I have just started Chemo treatment for bone marrow cancer and I have been trying to make sure my girl will be taken well care of should things not go well, and this treatment doesn't work. There is only her and me. I adore her, she's the sweetest kindest dog (a Border Terrier) I've had the privilege to have with me. I do have a brother who has said he would take her, but he lives in a flat and my girl is used to wondering in and out of the garden at will and I don't think she'd be happy in a flat even tho he would walk her well as he lives next to Windsor Great park. There is no way I want her anywhere near the rcpca, don't trust them. I am applying to the dogs trust, I think they do a service to deal with this sort of situation. Has anyone any other organisations or ideas I could explore ?

Peanut, I hope all goes well with you and the chemo and that you do not have to find a home for your girl.  However, I think it is very sensible (and brave) thinking about her future if the need arises.  If you go onto the Kennel Club site, they list Border Terrier welfare and you could talk to someone in your area or what about the Cinnamon Trust?

Are you still in contact with her breeder ? if so I would talk to them, failing that then have a word with the breed rescue. I have heard some odd things about the cinnamon trust policies...
I have my mentor in the breed who has full control of what happens to my girls if my hubby and I should not be able to.
Good luck with your chemo. Think positive and fight back..
Aileen

If she came from a decent breeder then the best thing would be to contact them and see if they can help you.  If it was one of my pups I'd want to know what was happening and help as much as I could.

Breeders often having repeat enquiries from past owners who may prefer an older dog, be able to find the best home.

Otherwise breed rescue as advised above.

I will echo what others have said, and add that twice I have had cats back that I've bred, when the owners passed away. For the few older puppy owners I have they have all told their families the dog can go back to me at any time.

This is something I've recently visited myself not due to illness but because it's something we all have to consider.
My family don't want the responsibility of them and I'd love them to remain together so I have to think about friends.
I don't want mine to end up in rescue either.

All the best to you with the chemo and please think positively over this, I am for you xx

Hoping your treatment goes well and that you don't have to consider such a sad situation.  I can't think of any other suggestions unless you have a close friend who would look after her.  Keep strong and positive xxx

Hi, really sorry for your situation and trust and pray that your treatment goes well. I was discussing the very same issue this weekend with my girls as I too live alone and age has well and truly caught up with me.

As other have recommened, breeder first and then breed rescue. There is also another group Yorkshire Terrier Rescue (google them). They foster and find homes for all small breed and toy dogs. They are based in Lincolnshire but home country wide.

Thanks you all for your suggestions and I will certainly consider them all. My girls breeder has never really bothered since I got her. I got her name from the Kennel Club website, but was very disappointed in her lack of interest, so I'm afraid that's a no go as far as I'm concerned. My girl is 5 years old now and all the time she's been with me it was arranged that if anything ever happened to me she would go to a long term best friend and live on her farm. So I've never really worried. However, this friend has taken offence at something pretty minor and I haven't heard from her since I started treatment. So I think that arrangement is also out. I'm surprised that there is a query about the cinnamon trust, I thought they were to be trusted.
Anyway I am planning to fight this disease and don't plan to go anywhere just yet. It was just I do want to know that if the worst does happen my girl will be alright.
Thank you for your good wishes.

Just because a breeder stays unobtrusive does not mean they will not be interested in helping out.

As a breeder I do keep in touch with those puppy owners who like the contact more than those who do not appear to want it. 

It can be a fine line for a breeder as to how much contact is desired by new owners.

Also your dog may be one of many litters bred over the years, and often contact details change and contact is lost.

I have often found that past the first weeks there is often a long period when owners seem content to get on with things and often I will have contact after years out of the blue. 

I learnt a long time ago that to much asking how things are from the breeder can annoy owners.

On the other hand I am not a great Christmas card etc sender, and family won't get cards etc from me, but I do care how they are.

I am much better with email ;)

Have you considered Border Terrier Welfare? For your own peace of mind (and I am sure you are worrying yourself silly over this - I would be too!) it might be worth sounding them out about your options. Hopefully, you will not need their help, but just in case you do it might be worth having a word with them now.  Most people whom 'do rescue' are passionate about their breeds and I am sure they will be able to help you if you need them and another option for your lovely girl can not be found.

