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.

[Adina P]

I meant my 6 y.o. has a yard but it doesn't lead to more exercise because he is pretty mellow and wouldn't run around the yard unless he had something to chase or another dog to play with. So whether we had a yard the size of a postage stamp or a huge yard the yard itself does nothing for his exercise needs.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

The same with my Jack.

[Sandra R]

 The reason why I am asking is, yes, this is for Ozzie. I am really torn whether I should keep him or give him a better home. My husband passed away in May of this year. That's why I haven't been on here in  a long while. My husband would go through bouts of being stable and then really sick from complications from diabetes.

I bought Ozzie from a pet shop that told me he would be a medium to a little large dog. We did not investigate before we bought him because I was having surgery the next day and I wanted to be home to train him. My husband was a bk (below knee) amputee at the time we bought him. Our roommate that my husband loved moved out and this was a purchase to make him feel better, not so alone, and the sales person told me they were training these dogs as therapy dogs, which sold me right there.

Since my first surgery (when we bought Ozzie) I had four more.I am waiting to have another one on my left ankle which will fuse a failed ankle surgery that unfused the ankle. I will be losing my job  the end of next year and was planning on having the surgery when I am unemployed. I had planned on keeping Ozzie to keep me company, but my present roommate is planning on moving to Oregon in the spring to be closer to his grandkids.

He is the one that told me I am not being fair to Ozzie. He would walk Ozzie a couple of times of day, but he has fallen with him a few times. The last fall he broke his ribs and a finger. Ozzie took off after a squirrel.

I try to walk Ozzie when I get home from work (not every day) because my foot surgeries have caused problems in my hip, knee and back. I also have balance problems now.

My fear is that after my next surgery I may not be able to take care of Ozzie the way he should be taken care of by walking him, etc. I live in a mobile home and the park does not allow dog houses or pens. Our yard is not fenced and that is why he is on a 40 ft tie out and he has been since he was puppy.

My husband was always with Ozzie all day and now Ozzie is home with my roommate, but we have woods surrounding our park and, of course, the animals (opossums, etc) are coming in to find shelters. This is creating a problem also because Ozzie is trying to guard his space.

I am so torn on what to do. Any suggestions? What would you do if it was you? I can't afford doggy day care, paying someone to take him for a walk each day, etc.

[Kaytlin and Cooper]

you obviously care very much about ozzie and im so sorry for all the hardships you have and are going through

i dont think theres anything wrong with ozzie not getting a walk if he is on a long line and getting exercise, as long as he is not outside alone. does he like to play fetch? if you can sit in a lawn chair and get him to fetch a ball or toy, that will give him plenty of exercise. However, if this is not an option, then maybe rehoming him is the better option for him.

[Sandra R]

 You are right! I do care very much about him and I worry if I am here alone about Ozzie being alone when I am working. He so loves being outside and with somebody by his side. He is very spoiled with love, affection and lots of hugs and kisses.

When my roommate left for 3 weeks after my husband passed away I paid my neighbor to let Ozzie out every day when she came home from work. She couldn't understand why he had to have "special" treatment when her dogs waited until she came home from work.

 I'm sure Ozzie grieved as much as I did when my husband did not come home from the hospital. Then my roommate left for almost a month and then I left him every day for work. My neighbor said he (Ozzie) was making himself sick about it and she had clean up after him every day for a week. She didn't mind and then realized how sad he was. She said dogs don't know that their owners leave and then will come back from work. 

I guess I will have to pray about this and think it over so more, but you have helped me immensely. Dog lovers tell me not to get rid of him. Small dog lovers tell me to get rid of him. People who don't like animals tell me to get rid of him. That's why I am so unsure of what to do. Thanks.

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

I think the most important question is what do you feel is right?  Ignore what everyone else tells you to do and go with your head and your heart.  Everyone will have an opinion on this but in the long run you have to do what feels right to you and what is best for your dog.  It is great that you came here and reached out for help and suggestions but the only way you will be at peace with your decision is if it is YOUR decision and not what the majority of people tell you to do.  Yes, dog lovers will try to offer you suggestions on ways to keep your dog in your life because we care so deeply for our animals and those who don't like animals have a very easy time telling you to get rid of him because they have never experienced the unconditional love of a dog.  Everyone's answer to your question will be colored by their own personal feelings and beliefs.  I wish you luck with your decision.  

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I am so sorry that you've had to deal with so much, especially losing your husband.  I agree with Amy, you'll need to follow your heart.  I know you love Ozzie and that's why you're so concerned.  Just thinking about my guys I can't imagine how I would be able to take care of them for two months by myself after the kind of surgery you're talking about.  Sending Ozzie to a home where he can get the care he needs may be the best thing, although I know how much you would miss him.  Again, I'm so sorry....hugs.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

All I can say is I am sorry for all of your hardship and especially the loss of your husband and know you love Ozzie and will make the best decision for him. Please let us know if we can help in any other way. God bless you and I wish you guidance during this difficult time.

[F, Calla & Luca]

As long as you can manage, why would you let non dog lovers or small dog lovers tell you what to do. What's most important is that you do what you can manage and what's best for Ozzie. I'm sure you and he will grieve if you give him up. So do that if you really have to. Otherwise work out what's best for you both.

[Sandra R]

 He loves tennis balls. He does play in the house and runs down a long hall way if I don't take him for a walk. The dog next store will come over too and play with him in the house to give him exercise some times.

When I have my next surgery I will be on crutches and in a cast for two months.

[Beth and Gang]

Sandra,

You have a very hard decison to make. Ozzie sounds like a truly wonderful companion.

Can you make arrangements with a friend to help you when you have your next surgery so that Ozzie will have some exercise and companionship while you heal? You can't provide exercise for him on crutches, but you do have time to make plans now since surgery is months away.

A good friend or neighbor would probably offer to help you for no fee. Maybe one would foster Ozzie for you while you get better.

The other option of rehoming him is also a possibility. If you find the 'right' home, and can give him up, it is your decision to make and yours alone.

In your heart, you know what is really best for both of you now.

 

[Sue & Lily Grace]

God blesss you. I will remember you in my prayers for a peaceful solution to what is a very difficult decision.