Hello, I need to ask for some advice. I have been informed by my line manager at work that their may be redundancies next month and our department could be shut down. Other than the fact of having to find alternative employment, at the moment i only work 5 mins from home and have plenty of time to go back at lunch to make a fuss and walk our dog.

I only live in a village, and the nearest town is 7 miles away and this will have to be where i look for alternative employment. My concern is that due to the distance, and the new employers understanding, I may not be able to get back home at lunch times in the future.

I know what some peoples thoughts are on this site about leaving a dog on its own all day and I totally agree. Obviously, i will try to ask a neighbour or make some enquiries if anyone can walk him for me at lunch times but failing this, I do not know what to do!!.

Should i have to give my dog up to someone who is home all day?. It is probable that once i find a new job and settle in, they may let me have a few minutes longer at lunch to attend to him but i think it would be difficult incase i am late back in the beginning.

What can i do?

Hi Darren,
We've been in just the same situation. Worrying, isn't it? :(

How old is your dog? If it is mature, physically and mentally, it's possible that it could manage being left (though of course not ideal). Or could you fit a dogflap without leaving your house insecure? Or an outdoor kennel and secure run where he could be during the day while you're out?

Don't be panicked into rehoming him yet - it may well not come to that. And well done for having the foresight to consider the options.

Take each day as it comes. Don't re home your doggie, something will come up for you. You might find that your dog will adjust very well to not seeing you at lunch times? Your going through a horrible time right now take each day :) Julieann xxx

Do you have any doggie daycares near you? I know that these are not everywhere, but they are becoming increasingly popular in the States. They are places where people who can't come home for lunch drop their dogs off and the dogs get to play with one another all day. If you find one, make sure tha that you check out the place, and that you can be sure they treat dogs well. They can be a little pricey, but you didn't mention what your price range is. The best thing is that the dogs usually come home happy and very tired!

The dog will be fine as long as you spend adequate time in the evenings and at weekends to make a fuss of him and give him his exercise. Why give him up? There are plenty of people who own dogs who leave them home alone all day. Its just a matter of balance between work and the dog.

If you are made redundant and have to find a new job...you could find out about flexible working hours or maybe the possibility of going in earlier to have a longer lunch break. What about finding out if anyone near your new town may 'dog sit'?

Good luck

We have a dog daycare lady near us, she used to be a vet nurse, and has dogs on a regular basis, either for holidays or for people who work. She isn't lazy, the dogs get 3 good forest walks a day!!! Dog heaven!

Someone like this would be ideal - even if they lived in the town and you had to maybe drive that bit further to drop the dog off.

It goes without saying though, make sure the people are decent and understand dogs, and are not jsut after a quick buck.

HOpe it goes well and that something can be sorted out for you and your dog :)

LIndsau

If the dog has a choice ..a new home with a stranger or his old safe home he's known for years I think he'd choose the latter anyday and look forward to the evenings and learn a new routine...

Wonder if she's the same person I found - was very impressed with her - left the girls with her for a day. Only problem is that since my two aren't 100% trustworthy off lead I insisted she keep them on during the walks and they just about killed her (they aren't the walk to heel type esp when there's 1/2 dozen other dogs zinging about).

I felt so bad, but I just can't risk them offlead when it's not me and/or my hubby along. I know how I'd feel if I was in charge of someone else's dog and something bad happened. I don't want to risk my dogs or risk putting someone else in that position. Shame as it seems the ideal!

Ask around at vets offices for doggie creche's or daycares. They may know and even if you work fulltime all week you could take the dog 2x a week and that would probalby be enough.

Wendy