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Issue rehoming a dog
My fiance's mother and step-father have a "senior" English Springer Spaniel named London. Fiance's parents are both elderly, and as of late, have been in deteriorating health. Step-father is regularly in and out of hospital care due to his COPD, chronic pneumonia, back issues, etc (the list is a mile long... he's also blind, to complicate issues). Mom has been dealing with some dementia, but as generally been okay (and loves having London as a companion and someone to care for, especially when step-father is in hospital/nursing home care).
Yesterday, Mom had a stroke. She seems to be severely affected on her right side, including inability to speak and other motor issues. She is in the hospital for the next few days at least... coincidentally, step-father happens to be in the hospital currently as well. Family has been taking shifts to let out/feed London, but this is not an optimal solution, since no one knows when/if Mom or step-father will be returning home or able to care for a dog. The job of "find London someplace else to live" has been given to my fiance, and he is just heartbroken about it.
It is unpossible for us to take care of the dog. We are in a small apartment with barely enough room for ourselves, and since I'm in school full-time and we're planning a wedding (all on his salary), we are financially incapable of taking on the care of this animal (not to mention our schedules are not conducive to London's care needs). I am looking for other ideas, resources, rescues, etc that might have an idea of how to handle it. London himself isn't in the best health (arthritis, occasional incontinence in the house, etc). But he is a sweet boy and deserves a happy remaining life (he is 12 yrs old).
Can anyone help think of any resources or solutions to this? I know it's almost impossible to find someone willing to adopt a senior dog with minor health problems, but I don't know if this is a dog that can be fostered, long-term boarded, or if there is an organization I can contact for help. Any suggestions welcome. It's heartbreaking to have to remove London from his happy home, but circumstances have made this a necessity, and we want to do right by him. Thanks for any ideas or advice you can offer.
Re: Issue rehoming a dog
This really is a heartbreaking situation, and I'm very sorry that you're in it. It sounds like you and your fiance really care about the dog and want to do what is best.
However, I'm going to be blunt. Please, please keep this dog in the family. Find someone in the family to take the dog, or you guys take the dog and figure out something that works. This is an animal that your (soon to be) MIL and FIL love very much, and they deserve the peace of knowing that the animal will be taken care of for the remainder of it's life, not shuffled to a stranger because no one in the family is willing to care for it. Please honor their commitment to their dog.
I see too many senior dogs dumped at my shelter because of the death of their owner(s), and these dogs mourn the loss of their family more than you could ever imagine.
A 12 year old just might die from a broken heart if he is given to a new family right now.
We have taken dogs in from shelters who are seniors with little time left and had them fostered as "hospice care". We are fortunate enough to have dedicated volunteers who have hearts of GOLD to be able to put time and money into a dog who often dies in their arms within months of having them. But this dog isn't a death row dog- he has a family.
Honestly? I'll probably be flamed for this...but...with the situation at hand, I would probably consider putting him down before giving him to a new family.
He'll be euthanized at a shelter within 5 minutes, I'll bet. Who wants a 12 year old dog who sometimes has incontinence?
I'm really sorry you are put in this situation and I hope for a good recovery for your mother.
I think you should reconsider keeping the dog. I think with some compromise you can make it work.
However, if you are set on rehoming, I would get into contact with local rescue groups and explain your situation.
How horrible.
ESRA is the national rescue. They are awesome and often take on senior English Springer Spaniels, and if you check them out they do find seniors homes.
I would contact them for resources at least.
If it was ME, I would consider keeping him--I think of it as a final gift to your MIL and FIL....they obviously love her a lot--and honestly if they enter a nursing home or some other form of care, studies show that having a companion animal visit helps with positive emotions, healing etc..I think that has a lot of value in a time of change and failing health.
http://www.springerrescue.org/
This for me too. It's a tough spot for you, but given the condition of this dog, I don't think you'll have to do it for a lot of years. Can they pay for the dog's care while you have it, if money is an issue for you but not as much for them? Or perhaps the family can pitch in for the vet bills, dog walker, etc. if you are the one to take the dog? I imagine an elderly dog is not all that active so doesn't need a large place to live.
Also in reference to above, when my grandmother was ill, I used to bring her sociable Siamese cat to visit her and it made her week. It was amazing to see her perk up so much for that cat.
If you really can't make it work, I would agree with Punky and put the dog to sleep. I think it will break their hearts, but this poor dog doesn't sound in any condition to start a new life with a new family.
On a personal note, I'm sorry your family is dealing with the failing health of your FI's parents. Very sad
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