Sorry, if I ramble on, I'll try and make this brief and not get too angry while typing.

My brother-in-law and his wife have separated and neither of them want their ten year old lab (how heartless can you get? :( ).  This dog has never really been trained and has been neglected for much of his life.  It's not unusual for him to be left home alone for days with only a neighbour popping in to let him out and feed him.  Needless to say, he can be quite distructive.  At the moment my BIL is in Thailand and his estranged wife picked the dog up from kennels (where he's been for the past month) and has put the dog in my BILs house alone for the neighbour to pop in and see to.  I think my FIL is going to put the dog back in kennels till my BIL gets home from Thailand on 6 December.

I have never really got on with my BIL or SIL so my opinion hasn't really been welcomed as to what they should with the dog in the past and how IMO their treatment of the dog is cruel and irresponsible.  Anyway, what do you think would be best to do with the dog now as my BIL is apparantly moving to Thailand at the end of the year and his wife doesn't want him (the dog ... or the BIL come to think of it)?  I've suggested that they contact breed rescue (I would welcome any information on breed rescue that anyone has for the Glasgow or Ayrshire areas), however, my FIL thinks he should be PTS.

I would welcome your advice and any information I can pass on.  I think this poor dog deserves a happier life than the miserable existence he's had so far.  :(

What about the dogs breeder, he just may be one of the lucky ones with a breeder that is responsible and takes care of their breeding for their lifetime, failing that Breed rescue.

Knowing my BIL and SIL he probably didn't come from a responsible breeder and, if he did, they probably won't have kept their contact details, but I will suggest it as a possibility.

That's really awful :(  This poor dog must not be put down for no reason.  I believe Dog's Trust have a scheme for older dogs where they cover the cost of vet's bills etc if someone takes an older dog for re-homing.  There's a new Dog's Trust opened in Glasgow so I'm sure they would give you advice if you called them.  Someone out there must be waiting to give him a home and good on you for trying to help.

CG

The poor thing!   If it weren't at the other end of the country, he'd have a home here!

Margot

Thanks CG, I do remember seeing adverts now that you mention it.  I'll have a look at their website and give them a ring.  Unfortunately my FIL feels its not his place to do anything and is waiting for my BIL to come home at the beginning of December to make any decisions himself.  But if I have all the information so that the lazy little b****r doesn't actually have to do anything but decide, it might mean that the dog gets the chance of a good home for the rest of his days.

Thanks Margot, there are so many kind poeple on this board.  I knew it was the right place to come for advice!

Mattie who is on this board runs Labrador rescue in the NW of England, please contact her she will do anything she can to help.

In your place I would get the dog rehomed, and b********* what the in laws say. You could always lie and say it died....

In theory yes, but I don't have any access to the dog.  :(

Would you be able to get your FIL to let you have the dog instead of leaving it in kennels? If the dog were in your possession you would be in a stronger position...

gosh this is so sad :(  I cannot believe people can do this!
Is there a possibility that you could have the dog earl?

Failing that Dog Trust and breed rescue as has been mentioned  - I wish I was in a position to have him - it's awful :(

Poor poor dog :(.  No extra advice to offer but I do hope he gets a last few happy years somewhere.  I've heard of the Dogs Trust scheme for older dogs as well.

Thanks Annie.  I just can't understand how anyone who's had a dog for 10 minutes (let alone 10 years) can give them up without a fight or a care.  I understand it's not always possible and situations change, but I'd do anything (and I mean anything) to make sure my dog could stay with me.  It would break both our hearts if I had to let her go.

Me neither but then you and I would obviously not think of treating our dogs like this one has been treated. :(

Hiya,

Labrador Rescue is probably your best bet - they do wonderful work! (i'm a homechecker/fosterer!). Failing that, there is a rescue especially for elderly dogs called the 'Oldies club', who are very good as well.

Good luck - please keep us informed of what the situation is. If the dog is in reasonable health then there is no reason why he can't have another good 4-5 years at least with a new family who will love him in his golden years.

Ali

Thanks Mentalcat, I'll look at this one too and let you know what's decided.  He really deserves a family who will give him plenty of time and love, as that's what he's missed out on his whole life.

Earl cant you take him in until he can find another home? This dogs deserves to spend his final years in a loving home getting thoroughly spoilt and doted on.

Thanks everyone for your advice.  As both my husband and I work (we share the small dog we have with my mum) it's not possible for us to rehome this dog.  I've been told that he's gone to someone my brother in law knows, an older lady who is going to keep him.  I hope this is true.  If it's not, I'll continue with my fight to get him a good, loving home.  I've been in touch with someone from Lab Rescue in Ayrshire and he says I need to have written ownership of the dog before I can take further action with them.  If I find out that he's not in a good home, I'll torture my BIL when he gets home until he signs him over to me.  I hope it doesn't come to that though.

Thanks again for all your help.

Simone x