Hi Peanut, you're fighting and you'll win but you need to use up your energy on that and not worrying.
Ok, if one person was to care for your girl, even just for a few days while you relax after treatment I'm betting you'd be happier if it was your best friend.
Whatever was said and whatever she's upset about it's just not worth it. One of you has to step forward and start a line of communication. Falling out with friends is always so sad but there is a way back. Just text her, write to her or better still call her. This is way more important and it's worth giving it a go. Does she know you've been so ill? If she does then she should have been the bigger person and stepped up but maybe her pride holds her back. I bet she's feeling awful about the whole situation.
Try it, it's for your peace of mind.
Hope all works out for you and your lovely girl.

I agree with arched. Obviously we don't know what happened between you but it may be that she is finding it difficult to talk toyuo after everything and now knowing what you are going through is embarrassed or something. Try and get in contact with her it may be the answer you are looking for an dthen you have peace of mind and can concentrate on getting well.
all the best  hope the treatment is successful. you know all the cd people are rooting for you

I do hope you will be okay. I think if you don't have a lot of trust in the breeder, then I would contact breed rescue, they are the very best to find good homes for their chosen breed -but like Brainless said, maybe get into contact with the breeder tentatively. Maybe just send a photo and see what happens?  I had one kitten buyer who used to be a friend but we lost touch. She contacted me after several years saying her husband had died and she had no family, so she needed to make sure her cats would be cared for should anything ever happen to her -she was not even ill or old. She asked if I was still willing to have them back at any time, and if so could she have my phone numbers, address details etc to ensure this was known (I had moved since she got the cats from me). Of course that was no problem at all.

Yes I agree with what you say arched. In fact I have sent her two emails trying to mend the split but it seems I have hit a blank wall. She's replied but full of accusations. The whole thing has thoroughly upset me if I'm honest. She knows what this treatment does to you as she went through breast cancer many years ago when I helped her all I could. I can't get my head round what has happened but these things happen I suppose.
I shall contact Border Terrier rescue and see what they say. I have had a look at their website.

Sadly peanut some people just can't deal with illness in others. We went through the same experience as you are currently going through and were shocked at how some people we had considered friends just cut us out of their lives - and a very close family member too :-( I would do as some others have suggested and contact your breed rescue.

It may be that there is someone in your area who may be able to help out with caring for your dog on days when you have treatment and need some extra support and meeting them would help to put your mind at rest. I would send an email to the breed rescue outlining your position and ask them if there is anybody local who may be able to help you out during your treatment period - letting your dog out or just checking up on her if you have to leave her for a while when attending appointments etc and you could also ask them if they are able to help you if there came a point when you decided that she needed to go to a new home.

Hopefully that won't happen and you will be back fighting fit but knowing you have some back up and support will put your mind at rest. Wishing you all the best for a return to good health.

Oh that is sad, I'm sorry it's not worked out with your friend as it would so perfect for your little girl. Another possibility I guess would be your vet, they may know of people who'd be ideal to care for her in their home if you need some time to recover.
Best wishes to you

Is there a chance that you might need some short term dog care and support from your brother during your chemotherapy?  If that's the case you might find that he and your dog cope better than you might expect.  At 5 years old, and for a good few years yet, your girl will remain very adaptive to a change in circumstances and this may well go some way to reassuring you.

Something else to consider: if, god forbid, your brother did need to take her on full time she may well help him with the grieving process.  Additionally conversations about the 'future' may be easier for you and your brother to manage if you pretend you are only talking about the dog!  Not everyone can handle direct conversations about illness, death, disability, funerals etc and in my experience this is a very important step.  You will feel better able to concentrate on fighting this disease if you know you've got the practical issues agreed giving you only one thing to concentrate on.

Wishing you all the best for your treatment and sending lots of positive thoughts x

I would try Border rescue if the breeder of your girl has closed the door.

