What is the best way to find a new home for a dog?

[DizBelle]

I feel sorry for the poor dog. I really hope you never get another pet. It obviously isn't appropriate for you to have one.

 

[monkeybug]

A medical condition is very different then a behavorial issue. I was referring in my post to the OP who has indicated the dog is healthy and does not have any medical conditions. Medical conditions cannot be trained out, you may be able to get the dog to cope with them, but they condition doesn't just disappear.

Our dog has arthritis, she is 12 and get sore during the winter (we do give her supplements to help and aspirin on the colder days), so if someone picks her up she sometimes yelps from pain and might growl, but its because it hurts. I cannot train that action out of her, it's painful. I can train out any aggression she has otherwise not related. I can train her to walk slightly behind me, I can train her not to be aggressive with others.

But isn't old age (and I admit, 9 doesn't seem that old...but I guess depending on the breed and health it could be) a medical condition? In my Tuckers situation I think it is. He does have arthritis (treated with medication, and he does great with it), but he really just doesn't want to play as much as he used to, and he is much less patient (just looks annoyed, gets up and walks away, sometimes growls) with small children. I'm not saying that's the case with the OP's dog, I'm just saying that sometimes it's in the dogs best interest to be re-homed, and it doesn't always make the owners thoughtless people. I am lucky that when our new baby comes, if Tucker is having issues (when the crawling starts), my parents will take him. He loves them, they have lots of room, and it's a pretty swanky retirement home for a doggy! I think that's a better solution than putting down a dog who might not be as active or patient as he used to, but still likes to go for a swim, lay in the sun, and have his belly scratched.

 

[bettymae1121]

I think we need to give the OP a little slack here. She is trying to do the right thing. She could have just put the dog down or just dumped him at the shelter. She didn't do either of these things. What she wants to do is find the dog a good home. If her family doesn't have the time or patience to re-train, or just don't want to take the risk (we are talking about small children here) then re-homing is really the best alternative. It's not ideal, but few things in life are ideal. It's to nobody's bennifit if this dog bites a child and has to be put down anyway.

OP, do you have any friends or relatives that might be willing to take your dog? I got my dog that way, a friend of a friend was losing her house, and the appartment she found would only allow two dogs, and she had three. I didn't mind not having a puppy, in fact having an already house trained dog fit the bill nicely at that point in my life! If you haven't already, tell every one you know that you have a pet that needs a loving home without small children, and ask that they in turn ask everyone they know.

 

[connorlevismom]

I've gotten rid of THREE dogs. I am not condemning you.

Two returned to the shelter and one a pet rescue where I got them. The last one was after a dog we adopted and had for only four months viciously went after one of our elder cats. Up to that point, the dog never batted an eye at my infant son...BUT...she was definitely thinking she was higher up in the hierarchy than he was. I returned her to the shelter on the spot. I couldn't chance something happening. B/c of that attack and b/c of her health condition (they gave me a dog with an undiagnosed heart defect )--she likely would be unadoptable.

I appreciate your concerns and I would be scared as well.

Dogs don't suddenly become vicious b/c they are old and ornery. And at her age--to start giving her away to strangers, her behavior will likely get worse and she'll be turned into a shelter at that point.

No need to get upset with people.

But unless you lie about his demeaner to people--how will you know if THEY will handle his problems properly.

If the dog is a danger--get rid of it immediately to a shelter with full disclosure. If you think it is something that someone else can handle..then it is worth you trying to handle it yourself with professional help PRIOR to giving it away.

I can understand fear. But 9 years of owning a dog..something is up...and it ain't her age!

And I'm sure people will judge what we did--but I'm sharing it anyway.

I am sorry, I was not referring to your post when I wrote my comment. I was referring to the people who said I pretty much should never own a pet again because of this. Like somehow this makes me a monster. I m trying to do the best thing for us AND the dog and it is a really difficult decision and not one I am taking lightly. So to have people treat me like a criminal is not helping the situation. Have owned dogs all my life and this is the first time that I have encountered this type of situation to the point where I think the dogs needs to find a new home. I have spent a lot of money getting full workups at the vet and a personal trainer at $150 per hour. But truth be told, I don't have unlimited funds to keep doing this. So I do understand when people tell me get more training and do more vet visits. But that stuff is not cheap and I have to prioritize where my money is going. My kids come first, period. I am sorry if people cannot understand that.

