Having an Issue with My Dog

We went through the same thing with our cats after our 2nd was born. The male started peeing on everything of the baby's (high-chair, bed, etc.), and the female was just not a good pet for a family. The best thing we did was get them out of our house (to a no-kill shelter). They were a constant source of stress for us with 2 young kids in the house. I truly believe they were as unhappy with the situation as we were, and now they are with families that can give them the attention and care they deserve. We have one less stress in our lives to worry about and a cleaner house.

Dear M.,
You are not horrible. You already have enough on your plate and you realize that you are not able to provide enough attention for the dog. So the best thing for both of you is to see that the dog has another home. Take the dog to the Humane Society and explain your dilemma. They will be able to help you.

Hi M.,

I had similar feelings to yours shortly after having our 2nd child. Anyone that knows me well would be shocked I said this b/c he has always been a big part of our lives. That said, the feeling passed..even though he's much more needy when he's not getting the proper amount of attention and can bug the heck out of me, I've learned to deal with it. I run before my kids wake up so I take him with me and try to give him one on one time when I can. Even if it's only a few minutes - I feel he deserves that - he loves me/us unconditionally and I think it would be selfish to dump him b/c my feelings were jumbled. Your feelings are what they are, but don't act on them yet - see if you can find a way to work around this instead of giving up - good luck~

N.

I feel that is totally normal and I feel that way many times as well; with having two kids a dog is an overwhelming responsibility that is very difficult to manage. I think it shows that you care about the dog wanting to find her a good home who can take care of her at this time. I am sure if you continue to look for a good family you can find one and that is the best thing to do for her! Good luck
T.

This is a really tough situation. If you don't want the dog, it's better off going to another family. You wouldn't want to be living that dogs life. So many times we forget that our animals have feelings and thoughts too. When you give the dog attention, does it stop whining? It sounds to me like the poor pooch is lonely and a bit starved for affection. I'd hate for you to give the dog away, then find that you really miss her, but that doesn't really sound like the case. What kind of dog is it? Is it a large dog? Maybe you could put an ad in the paper or something. Good Luck.

Hi M.,
I have had a dog for 7 yrs. My husband is an animal person and I am not. I have delt with this furry animal in my home and suffered terrible allergies for 7 yrs.
Now, with 2 kids, I have begged him that we find her another home. Dogs have short term memory and would soon be happy in a better home and I wouldn't be fighting with my husband cos he forgot to walk her in the AM, cos he leaves her outside and when leaves her for me to bring in - thus CLEANIN and MOP after her, cos he works late and wants to relax before walking her so she's whining for his attention and so on on on. I really don't care to have this dog here, she sheds and my carpet is always covered in dog hair.

I know it must sound snooty but that's how I feel, I want her gone but my husband considers her part of the family and loves her dearly so I have to deal with it - I got her for him when we were dating.
Anyway, so I know how you feel and totally relate but in my case, it isn't up to me. I think my 16 month old would also go looking for her if she didn't see her.
All in all, this is my life so I am not going to be mean to the dog I just really feel she would be happier in a family where people were more animal people and she'd get far more attention.
Amy

HI, I don't really have advice, just some input. I also have a very active dog that is now 4. She doesn't chew anything, 'go' in the house or anything, but she drives me and my husband crazy a lot of the times. She is very hyper and we also have 2 cats that she chases even though she's been with them since coming home. Our dog is a Aussie Shepherd, Border Collie mix. That means she is very active, friendly, and herds everything. I'm also pregnant, due in 6 weeks and there are times she really makes me nuts. I am home all day since I work out of the home, so that's different. Our dog loves to play and my husband does 'wrestle' with her and she loves to fetch. I am a total animal lover and even though she drives me nuts, I could never give her away. Our dog knows when daddy is almost home and is great with our 2 kids and even the cats. Honestly, I think that just giving the dog away is an easy way out of responsibility, but that's just me. I know I'm definitley more snesitive to what the dog does cause I'm preg., but she is after all, our dog and always will be, she's part of our family.

Honey, there is nothing wrong with getting rid of the dog. Some family is probably aching for a pet. I am one who does not like pets in the house, so we do not have any except one cat who stays outside. Lots of people think I'm mean, but it's your preference. You have a lot on your plate with your own family...it's not worth it. If you can't find someone to take the dog, donate them to the pet shelter. Then, enjoy your stressfree life!!