bellacody

Could you tell me what the link is please.

Good luck and please let us know how you get on.

That was a good idea but wouldn't you know it one of the couple got sick! That would be my luck as well. We're not going away this year, but I am sure hubby will want to go away next year and I just want to get things planned in my head with what we will be doing.

Thanks Denali. I am nervous about the process....but I really need to do this rather than kennels so have to start sometime. I really appreciate the feedback.

Thanks Jemappelle :)

Thank you so much Sheena. I didn't have that particular site so just had a good read of it. Sounds very good. Sandra

For various reasons I need someone to actually come and live at my house and look after my two dogs when we go away on a holiday. I have googled and am presently researching a few house sitting companies. I am on the Central Coast of NSW. Has anyone used a service like this at all? If so, could you let me know how it went and even the company you used, if you don't mind. Thanks in advance, Sandra

Great, I know it's a stressful time but they may just come across somewhere they can rent with a dog that is suitable. I sure hope for this but they get knocked back every time . I don't know why the few who cause issues with rentals make it so difficult for those that do the right thing.

Absolutely Dogmad, I'm definitely going to be talking to my son about Prozac.

I didn't say that, either. Read what I and others have said from an objective point of view rather than rushing in to tell of your experiences. I didn't say to rehome her to an elderly person either, just a person who wants a constant companion which does not arbitrarily mean an elderly person. Mia's home is a very tense one at the moment - having to move, car written off, coming up to Christmas. A lot of anxiety producing events are happening all at once to this family through no fault of their own. For an anxious dog to be around all that can exacerbate her problems. Again, through no fault of the family. I agree with what Clyde says. On the other hand, there may be a rescue group who has a carer who could foster Mia and with the experience to assess, manage and diffuse her problems. Bellacody, DOL has a vast membership, but it is not the be all and end of the rehoming and rescue world. Oh I'm so sorry, I don't want to upset anyone here or have anyone else upset with one another. I came to DOL because of its vast membership because I was at a loss of where to go, what to do, mostly because I was so terribly stressed about the situation and couldn't think straight. I have calmed down a lot since that first post, and that's because all I have received are caring, concerned replies. You have all given me much more food for thought than I had when I asked my question...I was reaching out for help and that's what I got. Honestly, I will do my best to keep Mia with my son for as long as possible...I was just talking out loud (so to speak) about what could or couldn't be done. I won't be rushing into anything and nor will I let my son. We can work something out...somehow. What you have written above about Mia being in a very stressful home at the moment is very true, very true.

I'm not sure how to PM...can you please PM her name to me, just in case, although money is an issue for them. I just feel it will be good to have. Truly, the other posters were just worrying about how anxious she gets, they didn't mean to go ahead and euthanize her. They were just concerned and worried about her anxieties going through the roof at the next home . I have a lot to talk to my son about....nothing can be rushed...I'll do my best to make sure of that. I appreciate your post very much hankodie. In fact, everyone has just tried so hard to help me under this awful situation, I just appreciate you all.

Oh definitely not Clyde, no way. I have put calls into a few rescue places and am waiting their return call. I have a cross staffie and she is similar but not as bad as Mia...nowhere near, I can go out and she is just fine. But I do see similarities with their natures at times. Maybe my son is looking at the wrong number on the scales?? I will ask him to reweigh her and find out again. She is stocky so yes, you'd think she'd be heavier in weight.

I do know of a reputable dog trainer in Sydney who has overcome aggression issues in dogs, it does take a bit of time and I imagine it doesn't work with every dog. There would also be a cost factor and I guess money would be short if moving is imminent. There is also the liability factor if she does manage to get out of every yard and then attacks another animal. Goodness, I'll try replying again....I had to sign out and sign back in again as it wouldn't let me send my reply. Unfortunately cost is an issue for them, their car just got written off (nobody was hurt thank goodness) so they have the cost of another car and I can't help them . But oh I do appreciate your help and realise you are trying so hard.

I do know of a reputable dog trainer in Sydney who has overcome aggression issues in dogs, it does take a bit of time and I imagine it doesn't work with every dog. There would also be a cost factor and I guess money would be short if moving is imminent. There is also the liability factor if she does manage to get out of every yard and then attacks another animal.

Not much time at all sadly, but a wonderful suggestion if they had the time. I'm going to talk about everything to my son and his wife later today...maybe there is something we can do. Maybe I could muzzle all the dogs?? Just kidding...trying to make light of a horrible situation.

Actually this isn't always the best option, everyone thinks it is because the dog needs company it seems. The dog I just mentioned in my post had an elderly owner who spent most of their time with him. However we all have to go out at some point - shopping, doctors etc unless we are housebound. When his owner went out, the dog I had was put outside. His distress was enormous and he climbed trees and a 6ft fence and took off. In the end his owner would leave the gate open so he didn't injure himself in his stressed out state. Weaning the dog off the need for constant human company is the best thing ... You are making perfect sense here...that Mia needs weaning her off the need for human company...I'm going to speak to him about this, but he still has to move!!nI suppose this wouldn't be of any help if I brought her here...I guess I'm asking for too much with the aggression side of it, aren't I. I'm clutching at straws.

No, he can't keep her as they are renting and she isn't allowed in any of the places they have tried to rent and they need to find something very soon. Unfortunately that dictates a lot of rehoming issues for dogs . Never thought it would happen to our family though, I always thought well I'll take her, no worries. But of course the aggression nipped that in the bud. I am thinking maybe Mia's previous home was like the dog you were talking about, they gave her so much company that she couldn't bear to be on her own. I don't know what they did with her when they went out...but I do know when my son and family go out, she gets out no matter how secure the yard is. She climbs, like the dog you were talking about Oh I do appreciate what you are suggesting and I wish we could do that...but he isn't parting with her because of her anxieties. I just wanted to be totally up front and tell you her issues as there's no way I would not do that.

ANother heartwarming post....I can't thank each and everyone of you here today....you are helping me more than you know with your understanding and your kindness. It's a very difficult situation to be in, one I've not been in ever before . Oh I've had stray/lost dogs where I've found their homes...that was hard enough, but this is just horrible.

This is a really kind, loving reply. Thank you so much, it has helped me.

Crying's OK .. you are dealing with a little life, and what will happen to it - it's a responsibility :) Thank you.....

Well I was thinking exactly that, that maybe an older person just wanting a constant companion would be perfect....but I wasn't thinking about her stress levels completely. Part of me thinks her anxieties would be better if she had that special someone who wanted to be with her all the time...it's just so very hard, isn't it. I have a few rescue places to hear back from and one to call so maybe it will be ok...I hope.

You are very right BlackJaq.....I am going to talk to my son later today, after I make a few calls. I came to the right place for help, as I said before you are all caring and compassionate and know how tough this is. Thank you for the group hug, it's much appreciated....now if I could stop crying!!

You are right BlackJaq....I can't stop thinking of even more stress on the little one....and the dog aggression, that is a big issue I know....Gosh this is so hard. I do know where you and the other lovely members are coming from and couldn't have asked for kinder people to discuss all of this with, so I thank you all. Not what I wanted to hear, of course, but needed to hear.

yes, it is hard .. for you in caring about her so much. I truly do care about her, she is so gorgeous and just takes my breath away. My hands are tied though....bringing her here where they already don't get along would be worse for her and my dogs too...no quality of life....

Thanks for all your help and everyone here who has helped, I really appreciate your time and your genuine compassion....I'll call a few rescues and see what I can do....heartbreaking to let her go but really understand it might be the kindest thing to do.....