But I can guarantee you, that nobody in their right mind would suggest pairing up Micheal Vicks dogs with small children!
Aggressive dogs can be trained, and can do really, really well in homes with older adults and children, but most rescue groups don't adopt out dogs with a history of abuse or aggression to families with small kids.
I just think of that baby that was killed by a family pet recently. I know it's not the dogs fault, or the parents really (no mom stays in the room with her baby 24/7, and likely it never even crossed her mind the dog would do that).
If she had posted something similar to this before that happened, what would we all be saying? That we can't believe you knew the dog showed aggressive tendency's and allowed it to remain in your home around small children. Sometimes we have to make hard decisions for the safety of our kids, and the comfort of our animals.

Exaclty that happened where I live and I would NEVER forgive myself if something happened to my baby and I KNEW that the dog had problems.

 

[monkeybug]

But a dog or any pet is family, you do not just pass one family member off for another one.

I understand this sentiment, but the bottom line is that if you have children, they have to come first, and you have to keep their safety a priority. Anything less is neglectful, and unfair to the child and the pet.

 

[crjack]

[QUOTE

One way to try to rehome: Talk to your vet. He/she may have an idea of a home for this dog. Yes, it should be a home without small children. Occasionally older people lose a beloved dog, but are not able to go the puppy route. Older dogs can have wonderful homes and be the doted family member in these situations.

A number of people chose to adopt a "senior" age pet, particularly older adults. Two years ago I helped my Dad do exactly that and found a number of rescue groups in our area through Petfinder.

My Dad is a very active man who missed not having a dog after losing his longtime companion. An older dog is a great fit...no puppy energy, chewing, etc. Many seniors have a quiet household and it can bring such happiness to the owner and pet.

I know my Dad's dog was 9 when he adopted her after her owner had passed away. I will say there was no issue with bonding at all.....she was so happy to have a new safe home she just adores him.

Please ask your vet for recommendations....he may know of someone who has recently lost a pet who might be interested in your dog.

 

[Jockaroo]

I think this is the heart of the issue. The OP provided only minimal information to this point about the problem. But what I envision is a busy mom with a two kids in the house, one being an infant. I think the dog has definitely been put on the back burner, which always happens, and the dog is probably feeling confused and a bit threatened.

I really feel like this is an issue of needing to reestablish the dog's boundaries. Of course it will take a big time commitment from the OP and her husband. With two children, many people no longer want to provide that effort with their animals. I see it happen often. The passion and commitment to the animal wanes with the arrival of children.

Thank you for saying what I wanted, but could not find words to do it as eloquently and kindly as you did. I feel the same way.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

I understand this sentiment, but the bottom line is that if you have children, they have to come first, and you have to keep their safety a priority. Anything less is neglectful, and unfair to the child and the pet.

I think putting a dog to sleep is a little more one sided for one of the two.

 

[monkeybug]

I think putting a dog to sleep is a little more one sided for one of the two.

Right. So re-home the dog with an adult where safety won't be an issue, and the dog can go about the business of living a happy life. Why put the child at risk, and restrict the dogs freedom to move about the house, if there is a warm happy home waiting for a new companion?
We put people in retirement homes when their care or comfort is compromised by staying at home. Why is it horrible when a family wants to do the same for their dog?

 

[MichelleVW]

This is a problem if you have a dog that tends toward aggressive behavior.

I've never minded my pets on the furniture either but, with my current dog, I cannot allow it. If allow her on the couch and we come into the room and tell her to get down (for whatever reason) she gets mad (mainly at my husband). It is worse if we let her on the bed. If she is on the bed and my husband walks in the room, she immediately growls at him. She doesn't do that it ANY other situation. Then she starts getting to be "pushy." So, we've determined that allowing her on the furniture makes her think she's just too big for her britches!! She is much less domineering if we keep her in a submissive role--and for her that means not allowing her on the furniture. Weird, I know.

I have three dogs and one is never allowed on the furniture because he starts getting growly. If I keep him off the furniture and remind him who's boss he is a fine and happy dog, but when I let him on the furniture he thinks he's the boss!

 

[samshane]

One way to try to rehome: Talk to your vet. He/she may have an idea of a home for this dog. Yes, it should be a home without small children. Occasionally older people lose a beloved dog, but are not able to go the puppy route. Older dogs can have wonderful homes and be the doted family member in these situations.

