Rehoming Our Doggles

[Nat]

I dont know why I am posting this, but i thought maybe typing it out would put in in perspective for me.

Have had both our doggles since pups. They are now 3 years old. When I worked, I used to walk them before I left the house, then come home at lunchtime, then take them out again when I got home. Plus long weekend walks, etc etc etc. The longest they were ever left alone was maybe 4 hours.

I was signed off sick in Feb this year, before mat leave, and then since May have been on Mat Leave at home all day, walking them, playing with them, and I have done my best with the doggles. They are happy, healthy, and love Lulah to bits. Its great.

Except... when I go back to work in Jan (after 12 mnths at home) the doggles will be left ALL DAY. I cant come home at lunchtime, as I need to work thru so that I can leave early to get Lulah, so I actually get to give my daughter her dinner etc , as I feel that is the least I can do, with her being in fulltime childcare ! I looked into dog walkers etc, but we cant afford it I cant possibly leave the doggles in the house for 10 hours a day. Thats just criminal imo.

From their p.o.v its mean, unfair, lonely, unstimulating, etc etc etc

From my p.o.v it would be a nightmare coming in everyday knowing they will have made a mess in the house, which wouldnt be their fauilt AT ALL. And I know that the bark & howl if they are left too long alone I know one particular neighbour already has an issue with my "apparently" noisy dogs But god, I cant see it being any fun for any of us.

I cant stay at home, finances dictate otherwise.
I cant leave them at home all day, its not fair.
I cant get a dog walker, we cant afford it
I dont have anyone who can take them out for free, or check on them, play with them etc

DH & I feel they are not living life to the full. That we arent doing our best for them. That they need / deserve a better lifestyle. We have been down EVERY avenue, and came to the conslusion that rehoming would be best. I spoke to Battersea, and Dogs trust, and they agreed with us. They said it was unfair, and cruel to leave the dogs alone for that length of time, and that rehoming would be best.

Well, ok, that was hard enough to deal with.
I feel guilt, sadness, overwhelming grief. We went on the Battersea waiting list 3 weeks ago...And I am just about cming to terms with it. Then Battersea phone today and we can take them in tomorrow.

I feel fecking awful. I cant stop crying, I dont want to rehome them. I dont want to. I want to keep them. Even though I know its not whats best for them. I dont want to give them away, not when I know them, watched them grow, played with them nursed them when they were ill, taught them how to play catch, sit , stay, leave, heel etc etc etc. They are my babies, and I love them so much this is breaking my heart.

So many people have told me I am doing the right thing , the doggles need more than we can give. But I feel like shit. So guilty, that if I could have seen the future, I wouldnt have got them, not because I regret having them, but because I regret the fact that now I have to upheave them and rehome them. I feel so ashamed. I really do. I wish I could stay at home and be with them, but I cant

Sorry for the huge rant, please dont throw buns at me about how irresponsible i was to get dogs if I wasnt intending on keeping them. I wish to god I could. I really am in peices.

Thanks for listening.

[*Fallen Angel*]

I'm so sorry it's come to this Nat. You and your DH are very caring people

[icclebunny]

aww hun We keep in touch with our girly doggles previous owners - maybe Battersea will could ask the doggles new owners for pics to be sent to them etc so you at least get a glimpse of them every so often so you know theyre doing ok

[Pancake01]

Sorry, I know nothing about dogs, but it sounds an awful situation for you to be in. As you say, deep down you know that you are doing the best thing for them, but it hurts you so much. Big to you. I'm not surprised you are crying.

[Julesb]

Don't feel ashamed sweetheart, you are putting the dogs interests first and although it will heartbreaking to see them go you know that it is for the best.

Sending you a huge hug.xxx

[August Girl]

Big hugs to you, you are doing a very brave and noble thing.

[Nat]

Thank you everyone. I know that compared to what other people on the boards as going through, that this may seem trivial, but to me its awful. I know no one has died, I know i am lucky & thankful for my friends, my family, my health, etc, just feel so heartbroken I cant explain.. Thanks for all your kind words xxxx

[Miss P]

Having had a dog all the while I was growing up I can so understand why you're so upset

But you are doing the very best thing for them and as icclebunny said maybe Battersea can ask the new owners to keep in touch with you so you can see your doggles grow up and be happy in their new home.

Sending you big hugs

[Skerry Berry]

to you. I would be devastated if I had to give up my boy, even if I did know it was for the best. It must feel like you are losing part of your family. But you know that you are doing the right thing by them - I think Icclebunnies idea is really good. At least you will then know how they are doing, and maybe even see them from time to time.

[Nat]

Sorry, meant to acknowledge what IB said am all over the place.

I think Battersea will only confirm that the doggles are successfully rehomed. They dont encourage contact between owners (previous & current) but will speak to them tomorro and ask. I would love to know they are happy and settled when the get rehomed.