Get rid of Diez?

[KaseyCaye]

I was hoping for some advice from you guys/gals - I have my puppy, Diesel, who I got while I was still with my ex. Since we broke up I've had to move into a smaller apartment, get a second job, started school, etc etc... Point being that I am worried that I am now going to have to get rid of Diez because of the amount of money it costs to maintain him as well as the time commitment.

I don't want to have to give him up because I made a commitment to him when I got him, I promised to take care of him and give him the best life I could, and I hate to have to go back on that promise because of mistakes I made.

I'm having a very hard time with this decision because I am so attached to him (I haven't been away from him for more than a day since he was 8 weeks old) and finding him a home that I deem appropriate is difficult as well. Sorry to ramble but my point for posting is to ask for advice, maybe some of you have been in a similar situation in the past? Any good way for me to make such a choice?

Thank you!

[Dekka]

Well what sort of costs? Can you minimize any of them? As a full time university student, who has a job, who is married, has a kid, 10 dogs and 6 horses who manages time I can a say it is possible. (hubby doesn't do much with the animals.. they are mostly my responsibility)

[KaseyCaye]

Costs are mostly the extra fee to have him in the apartment ($25 a month) plus food, I feed him natural balance and he is eating more than a bag a month (a bag is $50), so that's already edging dangerously close to $100 a month, plus all the little incidentals you don't consider each month - meaning bones, treats, toys etc. I'm also paranoid by the fear that he will get sick - less than a month ago he got a hold of my inhaler while I was in the shower and it took $750 and two days at the vet to get him well again - and that I won't be able to pay to make him well. It's just a scary thing, especially now that I'm choosing between food for him and things for myself.

[Dekka]

The extra appt fee sucks, but you could try talking to the landlord and see if there is any flex room. And can you try a cheaper but still decent food like Kirkland? Also if this is just a short term (few month blip and you expect it to get better) some rescues have programs to help you get cheap food to tide you over.

[KaseyCaye]

I've been looking into a cheaper food - where do they sell kirkland? The app fee won't be going anywhere I'm afraid, it's an apartment complex and they are very by-the-book people. I'm more worried than anything about him spending so much time alone because of my jobs and school etc.

[corgipower]

Originally Posted by KaseyCaye

Costs are mostly the extra fee to have him in the apartment ($25 a month) plus food, I feed him natural balance and he is eating more than a bag a month (a bag is $50), so that's already edging dangerously close to $100 a month, plus all the little incidentals you don't consider each month - meaning bones, treats, toys etc. I'm also paranoid by the fear that he will get sick - less than a month ago he got a hold of my inhaler while I was in the shower and it took $750 and two days at the vet to get him well again - and that I won't be able to pay to make him well. It's just a scary thing, especially now that I'm choosing between food for him and things for myself.

While I'm not big on feeding lower quality foods, when money's tight it's sometimes better to feed a slightly cheaper food -- too poor quality and it'll cost in other ways ~ dog not doing well on it, illness, or just because he needs to eat more to maintain weight ~ but some dogs do just fine on dog chow. He can live without bones treats and toys, or fewer if he gets bored easily. I have 3 toys for my dogs and I've had the same ones for more than 5 years. They're still in great shape. I don't give bones or treats -- if I'm training I reward with toys, praise and life rewards and use food rewards only occasionally.

You can be extra diligent about keeping things that would be dangerous out of reach when he's not supervised to minimize risks of him getting sick/injured. Also look into care credit or insurance -- insurance would cost some money monthly, but with the right plan can help out a lot in an emergency. Also if you have a good relationship with the vet, some will work out payment options in an emergency.

Also, in order for me to be able to provide for my dogs, I go without for myself. I eat a lot of peanut butter and chicken quarters.

[smkie]

I feed Nutromax. My dogs have done very well on it. IT is about 50 for a large bag and a large bag feeds my pointer and my terrier mix both a month. I couldn't afford to feed a hundred dollars worth a month either. TOys can be made cheap, good quality leash and collar last a long time. THat leaves vet care. We have a clinic here with the humane society that is not for profit. Have you looked into your city to see if they have one? THat really helps us. IF it is something that can't be handled there the backup vet has a reduced charge for low income. It's worth asking around. THe spending time alone would be a big deciding factor for me. IS there anyone who could watch him when you have to be gone? A senior citizen that might like some companionship during your work hours?

[JennSLK]

Kirkland is cosco.

[SmexyPibble]

You can find a way, never give up. There are a lot of commited people in hard situations that find ways to keep their dogs happy and healthy. Good luck!

We used to feed Kirkland. It's at Costco.

[ACooper]

Sometimes "finding a way" and "never giving up" are not what's in the best interest of the dog.

I am definitely not trying to upset the flow of the thread, there are some good ideas here that might help you, but the time away from home issue (work and school) is going to be a hard one to solve if you don't have friends/family willing to help.

Finding a another home for him is not easy for more than one reason, I know. You love him, he loves you. You can never be SURE about a potential home and that will worry the pooh out of you.

You have to really sit down, weigh out the good and bad. Make tough choices about what is best for him, not just best for you.

How old is Diesel?
How long will you be a student?
Is this something that's only going to be a year or two so you might be able to hang tough and juggle everything to keep him?
How much time do you get to spend with him?
Is he locked in a crate for hours and hours because you are working/schooling?
When you DO get to spend time with him, are you making it count? I mean making sure he's getting exercise and quality time with you, training, experiencing life outside the apartment besides just going potty real quick.

This may not be a popular post, but those are really some things you need to ask yourself.