I totally agree with this - we actually adopted 2 older dogs in the past. One 12 and one 10 (they have since passed). Great, mellow dogs who really just wanted a place that was quiet. Currently we have a 10yr old mixed breed who has become a grumpy old lady (we have had her since she was 8 weeks) - but she has learned to walk away from the kids when they irritate her. But, she also came after we had out first child so there was always a baby of little kid in the house (well, not any more). I wish you the best with your decision - it isn't easy.

 

[Nette]

I think we need to give the OP a little slack here. She is trying to do the right thing. She could have just put the dog down or just dumped him at the shelter. She didn't do either of these things. What she wants to do is find the dog a good home. If her family doesn't have the time or patience to re-train, or just don't want to take the risk (we are talking about small children here) then re-homing is really the best alternative. It's not ideal, but few things in life are ideal. It's to nobody's bennifit if this dog bites a child and has to be put down anyway.

I am sorry, I was not referring to your post when I wrote my comment. I was referring to the people who said I pretty much should never own a pet again because of this. Like somehow this makes me a monster. I m trying to do the best thing for us AND the dog and it is a really difficult decision and not one I am taking lightly. So to have people treat me like a criminal is not helping the situation. Have owned dogs all my life and this is the first time that I have encountered this type of situation to the point where I think the dogs needs to find a new home. I have spent a lot of money getting full workups at the vet and a personal trainer at $150 per hour. But truth be told, I don't have unlimited funds to keep doing this. So I do understand when people tell me get more training and do more vet visits. But that stuff is not cheap and I have to prioritize where my money is going. My kids come first, period. I am sorry if people cannot understand that.

Exaclty that happened where I live and I would NEVER forgive myself if something happened to my baby and I KNEW that the dog had problems.

Sometimes I wonder if the people who are so quick to judge about how people in the OP's situation handle things actually have kids themselves. I have quite a few doggy-lover friends and I can tell you that they think that everything should be done for the sake of the dog. But none of them have kids. They just don't understand that once you have children they are far more important than even the best dog. That's just how it is. They also don't understand that doggy daycare and extra training and special medications for dogs just may not be in the budget (especially when you're already paying $1000-$2000 per MONTH for child care). I'm not talking about normal expected doggy costs like annual vet bills, food, heartworm pills etc. If I couldn't afford those I wouldn't get a dog... but $200/hour for dog training or thousands in vet bills/medication just isn't going to happen.

I love my dogs, and I do whatever is within my means to make them comfortable and happy, but you can bet your seat that I wouldn't hesitate for a second to remove an aggressive dog from my home if she was even the remotest threat to my children. Removing the dog from the scene to another family that is more appropriate to the dog (and it's potential costs) is NOT CRUEL. In fact, it's probably the kindest thing you can do for a troubled dog.

So get off your high horses and maybe have a little respect for the OP who is trying to do the best thing in a difficult situation. It can't be easy for her to give up a family member.

 

[monkeybug]

I was just browsing Craigslist (looking for a cheap dining room table. People want a lot of money for really ugly stuff. But that's another thread)
This was posted in the Pet section-
Looking for a 3-5 year old golden retriever that is good with kids and well behaved with minimal medical issues. We are NOT looking for a puppy. Thanks

It's in the Annapolis Maryland craigslist, and was posted a few days ago (in case some on thinks I made it up)


Anyways. There are people who are looking for dogs (not puppys) to add to their families.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

We put people in retirement homes when their care or comfort is compromised by staying at home. Why is it horrible when a family wants to do the same for their dog?

I wouldn't put anyone in my family in a retirement home. My grandparent's all died comfortably in their own homes or in a hospital from a sudden illness/event.

 

[monkeybug]

I wouldn't put anyone in my family in a retirement home.

Really? My Grandpa has parkinsons. He has remained at home for years and years with it, but my Grandma (a retired nurse) is getting older too, and can no longer lift him off the chair to go to the bathroom. In order to keep him at home any longer they would need live in care, and an extensive home remodel (they've already done a lot already). My family labored with this decision for a long time, but finally realized that it is almost cruel to keep him at home. Both he and my Grandma moved into an assisted living (she is healthy, but wanted to be with him) place a few months ago. What should we have done? Put him to sleep?
My Great Grandma developed complications from a severe seizure, and broken hip. She was 97 when she went to a nursing home. I have a very loving family, and I can assure you they were not being selfish when they made that decision. They put her where she could get the care and comfort she deserved. They did it because they loved her.
Maybe they should have just put her down too.

