, and that is responsibility. You are an irresponsible pet owner and do not deserve the love & loyalty these dogs give you since you seem to think of them as disposable. If you have pets and you move, you take them with you. If the place you go does not accept pets YOU CANT GO THERE because you have pets. See where I am going with this?

How selfish to dump your dogs with someone else. They will be sad have to adjust and never know why they got left behind. They are not going to understand.

Not a single one of your reasons for getting rid of them make a shred of sense. You might have to commute? Do you think no one else has ever done that in the history of time?

You are what is wrong with society. 6 months from now you'll be heading back to Ohio blaming the economy for your poor planning.

IMO an irresponsible pet owner would have just left them or took them to the pound... Your right, how irresponsible of me to try and find them good homes... It's ok though dakcp, I have broad shoulders... and I try not to pass judgement onto people that I don't know, or throw stones at them for their decisions. I know what kind of person I am. But thank you for your kind words...

 

[tammymacb]

You'd have to pry my dogs from my cold dead hands...Seriously.

I could have taken a job in Hawaii a few years back which would have been the opportunity for me to live in paradise. Then I looked into how difficult it would be to move my dogs there, and I turned down the job. If they couldn't go, I couldn't either. They're part of my family.

I'm currently in the process of looking for a retirement home, in another country. There are a few places my DH and I have been considering, but again, if my dogs can come when we do it, is at the top of the priority list.

I don't understand why you wouldn't consider what would happen to your dogs in making the decision to leave them behind. There are way too many variables.

Also, you said one of your dogs was a rescue. Did it come from a rescue? And if it did, were you told that the dog had to be returned to *them* if you gave it up? At least then it would have a safety net.

 

[PeterPan09]

I moved with 2 cats and a tankful of tropical fish. Yes, I took the fish with me on a 2 day drive from NJ. I found a way to keep a filter running while I was driving and they ALL survived the trip.

I remember the panic of having the place sold and suddenly having to get all that done. I understand how overwhelming that can be. However, I think if you did rehome the dogs you would regret it.

Florida is very pet friendly, the complex I live in accepts pets as do many others. And there is also the option of renting a house with a yard, many people rent homes here. Look into dog walkers or doggy day cares-there -are a lot of those around.