What would be fairer to a Labradoodle?

[Sandra R]

Keeping him tied out on a leash because you do not have a fenced in yard or finding him a new home so he will have a yard to run in? Walking him every day or a dog park is not an option right now.

[Jennett Pulley]

Best of luck to you and Ozzy with your decision.

[Ginny Nightingale]

I am so sorry to hear about your husband and I can't imagine how difficult life must be for you right now--I have one suggestion--Joanne did offer to take Ozzie for a while--maybe when you have your surgery, Joanne or someone else can take him until you are up and about again--at that point several months will have gone by and you can make a clear decision about his future--if you are more mobile again and you miss him terribly, he can come back.

If things are not going so well for you physically, you can then think about re-homing him--and maybe getting a smaller companion dog--one that is happiest sitting in your lap and does not need to romp around too much. This might be best for Ozzie too--but time will tell. In other words, you do not have to decide on his permanent future right now with so much else you are dealing with--find a temporary solution and let it evolve....

Sometimes the best decision is no decision at all--HaHa-- I just made that up--makes no sense, does it!? But you know what I mean--don't stress yourself by planning too far ahead--life throws too many curve balls, as you certainly know!

[Kathy, Harley & Roxie]

Sandra, I'm so sorry for the loss of your husband.   Trying to make this decision while you are still grieving must make it even harder.  Add the emotional and physical stresses of surgery and...well, I can't imagine.  Since you are torn as to what is the "right" decision...having someone help you to take care of Ozzie would give you time to weigh all the factors.  If it helps any, We do not have a fenced yard and Harley is still unreliable to be off leash outside.  I am horrible about walking him, BUT he is very active in the house, we play with him with his toys and balls.  He has visitors who love to play also. I monitor his weight to make sure he maintains a healthy range I can tell you he is a very happy doodle.  

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

Sandra, my heart goes out to you and Ozzy for your losses and hardships. I hope you can come to some sort of clear path for the both of you.

I don't think Ozzy is suffering because he has you, however I feel he does need to be walked and cared for while you are recouping from your surgery...is there someone who could take him while that is happening?

I am not sure if you already answered this question but how big is Ozzy and how old?

[BG and Gavin]

What a heart breaking situation. Getting Joanne to help you would be a good solution since she is willing to help you short term or long term.  She will provide Ozzie with a good home so you can de-stress and make the best decision for both of you.  Please consider her kind offer.  Best wishes.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I agree wholeheartedly. It would allow you to recover without the worry about Ozzie and get the help you need at this time. Joanne is a wonderful person and we have all seen the great things she has done for some dogs on this website. Good luck!!

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Joanne's kind offer is a very viable option during your recovery at least. You can still visit him if able to drive and he will be with Spud so the change of home and grieving would be minimized I hope. Having said that, he is happy wherever you are, and if he is not misbehaving when alone, he's probably just sleeping. Yes he needs exercise, and hopefully the opportunity for that will arise. A neighbor, a kid in neighborhood. A friend, roommate. You are both in my prayers too, as this has been a difficult haul for you both. I just feel you would certainly miss him and he can help you heal and recover like no one else can. So it's a win win.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I would also add that I think Joanne is a great solution for you.  My Father just had surgery to do a fusion in his foot and it is a very lengthly recovery.  Many weeks of non weight bearing at all on that foot.  There is no way that you can take care of a doodle without a fenced in yard during that time.  Joanne is a registered foster home with the DRC so she is not a stranger to any of us!  She is one great doodle momma.  Ozzie would be lucky to spend a little time at Camp Spud!

[F, Calla & Luca]

Amen!!! Amen!!! Joanne has a heart of true gold. I would let her take care of my dogs at any time.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Me too, if we didn't live so far away (in a different country) lol.  This is a wonderful offer and I would seriously think about taking it up.  You would have peace of mind while you recover and would have your doodle back having been really well cared for when you are ready....a total win win.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Hi Sandra,

Could you please tell me what vet care your dog has had.  Neutered, shots, rabies, distemper, worming, etc?  He may come here but vet records are a MUST prior to arriving, for us at this time.  Thanks

[Lynda Kamrath]

I know it can be a problem getting enough exercise for your doodle.  They really are active dogs and not an appropriate dog for leaving leashed outside.  I'm glad you are concerned about the emotional health of your wonderful labradoodle.  My dogs have never been alone for more than a few hours and usually they are left inside the house and go crawl up on our bed when they have to stay at home.  We have a beautiful fenced area for them, but they prefer to be left inside the house.  If you do not have an appropriate area for your dog or the time for him to get the exercise he needs, it really would be considerate of you to look for an appropriate rehome for him.  It's hard, I know, but the more compassionate thing to do.