I am sure they will help out with temporary foster care if needed as well as full adoption.

It is a shame the breeder has been so horrible to you at a time you could really do with her support.

My mother died on Sunday and her two elderly mini dachshunds have gone back to the breeder without any question. I didn't want to take them on as it I just can't have them as they are lapdogs , dirty in the house and aren't being used to be left at all . The breeder is a nice chap and has the set up to have them back so that is the best thing for them .

Wishing you all the best with your treatment x

Peanut, I hope all goes well with you and the chemo and that you do not have to find a home for your girl.  However, I think it is very sensible (and brave) thinking about her future if the need arises.  If you go onto the Kennel Club site, they list Border Terrier welfare and you could talk to someone in your area or what about the Cinnamon Trust?

Can I echo this comment too.   I have mine registered with Cinnamon Trust much as I was disappointed that they didn't appear to want to help re getting to know my hounds ahead of time.   My husband had a stoke some years back and in all honesty, I'm not sure he'd cope with our now just two, without me being around.   For this reason I'd hoped to build a relationship with somebody local.  It hasn't happened.   Now we've lost my sister, who was going to be here immediately to sort tings out according to my instructions left, I'm feeling quite vulnerable.   It's marginally better than when I'd bred my hounds because with our current two, they are buy-ins meaning there are two breeders out there, both being willing to take them back if necessary.   One has just relocated - to France however!!   The other is having medical problems .......

I think it's only sensible to make arrangements for any dogs left behind, regardless of whether owners are currently fit, especially when there are no close relatives.   We have no children, just a totally useless, for want of a better word, nephew and a niece who lives in an apartment. 

I have to say I have actually made a specific request that NO CHARITY is involved with my hounds - particularly not the RSPCA.   Breed Rescue would be debatable, in my breed, although they would at least screen a new home, presumably.

Sending every good thought for a successful outcome of course.

>It is a shame the breeder has been so horrible to you at a time you could really do with her support.

Just to clarify the person who has severed relations was the 'friend' who was to look after the dog if a need arose, and not the breeder.

Peanut, just wondered how you got on with Border Rescue and if they were helpful? :)

Hello. Yes I emailed them but I haven't had a reply so far. I am registering with the Dogs trust's canine care scheme which is one solution. I had a hospital appointment today and blood results have shown that the treatment is working very well at the moment. So hopefully my worries will prove to be unnecessary.

Great news to hear that your treatment is working well. Long may it continue :)

Excellent news :)

Great news. :)

Wonderful news and long may it continue :-) :-)

Fantastic news I hope it long continues.

I've been following this thread since you posted.

I'm so pleased to read that you're responding well to treatment, long may it continue! Me and my gang have our fingers and paws crossed for you!!

Best wishes :)

Thank you so much for all your good wishes. Its very kind of you.
I did get a reply from someone at Border rescue, however, meantime I have agreed with a friend that on the odd day I just can't take her for a walk, this friend will come and do her. I have noticed that on the days I've been very poorly she just lies on my feet and wont leave. Amazing she seems to know and its the only time she isn't active. Bless her.

I'm glad your friend is able to help out with walks when needed.  Your girl sounds absolutely delightful and must be a great comfort as well as good company when you are feeling poorly..

Sending you lots of positive thoughts and all very best wishes for the rest of your treatment.
Blay X

so pleased things are looking better for you fingers and paws crossed

Peanut

I know just how you feel and I am pleased that things are taking a turn for the better.

My daughter (young mum) was diagnosed in the summer with a fairly aggressive form of breast cancer  which has turned our lives upside down.  I had to stop my home boarding business as we have to help out with her two young children - youngest two years old.  I in turn have had to recruit a friend to look after my 4 dogs when I am in London helping my daughter.  The whole thing is a nightmare.

I will gladly help you if all else fails with your border terrier but I hope you will get over this horrible time.  My daughter has a one year old JRT who she tells me has been her lifeline.  Please do not worry about the future of your dog  - I do have lots  contacts and will do all I can to help you.

Please do keep in touch - we will all be rooting for you.

Snowflake