To rehome or not? - Page 1

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auntievenom

by auntievenom on 30 May 2011 - 03:05

 I have a female shepherd, call name Ninja, 
http://www.pedigreedatabase.com/german_shepherd_dog/dog.html?id=532932
that I am considering rehoming - but I am conflicted as to whether that's the *ethical* decision.

We considered placing her originally right after we got her in 09 because she didn't mesh with me as a SAR dog, although I did get her basic certification in human remains detection, as well as her CGC, and worked her for a short while in agility just for something to do. She was intact at the time, but we spayed her instead as I didn't want to mess with breeding a dog that wasn't certified and working. She has continued life here as a house dog (I am no longer working any dogs after my primary dog died in 09), but she is starting to show the wear and tear of an inactive home. She is a little spookier about thunder than she used to be, and tends to bite her nails.  These traits are directly correlated to when she isn't being worked or at least having activity (which is never, at this point, although I did manage to keep her active on and off during those two years). She is an only dog here, which is truly a shame.

Certainly she is not in an imminent danger situation, we don't NEED to rehome her, but it seems like her quality of life is pretty lame (I am not able to do the activities with her I did in the past b/c of my health). Overall a FAB pet for an active home just rotting away in my house. She gets walked twice a day and that's it. :-/ I also don't like seeing her socially getting weirder (she has never been agressive, and loves loves loves small children - but when adults come over, she just leaves the room).

At 6 years old, she's not a spring chicken, and I'm okay with her living here forever - I just question if she wouldn't be happier in an active, or at least more interesting home.

Thoughts? What would you do?

alboe2009

by alboe2009 on 30 May 2011 - 04:05

I believe you answered your own question in your statement.

by hexe on 30 May 2011 - 05:05

Do you LIKE this dog? Does she like you? I'm not trying to be snarky, I'm just trying to figure out the relationship between you and Ninja, since that has a great deal of bearing as to whether she'd be happier in another home.  If there's a bond between you, then rehoming her might not make her any happier, even if she'd be busier.

You mentioned that your health has declined, which has led directly to the elimination of most activity for Ninja, but I wonder if perhaps she couldn't become a service dog for you--picking up dropped objects for you, retrieving specific items you request, etc. I have to think she's a biddable and intelligent enough dog for you to have gotten her certified on human remains, so becoming your assistance dog would lessen life's demands on you while giving her a job to do.

If, however, the two of you don't really have a connection, and are basically just 'roommates' (albeit with one of you having to provide all the care for the other), then it probably would be beneficial to both of you to put the word out that you're looking for the home she *should* be in, and see what comes of that.

Kalibeck

by Kalibeck on 30 May 2011 - 06:05

I have often thought of rehoming Beckett, my male, but I find my answer in his eyes. He is desperately in love with me, & the girls. He would certainly be better excersized, & better trained by someone else....but not better loved. He would continue to be the big hearted, willing soul that he is now...but he would always be looking for his person, wondering where I was, wondering why & how he lost me. Some measure of trust would no longer be there in him. It wouldn't be right.

You said that your health has declined....? I'm not trying to be snarky either, but maybe it saddens your dog to see the changes in you, & that makes Ninja different, too. If you two are bonded, put these thoughts aside, & enjoy each other for what you now are, & don't let memories of your glory days keep you from appreciating the good times you may still have together.

I'm no spring chicken either, amazingly my dogs seem to get that, & to be a little gentler with me. Most of the time, anyway....I still occassionally get woken up by a 78 pound 'puppy' jumping on my head.....ouch! jackie harris

Uber Land

by Uber Land on 30 May 2011 - 06:05

hey girl, shoot me an email sometime.

ShadyLady

by ShadyLady on 30 May 2011 - 15:05

I like Hexe's reply.

Fulfiling her needs to be mentally and physically active would be my 1st choice. If you can't provide that to her,  and as long as she wasn't so bonded to you that she would have a hard time adjusting to another person, then put some feelers out and see if you can find her an excellent home. There may be a person looking for a dog just like her!





Bhaugh

by Bhaugh on 30 May 2011 - 18:05

At 6 she isnt going to be easy to place. Although she has lots of life left, most wont take an older dog because they dont want to waste the time on a dog that will be in retirement age soon.  Why  didnt  she mesh with you? Did you just not feel the bond? Some dogs dont outwardly show affection but still bond. She must have had some bond to you she will work for you and has even titled.

Ive asked your question to myself a thousand times when I get rescue dogs that have real potential. One in particular comes to mind and I couldnt place because of his age (5). I found easy tasks that worked his mind to keep him active and exercised him to keep him fit. Take up bike riding if your health allows and teach her to run along side. A tired dog is a happy dog  and maybe just be exercising her, she will feel more herself. If you cant do it, maybe someone in your neighborhood could offer to take her. A jogger perhaps.

People forget that it really stresses a dog to be placed in a new home. Yes she may be working but at what cost. And in the end she may end up being a semi retired gal in a home just like yours with a not so lucky owner who cares as much as you do.

by kacey on 30 May 2011 - 19:05

She sounds like a fantastic girl. To have gotten some good training & work on her, goes beyond what many dog owners do. I'd have to agree with some of the responses re: re-evaluating what you're doing with her, and perhaps try to find her a new job, whilst still being your dog. Therapy dog work comes to mind, if she loves people. I have an active SAR dog, and that will most likely be his next career, when his current work becomes too much.

Alternatively, if you decide to rehome her, I'm sure you may get some good responses if you contacted K9 SAR groups. At 6 years old, she may not be a spring chicken, but she's not dead either. She could serve another 4 years quite nicely, with another prospective handler. From my coordinates, it's far easier to rehome a well-adjusted, well-trained dog, than one that's had little to no training/socialization around people and other dogs. from what you're describing she's doing, kinda sounds as though, she just needs more physical + mental stimulation. Good luck with whatever you choose to do!

by hexe on 30 May 2011 - 20:05

auntievenom wrote:

I also don't like seeing her socially getting weirder (she has never been agressive, and loves loves loves small children - but when adults come over, she just leaves the room).

Forgot to address that--perhaps she just doesn't care for those adults, especially if she's got the breed-correct trait of aloofness toward those who aren't HER people, and even more so if the adults are the type who insist that 'all dogs love' them and persist in trying to get her to fuss over them.  That she removes herself from the situation, instead of becoming inappropriately aggressive or behaving fearfully, is further indication that this is a very intelligent dog who would likely excell as an assistance dog for you. :)

by Jeff Oehlsen on 30 May 2011 - 21:05

Should have gotten rid of her in 09. Now you have held on to her and she will be even harder to place. 





 


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