dog returning to breeder

[JeanetteDanielsBenziger]

I just had to make the most heartbreaking phone call and ask the breeder to take my dog back.

I have been unable to walk properly since the beginning of may and the doctors told me yesterday that they can't say when or even if I'll be better. My DH can do one walk with him each day and a big walk at the weekend but it just isn't enough for him, his muscle tone is lessening i think as after his big run on Sunday he was all stiff on Monday and Tuesday. (This is a dog who would usually be raring to go again after five minutes rest)


The breeder was most understanding on the phone and says we can visit him often.

I just keep thinking what if I get better in a few weeks and I've given up my boy? How in the world am I going to tell the children? They are going to be heartbroken.

I was thinking of maybe saying that he is just going for a holiday, will that make it easier? They are 3 and almost 5.

[Namechangearoonie123]

Is there no chance you can hire a dog walker?

It's only about a fiver a day and you won't lose your dog who I assume keeps you company all day

If you're trapped at home you need your dog

[Floralnomad]

If you can't walk in a long term sense could you not look at getting a mobility scooter and then you would both get out .

[JeanetteDanielsBenziger]

That's what I was doing at first, between that and the childminders to take DC to school its all but wiped out the savings we did have.
It costs £10 a time here :-(
I will still have my old girl for company , who as a 10 year old German shepherd, one walk per day suits her just fine.
But my boy is only just nearly two and needs more than I can give him, which is basically just out in the garden and cuddles on the sofa.

[haggisaggis]

What kind of dog is it? Do you have a garden? Assuming your dh walks him once per day would you be able to stand and throw a ball for him to retrieve for a while. Could even throw from a chair I would think assuming he has a reasonable retrieve!)

[LonnyVonnyWilsonFrickett]

I'm not a dog owner (thread is on active convos) so forgive me butting in. The reason I'm not a dog owner is we can't give a dog the life it deserves, and sadly, it sounds like you are in the same position at the moment, for your young dog at least. Fwiw, I think you're doing exactly the right thing though it is. I hope your health improves soon.

[JeanetteDanielsBenziger]

A mobility scooter is not something I've thought about TBH.

Can they go through woodland? Off road scooters, is that a thing? I'm in the back of beyond. Will google that.

[JeanetteDanielsBenziger]

Haggis, he's an Irish setter, I wish just running around the garden would be enough for him.
But he's used to off-lead running 3 or 4 times a day.

[JeanetteDanielsBenziger]

Thank you Lonny.
The thing is, I have always had a dog since I was a child and can't imagine not having one after my old girl goes. :-(
But I am just going to have to resign myself to it.

[Floralnomad]

There's an old chap near me who goes through the woods etc on his scooter with 2 JRT types ,so might be worth a thought , added to which it would improve your quality of life irrespective of the dog aspect .

[JeanetteDanielsBenziger]

Yes floral, I've been thinking I will need one to get the children to school if DH can't change his hours, currently he starts at 6am.
But wow, even the reconditioned ones are expensive.
I could maybe take a loan out or something.

[JeanetteDanielsBenziger]

I tried to tie him to one of my crutches once, it did not end well.

[Floralnomad]

Have a look at Factory Outlet Scooters ,they have a nice variety at reasonable prices .

[JeanetteDanielsBenziger]

That's the one I'm looking at floral, all between one and two thousand for the type I would need.
I just don't know how feasable/sensible getting a loan would be. My statutory sick pay will run out soon I think (if they don't sack me first) DH salary basically just covers the bills.
I will contact mobility Scotland, see if they can give any advice.

[MsRyanGosling]

I don't know your circumstances but if you have mobility problems that result in you not being able to walk you may be entitled to PIP (previously DLA) and if you get awarded Enhanced Rate Mobility, you could get perhaps get a Motability scooter?

www.motability.co.uk/scooters-and-powered-wheelchairs/

Not dependent on savings, work, NI Contributions or income.

[JeanetteDanielsBenziger]

I can walk after a fashion (think incredibly slow pregnancy waddle) which is an improvement as I couldn't even get around the house at first.
I have been using crutches for short distances but the pain is unbearable.
I meant to ask at the doctors yesterday if/when my SSP stops if I would be entitled to anything but I couldn't bring myself to ask, I don't know why. I felt...I don't know how I felt really.

I wish I had learnt to drive, I don't know of driving would cause pain but if I was able I could just drive to the woods and let him out.

[tabulahrasa]

It's not whether you can walk or not, but, if you have a mobility issue (for the mobility component) that affects day to day life, the other part of PIP is based on personal care...if you also need any help with that you may be eligible for both components.

Normally after SSP you'd be looking at claiming ESA - but that's a bit complicated and may depend on your DH's income.

They're definitely worth looking into.

[JeanetteDanielsBenziger]

Thank you, I will look into that.
The breeder did say that if my circumstances changed then I can bring him home to us no problem.

[Carpaccio]

How about the Cinnamon Trust? Maybe they can help you with finding someone who can walk the dog for you...

Hope you get better soon!

[Owllady]

Are you claiming dla? Have you received any disability benefits advice? (They won't tell you, you know!)
You can apply to council for grants etc for equipment, scooters etc. Have you even seen occupational health?

[JeanetteDanielsBenziger]

None of that owllady, just getting SSP from work.
I think I might qualify for pip, just looked into it.
Will definitely look into council grants.

[JeanetteDanielsBenziger]

Just looked at the cinnamon trust carpaccio.........I'm only 34 :) but feel 98!

[Owllady]

There are bound to be other things you can access
Where do you live?

[Blackpuddingbertha]

Have you looked at Borrow my Doggy as well?

[JeanetteDanielsBenziger]

In the highlands of Scotland.