Hi all
what do you put first -you and your familys wants and feelings or your dogs needs?Specifically ,do you keep a dog because you love him knowing he's not 100% happy and you know it would break the heart of a child to let it go or do you let it go to someone(who you know and trust) who can give it a more suitable life than you??If you let it go how do you explain to a child your decision?
(off line now till tomorrow but look forward/dread your replies!!)
Regards Archer.

Horrid problem. :(
How old is the child? Children are generally very empathic, and if things are explained properly to them, they can understand why 'bad' things have to happen.

Archer
does this concern your own family :( ?
How old is the child concerned - maybe you could bring the topic up in convrsation and explain why you think the dog is unhappy or would be better off elsewhere and try to guage what the child thinks ?
Yes, if the dog is definately unhappy it is unfair if he would be better off elswhere but a child may also resent you deep down if you were to give their pet away . Yes , children are resilient but feelings between children and their pet dogs run deep .
Is the dog truly unhappy or is it just an easier solution for yourselves for what ever reason ( dont mean that in a condesending way so please dont take that the wrong way at all )
It is a hard one Archer and one I dont envy you at all
Good luck
Lel

I can't comment on the child aspect, but we have no problem re-homing if it will be of benefit to the dog. We have re-homed dogs because they prefer to be an only dog or are being bullied by our other dogs. We only rehome to friends & people we know (that way we can still see them when we want), we don't off-load them to rescue centres.