Frustrated! Help!

[Nothing To Do With Doodles]

This really has nothing to do with my dogs, or doodles at all. But, it is a story of a black lab named Wally. Wally is the best. He is such a nice, smart, active, loyal dog. His owners are friends of my husband and mine. They are not the most generous, caring people in the world. Since we met them, about 2 years ago, we noticed that Wally seemed to spend a lot of time in his kennel. We didn't really think much of it, not having a dog of our own yet and not really having anything to compare to it. We always played with him when we were there and he always seemed happy.

Once we got Fifa, I started to notice how Wally really is treated. He is almost 4 years old. They still kennel him any time they leave the house (which may not necessarily be a bad thing, but in this case, it is). He doesn't know how to behave when they are gone because they have never trained him or given him the chance to try. I started realizing that this poor guy spent at least 12 hours in his kennel a day. They just had their first baby last October. It has gotten even worse for Wally. He is now in the kennel even if they are home, for extended periods of time. My husband and I will come over, and there he is sitting in the kennel. We, of course, ask right away if we can let him out and play. Then, he gets excited, jumps around, licks us, runs everywhere (NORMAL DOG BEHAVIOR!) and they threaten to put him back in the kennel. They never play with him, never walk him, hardly ever even look at him. They complain about having to feed him, let him out, pretty much everything that has to do with him. Since they had their baby, he has gained at least 10 pounds. He is very unhealthy. He is so smart and would do awesome with training if they gave him a chance. He has also become more aggressive to other dogs/people. I truly believe it is because he doesn't get any exercise, and he is stressed out and unsure of this new life change. The second I or my husband get there, we run outside to play with him. You can just tell how much he needs that. The other day, he literally rubbed up against me like a cat and sat right in my lap, licking my face, and rubbing his head on me. He weighs over 70 lbs! :-)

Lately, I just can't get poor Wally out of my head. This poor guy is such a wonderful dog, but he is missing out on a great life. I don't know how to go about this. Do I just bite my tongue and let it be because it's not really my business? Do I intervene?

They are moving into a nice, brand new house and I worry that life will only get worse for Wally because they cannot stand how much he sheds...I know..why would you get a dog that heavily sheds if you can't stand it?!?! Ugh!

I have a feeling that deep down they really would like to get rid of him but are too prideful to say. My heart hurts for this wonderful dog...any advice is so much appreciated!

P.S. Sorry for writing a book!!!

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

LOL!

[F, Calla & Luca]

: )

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

Great! Can't wait to hear the rest of the story.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Ditto.

[Gail and Bailey]

Wonderful! Let us know how it goes.

[Lynn D.]

Maybe ask them to borrow him, like they would be doing you a favor. Or offer to take him for a few days before and after they are moving. If that fits your time.

"Could we borrow Wally for x-amount of time? We are going to the park, need to tire Fifa out."

I am sure these people love their dog, it's just sad to see ANY dog not living the spoiled life mine does. And I think Echo (my dog) would be not as happy if he couldn't be right at my side (or the un-hubbs) 24/7.

[Carol and Banjo]

Oh Joni,  This is so sad to read about....it must be heart breaking for you to see poor Wally in this situation.    I think F has nailed it with you initiating a conversation in this vein.     Are you and your husband thinking you'd be willing to take Wally?  If that were the case and transition for him before moving into a new home would seem to be the easiest thing for him.   He'd be with people he already knows and seems to love.      In any case, if your broach the subject and give these people an "open door" to discuss the possibility of re-homing they may just jump at the idea and hopefully a loving family could be found prior to their move.      Good luck with this....and bless you for your caring heart.

[Carol and Banjo]

Sheesh.......I am just now reading your posts above......I see you've contemplated the idea to taking him already.    Again,  sending my best wishes!!!!!

[Jill, Woody & Maxi]

Best of luck in this uneasy situation,luckily you are there for Wally... please keep us posted!

[Christine & Camus]

Borrowing him sounds like a great approach, opening the door for future discussions.  I have friends who use to "borrow" Einstein and take him for midday walks or to play at their house.  Not that he wasn't sufficiently spoiled - their kids just loved him.  I even gave them a collar, leash, and keys to my fence and apartment.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

In addition to borrowing him when they move, what about borrowing him now so that YOUR doodle gets more 'socializing.'  While you have him you could begin some training too.