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Looking after sisters Labrador advice.


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Old 14-11-2015, 14:20
roverboy1965
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I'm looking after my sisters 10yr old black Labrador on a sort of week on week off basis as she (my sister) is not well at the moment and so I have her (the dog) when work allows which is usually every other week.

I have myself a springer spaniel and four cats and they all rub along happily together when the Lab is here.

It's just the last couple of times I've had Suzi (the Lab) she has been super clingy, wherever I go she's behind me, if I'm in the bathroom, she's outside the door whistling and won't eat unless I stand and watch her, and when I sit on the sofa she's laying at my feet or sitting there gazing at me, she really has become Velcro dog .

When I take her home, she won't get out the car willingly and when I go sister says she sits at the door whining for ages. In a way, it's lovely to have a devoted dog, but she's not mine.

She's always liked me and is an absolute sweetie but my OH says she's getting to attached to me, and is regarding us as home now as she gets more attention, regular walks etc and maybe we should ease off having her to stay.

Should I ease off her staying as its not her home and we haven't a vacancy anyway. My sis has said I can keep her if I want but that's another story, and not an option unfortunately but having her gives sis a break and Suzy gets the exercise and attention she needs.
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Old 14-11-2015, 23:23
mrsgrumpy49
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I'm not sure that easing off would help now that Suzi has bonded with your family. It would just make matters worse all round if you cut back. Tough situation.
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Old 15-11-2015, 11:15
Nicola32
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I'm looking after my sisters 10yr old black Labrador on a sort of week on week off basis as she (my sister) is not well at the moment and so I have her (the dog) when work allows which is usually every other week.

I have myself a springer spaniel and four cats and they all rub along happily together when the Lab is here.

It's just the last couple of times I've had Suzi (the Lab) she has been super clingy, wherever I go she's behind me, if I'm in the bathroom, she's outside the door whistling and won't eat unless I stand and watch her, and when I sit on the sofa she's laying at my feet or sitting there gazing at me, she really has become Velcro dog .

When I take her home, she won't get out the car willingly and when I go sister says she sits at the door whining for ages. In a way, it's lovely to have a devoted dog, but she's not mine.

She's always liked me and is an absolute sweetie but my OH says she's getting to attached to me, and is regarding us as home now as she gets more attention, regular walks etc and maybe we should ease off having her to stay.

Should I ease off her staying as its not her home and we haven't a vacancy anyway. My sis has said I can keep her if I want but that's another story, and not an option unfortunately but having her gives sis a break and Suzy gets the exercise and attention she needs.


If you don't mind me asking, why is keeping her not an option? I mean, from what you say you have her 2 weeks out of 4. You also say she gets on well with your cats and your other dog so I'm just wondering why you are unable to keep her.

IMO, if your sister has told you you can keep her she obviously doesn't really want her anymore. I don't want to sound harsh as I know your sister is unwell...but if Suzy is not getting the walks and the attention she needs (and deserves) she should be rehomed with people who will be able to give her what she needs. It would be nice if it was with you as she knows you and has bonded with you.



ETA...Just realised that Suzy is 10yrs old. I wouldn't normally advocate rehoming a dog of that age with strangers as it is upsetting and confusing for the dog.

The fact she doesn't get any walks or attention is not good for her though.
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Old 15-11-2015, 19:16
frisky python
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The dog is telling you she is not happy at your sisters house, due to lack of attention from your sister - her needs are not being met. Assuming your sister still wants the dog, and her wish to give her up is due to the fact she recognises she can't give the dog what she needs, would she consider hiring a dog walker so she gets some interaction outside the home? Cinnamon Trust are also worth considering - these are volunteers who will walk the dogs of those unable to due to illness (however I'm unsure of your sister will qualify?). http://www.cinnamon.org.uk

If you are not able to rheum the dog with you (and no other friends/family are able to), then the dog will continue being unhappy because she's just not getting what she needs (i.e. walks and social interaction).
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Old 15-11-2015, 21:43
roverboy1965
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The reason I can't keep her are these, our house isn't really big enough for two big dogs plus the other animals we already have, hence, no vacancy.

I am on quite low wages so we don't have much spare cash. The 3yr old springer is insured (£168 a year) but the lab is uninsurable now and my OH (the voice of reason) has pointed out we could take her on and weeks/months down the line have hundreds of pounds of vet bills we can't afford as she is 10yrs into her 12 to 14yr lifespan and it now her health will start to fail

I've given her a look over and her hips feel ok but I'm no expert and her eyes are looking a bit cloudy and her "eye-to-mouth" when catching is terrible so I suspect her eyesight is failing already.

This is my conundrum, the heart says take her, but the head says no, as the house is to small and she will most likely cost us a fortune we haven't got. Oh, and she's not neutered, and OH says she don't want to go through having a dog having seasons again and the health problems it causes older dogs.

Sis doesn't ill treat her, she's well fed, gets attention, but, they can't walk her, just let her into their small garden, whereas with us she's walked over fields, round country parks, car boot sales and it's not they don't want her, just see her quality of life is better with us.
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Old 15-11-2015, 22:12
CBFreak
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Have you considered taking a monetary amount each week/month for her from your sister?
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Old 16-11-2015, 17:59
frisky python
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The reason I can't keep her are these, our house isn't really big enough for two big dogs plus the other animals we already have, hence, no vacancy.

I am on quite low wages so we don't have much spare cash. The 3yr old springer is insured (£168 a year) but the lab is uninsurable now and my OH (the voice of reason) has pointed out we could take her on and weeks/months down the line have hundreds of pounds of vet bills we can't afford as she is 10yrs into her 12 to 14yr lifespan and it now her health will start to fail

I've given her a look over and her hips feel ok but I'm no expert and her eyes are looking a bit cloudy and her "eye-to-mouth" when catching is terrible so I suspect her eyesight is failing already.

This is my conundrum, the heart says take her, but the head says no, as the house is to small and she will most likely cost us a fortune we haven't got. Oh, and she's not neutered, and OH says she don't want to go through having a dog having seasons again and the health problems it causes older dogs.

Sis doesn't ill treat her, she's well fed, gets attention, but, they can't walk her, just let her into their small garden, whereas with us she's walked over fields, round country parks, car boot sales and it's not they don't want her, just see her quality of life is better with us.
Is the other person in the "they" part of that post also unable to walk her?

I would still suggest a dog walker, the dog will get the exercise and interaction she needs as that sounds like the main bit that's missing to be honest.
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Old 16-11-2015, 20:28
CollieWobbles
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I'd agree with those suggesting a dog walker as keeping her yourself doesn't sound a viable option. Taking on a dog going into its twilight years if you don't have much money is probably not a wise move as more vet visits are almost a certainly, unless your very lucky, and insurance is not an option for a 10 yr old dog, unless you find a specialist one which will no doubt charge a hefty sum. I would suggest your sister gets a dog walker, and just keep walking her yourself when you can as the dog obviously like being around you.
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