 

[DizBelle]

I wouldn't put anyone in my family in a retirement home. My grandparent's all died comfortably in their own homes or in a hospital from a sudden illness/event.

I think you should feel fortunate that the older members of your family never suffered from a degenerative condition that didn't require round the clock care by someone. If you refuse to have them move into a facility that can provide that care, someone in your family would have to put their life on hold to provide that care 24/7. If the older members of your family were 100% healthy and self-sufficient up until some sudden illness or accident that took their life rather quickly, all of you should be thankful to not have had to deal with the heartache of watching your family member slowly fade away over many years and having to figure out how that family member was to be cared for.

 

[luvwinnie]

I just want to be sure...when you say there is nothing medically wrong with him, did they do a FULL THYROID PANEL? It's a common cause for aggression...don't get just a simple T3/T4, but a full panel, hopefully from the Michigan State Univ. lab.

You would have to be very honest with ANYONE you offer the dog to about his behavior. One thing I can suggest if you have interest in keeping him is finding a veterinary behaviorist, not just a trainer. I wish you luck.

 

[dzorn]

Whatever, this is why I was not going to post here. I thought someone might actually help me. I DID take him to a vet, there is nothing wrong with him. As for the trainer, we have gone that route as well. The vet says he is proably just getting old and ornary. Well, I cannot take the chance that my ORNARY pet will bite my baby!

Kristine

Who ever you give him to you need to let him know the temperment issue. He would still be your responsibilty if he bit someone and you did not inform them. That is why a rescue will not take him becasue it becomes a liability to them.



Densie in MI

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I wouldn't put anyone in my family in a retirement home. My grandparent's all died comfortably in their own homes or in a hospital from a sudden illness/event.

I would never judge a family that had to come to that decision though.

It's wrong and mean.

For my mom, I have no choice--she refuses to live with any of us and has her retirement home picked out.

For me dad, he will have no choice--I will not care for him for 1 second. If he can no longer live on his own, then he will have to seek the same avenue my mom has chosen.

Until someone walks a mile in my shoes--they really have no say. And of course, they are most welcome to take care of the matter themselves.

And yes--if I had an extended family member living in my home that was a danger to my kids and I could not train it out...they'd be living elsewhere immediately.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

Really? My Grandpa has parkinsons. He has remained at home for years and years with it, but my Grandma (a retired nurse) is getting older too, and can no longer lift him off the chair to go to the bathroom. In order to keep him at home any longer they would need live in care, and an extensive home remodel (they've already done a lot already). My family labored with this decision for a long time, but finally realized that it is almost cruel to keep him at home. Both he and my Grandma moved into an assisted living (she is healthy, but wanted to be with him) place a few months ago. What should we have done? Put him to sleep?
My Great Grandma developed complications from a severe seizure, and broken hip. She was 97 when she went to a nursing home. I have a very loving family, and I can assure you they were not being selfish when they made that decision. They put her where she could get the care and comfort she deserved. They did it because they loved her.
Maybe they should have just put her down too.

I don't think I said put down. I also should have added that those who died in their homes had medical care at home and/or one of their family members lived with them (or vice versa).

I think you should feel fortunate that the older members of your family never suffered from a degenerative condition that didn't require round the clock care by someone. If you refuse to have them move into a facility that can provide that care, someone in your family would have to put their life on hold to provide that care 24/7. If the older members of your family were 100% healthy and self-sufficient up until some sudden illness or accident that took their life rather quickly, all of you should be thankful to not have had to deal with the heartache of watching your family member slowly fade away over many years and having to figure out how that family member was to be cared for.

As a family, I think it is our responsibility to take care of our own, and we have. We've hired nurses to help out at home for medical needs and someone either lived with them (family member) or vice versa. My uncle actually built an apartment for my Grandmother attached to their home so she could be independent and still live with family instead of moving her to a nursing home.

I guess my family just looks at old age differently then others, not saying its right, wrong or indifferent, but I wouldn't put my mother in a nursing home (my father passed away when I was 12, so I don't have any choice in the matter there) and I wouldn't give up someone in my family, that includes my dog.