How much energy does it take to let your dog snuggle on the couch next to you? Or be in the yard with you when you play with your kids? Or hang out with you? If you don't have time to properly exercise it, hire someone or find a doggie playgroup. Giving up a lovely 7 yo dog is cruel. So if you are not a cruel person, get it together and do the right thing.

Most rescues and breeders require that you return the dog to them. We had to recently give up our dog when we found out our kid was allergic (we'd had dogs before and he wasn't allergic to those...go figure). But the rescue group placed the dog with a lovely family where the mom stays at home (we both work outside the home). Win win for all.

So OP, while you probably feel terrible about this, if you have your reasons for believing the dog truly is better off elsewhere, do it.

Have a heart and keep the dog unless you can place him directly with a new family (with the promise that you'll take him back if it doesn't work out). And please for the love of God never adopt another animal.

Op, you've over scheduled your kids way, way too much if they can't find the time to play and snuggle with their dog. Look, activities and schooling is.important for kids, but I've seen first hand what happens when you don't also let kids be kids

OP - How big is the dog? My family with kid who would love to snuggle with the dog is looking for a dog right now. If size isn't too big, I would be glad to adopt the dog from you if you live in the DC area.

Anonymous wrote:Give OP a break! Our family just adopted an older dog who we absolutely adore. Our dog is the center of our family and comes to work with me . . . she has a great dog life now. There is no reason why OP can't give her to a family like ours. Maybe spread the word on your neighborhood listserve?

Sure, it worked out great for you/your dog. I'm happy for you. Its not always what happens though, and I really don't think the OP is being honest about why she 'needs' to find a new home for the dog after 7 years. If she is not honest about it, chances are the dog will just end up passed around to a bunch of unprepared people who then pass the problem along in a similar manner. Read every craigslist ad in the pet section, OP might as well have copy-pasted it. Don't try to sugar coat it. It is what it is.

Give OP a break! Our family just adopted an older dog who we absolutely adore. Our dog is the center of our family and comes to work with me . . . she has a great dog life now. There is no reason why OP can't give her to a family like ours. Maybe spread the word on your neighborhood listserve?

Thinking about ideal option is rarely an option. Dog is seven years old, it will be hard to find a new home. And the stress that it will put on this dog? Nobody can predict it. Realistically, your dog is in the best option right now, even without long walks. Your home is his home. Unless you know people who will take your dog, all other options are way worse than staying with your family. I am wondering if there is more to this, nobody gets rid of a dog what this reason. Might be hyper active dog.

I get it. With three children, I feel guilty about how little attention our dog gets too. Luckily our almost 5 year old is now playing with the dog.

I don't get this either.

Your dog is 7years old and you don't have time to snuggle?

I would see where you were coming from if this were a young dog. We have a mini goldendoodle who is 18 months old. Although he's good with kids, he requires a lot of attention and energy. He would need constant supervision around a 1 yr old and 4 yr old. Even around older kids, we need to monitor closely that he doesn't get too excited (which can lead to nipping).

Anyway, we waited till our kids were older to get a dog for this very reason.

You're a piece of work, OP. You can't snuggle your dog while you're sitting down to watch tv? Your DH can't? Are you for real right now? You should never, ever own a dog again. You don't deserve a dog, or their genuine, unconditional love.

And the rest of you, spare me the comments about shaming OP. What she wrote is a crock of s#!t. Excuses are like you-know-what. Everyone has one.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you are willing to keep the dog and cover all expenses until it's rehomed, most rescue groups will do the petfinder marketing for you.

Contact a local all breed rescue, doodle rescue, or golden retriever rescue and ask them about the set up. I'd also suggest making a donation to the rescue to thank them for screening potential applicants for you.

+1

To PPs saying "how do you not have time for the dog?" - I understand (and I also don't see what the huge challenge is), but if OP is saying that they don't, it's better for the dog to be in a home with a family that does have time for it. Shaming OP is not going to make them find time for their dog.

If the family feels they can't care for their dog adequately - for whatever reason - the best thing for the dog is to be responsibly re-homed.

+1. Think best possible outcome, the dog goes to a single dude who works from home and takes it to the dog park constantly. Or it goes to a lady with a dog (and the dog gets along) and has company and she takes them in her car everywhere. If OP is being realistic about the time she can spend, there are options for the dog to have more attention and a better situation. The OP just has to responsibly rehome it, and not get another pet.

^^oh and we have a rescue dog. I am sure it broke the owner's heart to give him up and I am not judging the reasons. He came with lots of toys and was well-loved and is probably missed. But dog is fine and is very very very happy.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you are willing to keep the dog and cover all expenses until it's rehomed, most rescue groups will do the petfinder marketing for you.

Contact a local all breed rescue, doodle rescue, or golden retriever rescue and ask them about the set up. I'd also suggest making a donation to the rescue to thank them for screening potential applicants for you.

+1

To PPs saying "how do you not have time for the dog?" - I understand (and I also don't see what the huge challenge is), but if OP is saying that they don't, it's better for the dog to be in a home with a family that does have time for it. Shaming OP is not going to make them find time for their dog.

If the family feels they can't care for their dog adequately - for whatever reason - the best thing for the dog is to be responsibly re-homed.

+1. Think best possible outcome, the dog goes to a single dude who works from home and takes it to the dog park constantly. Or it goes to a lady with a dog (and the dog gets along) and has company and she takes them in her car everywhere. If OP is being realistic about the time she can spend, there are options for the dog to have more attention and a better situation. The OP just has to responsibly rehome it, and not get another pet.

Rescues have denied dogs to people with children for this reason. I am sorry OP but you make others who would be more responsible look bad- without a better reason like aggression, I just think this is something you all should figure out. Maybe you have friends or family who would love a companion that just wants to snuggle?

Wow my heart just broke for this poor dog. Thanks op