My partner and I acquired an 8yr old alsation x collie on 17th April from Wood Green Animal shelter, his elderly owner had died. He has settled well and is quite clingy, following me to every room etc and loves fuss. He is a wimp and hates gun shot noises.

He was left for about 2-4 hours as my partner got home mid morning or lunch time but we have since split up and it means he is left 9 hours. My mum pops round to take him out at lunch time when she can but it is difficult for me to go home at lunch.

I take him for a walk before work and again in the evening.

I know there is no possibility of him chewing etc as he just stays in his basket, I can't fault him in that respect but I feel guilty he is on his own so long.

Should I take him back to the home or as he is so quiet and laid back should I keep him (i'd be v. upset if he went now especially as I am on my own).

Your views would be much appreciated.

Sue, Hertfordshire.

My sympathies on your situation - a tough one for anybody. It does seem very sad if he should be returned to rescue for a further rehome. As long as you can give him lots of quality time when you are home - I guess he'd be happier to stay with you than go back as it sounds like he is still a bit insecure anyway and I think after two months with you - going back would be so hard on him.

Working full time is not ideal by any means and if you were asking if you should get a new puppy - based on what you've said - you would get more no's than yes's but circumstances change as they have for you. You have an adult dog that has already been through a traumatic time and now faces another. If however, you can't give him the time he does need when you are home, then rehoming him would probably be kinder in the long run.

Poor chap:(

Pam n the boys

What a horrible situation to be in :(
Are you on speaking terms with your ex partner still and if so could he not pop back to take him out ?
Or what about a dog walker in addition to your mum popping in ? At least he is getting out twice during the day
Lel

If I were you I would try as hard as possible to get someone to let him out at lunch, leave the radio or the TV on when you are not in, give him a jumper thats smells of you in his bed, and leave him with his favourite "leaving alone toys"... He is far better with you than potentially going to another home, where the same could happen again.

Best of luck with your boy - keep us posted :)

I think you should keep him :)
Lara x

What about a dog walker?? I used to use one when i worked, took bothe dogs out for 2 - 3 hours.

What about a dog walker?? I used to use one when i worked, took both dogs out for 2 - 3 hours.

What an awful situation for you:(
You obviously love him :)

If he was in a kennel in rescue then he wouldn't have been getting constant personal attention anyway, if his elderly owner was infirm his life wouldn't have been 'very' exciting, if you can give him the love and attention he needs when you're not in work then he will probably be a very happy dog :). The suggestions above are worth trying.

As ChloeH said, there's no guarantee that this wouldn't happen with another owner, and you never know, things may improve for you too :)

Regards
Dill

Hi

Yeah a dog walker would be the best bet I think, it would save relying on my mum and her feeling obliged to do it every day.

How much do they cost? Where would I look for one - maybe the local vets surgery?

Sue (and Rudi)!

Hi Sue

I'm sorry your change of circumstances has left you with this dilemma, it's not an easy one to deal with. If it were me I think I would be looking for someone to walk the dog while I was at work or at least spend some time with him at home. This would also help you cope, knowing he had some company for part of the day. It's hard to say whether he'd be better off with someone else - at least you love him and want what's best for him. Sadly this doesn't apply to everyone who takes on a rescue.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

Joyce