im having such a hard time with losing my dogs /:

[Babygirlxoxo]

Basically .. These dogs are my life. They are my emotional support. I become anxious when I'm not around them.

I got one, a Great Pyrenees 8 months ago and he's now 1 and about 100lbs. I also have a border collie Labrador about 2 months ago who I assume is now 6 months old. They are both very high maintenance dogs. They whine when people leave. Destroy things when they are home alone.

It's not fair to them or me to keep them.

The GP and me have moved 5 times in those 8 months and he's been in 2 foster homes. The Border Collie Lab has had 2 homes and a foster already.

I got both of these dogs while I was in a stable situation and they have both ended badly. These dogs need lots of exercise, which I can't give. I have a good backyard, but I can't walk them because the smaller one pulls so badly and I can't leave her home or she will whine.

My income is slowly decreasing, and the food bills are rapidly increasing.

I'm renting a very expensive place to have these dogs, and now I have to leave this place because it's too expensive and I don't know if I should keep them or sell them?

It's so difficult for me, every time I'm away I'm worrying about them, they are my fur children.

I can't afford vet bills should they come up.

How do I handle these emotions?

[RecentChange]

It's not fair to these dogs to keep them. Not fair at all.

 

The destructive behavior. The whining etc is because they aren't happy. Their NEEDS are not being met.

 

They need exercise, they need discipline, they need quality food, and they need vet care!! Above all. Like a child they need routine and to feel secure.

 

I would not SELL them, but rather place them with a rescue who will properly screen potential homes to make sure they end up in a suitable one.

 

You don't want to throw them from the pan to the fire.

 

But to keep them, for yoir own emotional needs, while ignoring their needs is beyond selfish.

 

If you tell us what part of the country you are in, I would be happy to point you to some reputable rescue groups.

[Buddhist]

By realising that sometimes despite our best intentions we fail. We don't always fail because we aren't enough. Sometimes we just take on too much and then expect perfection of ourselves. Anyone would have a hard time even with one of these dogs, let alone two.

 

If you can't afford them, then that is a reality you have to face. Many people have had to face this reality. There is no shame in admitting this reality to yourself and others. It sound like both of these dogs require intensive training and a lot more than you can actually give them in terms of exercise and care.

 

No-one will blame you for admitting you've over-reached and doing something about it.

 

Animals are not a crutch for anxiety. I know what living with anxiety is like I have PTSD, the most severe form of it. But an animal is not a cure, it's an escape from the work we personally need to so on ourselves. I understand wanting the companionship, but really a cat, bunny, ferret even would have been better choices given your circumstances. You need to match the pet to the situation. For you personally as a renter, needing constant companionship I would recommend a ferret. They can be hidden away in a cat carrier during inspections, they make little noise and they don't mind being put into a rucksack and carried everywhere for long hours. They are actually very good low maintenance and cheap pets. They are also extremely affectionate and love cuddles.

 

But first, you need to get those dogs into appropriate homes. Selling them will ensure they end up in underground dog fights, if they can't fight they will be bait dogs and die a horrible death. I would recommend you take to to the vet to be put down over that. Try a re-homing shelter first.

Edited June 9, 2016 by Buddhist