Posted: Tue Mar 09, 2010 8:08 pm Post subject: Must I give up on my lab?
My ankle is broken in three places, after tripping over my dog, and I have been told I cannot put any weight on it for 8 weeks. I live alone with Rufus who is 10 months old, big and boisterous. Since the accident he has been in boarding kennels as I can't risk letting him knock me over.
I am at a loss as to what to do next. My options are to leave him in kennels for 2-3 months or rehome him. This is a heartbreaking decision but I want what's best for him. I can't bear the idea of him being in kennels for weeks on end and I think he will probably forget me. But that may be the best choice for him.
Help. Anyone faced a similar dilemma?
Have you approached his breeder, as maybe they could help you out until you recover?
Believe me he WON'T forget you in that space of time. Dogs have been known to remember people after not seeing them for years, so please don't worry about that one.
Linda - so sorry to hear about your ankle. Have you contacted Rufus's breeder to see if they would look after him for you until you can have him back at home?
I`m sorry to hear about your broken ankle, are you able to visit Rufus at all while he`s in kennels?, if not someone who can do it for you.
He won`t forget you believe me, my pair were in kennels for 9 months after I had my fire, yes I was able to go and see them but at times I left a good length of time between visits and they still knew who I was.
Another thought is, can someone foster him for you until your up and about again, or maybe come in and walk him once/twice a day so he can be at home.
I would suggest a dog walker a couple of times a day. Keep Rufus in a crate perhaps, or in a restricted area in the house? It is amazing how they settle once they have had a good romp. Get some good brain exercise toys - Kongs and the like.
I do feel for you. I broke my collarbone 2 years ago and was so lucky to have my parents to help out with walking pud for the first few weeks - after that i could tie his lead around my waist
Is there anybody who can help you out with walking him? Once your ankle has started to heal and is less painful you might feel more confident about having him around the house. If you do have to leave him in kennels it really isnt the end of the world - a few months out of his whole life. Like others have said he will remember you - I used to walk with a friend and her border collie and Pud stayed with them for a week about 3 years ago. She split with her partner 2 years ago and left the dog with him, we bump into him very occasionaly at the beach and Pud always remembers both the dog and her partner x
Sorry to hear about your ankle. I'm sure you've thought of this already but are there any family or friends who could take Rufus for a few weeks til your ankle has healed? Or do you have a local dog walker who he could maybe board with or stay with for some time during the day? I would hate to put Dozer in kennels (he is the same age) but know if it were a choice between that and giving him up then I would choose kennels. It's only a short term measure and I'm sure he won't forget you. I hope you're able to work something out.
Sorry to hear you are suffering, just a thought, is Rufus insured and is there anything in his policy which would cover an injury caused by him?
I know some policies have cover for kenneling or hospitalisation, it may be worth looking into as it would help to cover costs which would be one less worry for you.
Hope you get something sorted and you're back on your feet soon x
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