What would you do about the dog situation

Hi All,

2.5 years ago I was ambushed by my SAH bringing a rescue dog home for adoption. He looked at the dog online, thought it was cute and said it could replace our dog who had died of diabetes/addison disease/old age complications. I agreed it was a dog we should consider but I mentioned I wanted to take some time to find the perfect dog. I said that we would consider the dog along with many other dogs and try to find the best fit. I When the dog was dropped off I literally did not have an out. The kids were going to cry. It wasn’t fair to the dog and on and on. In the beginning, I knew that this was not the right dog and plead the case passionately. The SAH took this on meaning that “he was a piece of shit”, etc. etc…. Basically, he made it about himself. I felt guilty and didn’t want to make a big scene so I relented. The kids were relieved. The SAH was off the hook and now had a good, jolly story to tell about how he convinced me to get the dog and now how much I love the dog.

It was agreed that the SAH and boys would be the ones cleaning up the dog messes and putting belly bands on the dog. Well what I thought would happen happened: I clean up the dog urine EVERY SINGLE DAY. The dog has ruined thousands of dollars worth of stuff. The boys intermittently put on the belly bands but it usually takes 5 reminders (as many mundane tasks with kids do).

I talked to the vet with the SA present and gave her the heartfelt, tear-stained confession that I just don’t know if I can handle this dog much longer. She actually said, “I don’t know if I could handle it, dogs that have been abused are never right and the urine in the house would be a deal breaker”. I’m thinking of calling pug rescue back and seeing if anyone else would like to adopt the dog. He needs an older person who wants someone to sit by them all day and can put a diaper on the dog. He does not need a mom who is frantically multi-tasking while her workaholic/sexaholic mate is gone all the time.

See the article for more info. Tell me what you think and be honest even if its harsh. I don’t know what to do.

The article says this:
While I knew there was no reasoning with the most rabid commenters, some of the others were voicing disgust over the fact that I’d wanted to get rid of my dog in the first place.

“Shame on you. Dogs shouldn’t just be cast away when it’s too much for you. They are part of the family,” one wrote.

Really? I asked myself. Is it so bad that I’m choosing my well-being, and my children’s, over a dog’s?

I’m not sending the dog to the kill shelter. I’m taking the time to find a good home for her. A home that will be much better than the one she’s living in now. Isn’t that what responsible pet owners are supposed to do?

The fact is, I’m admitting that I’m human.