Hello All. First post on here. I have a 'situation' looming which is beginning to draw closer and closer and I desperately need the forums' advice. Background first... Last March, my wife and children bought me Molly, a year old working cocker. The farm she had been bought for decided she was unsuitable for what they wanted and so put her up for re homing. I'd lost my previous cocker some 3 years ago and the time was right. My wife worked part time and I worked 5 minutes from home, so Molly got an hour walk in the morning, I came home at 12 for and hour, then my wife was in at 3. I got in and Molly got another hours exercise in the evening. Weekends was 2-3 hour walk both days. All going well and Molly, although TOTALLY crazy was a pleasure to own and became a much loved member of the family. Then at the start of this year, my wife passed away (aged 51) and I lost my job. My youngest daughter has been at home since, so Molly has been o.k. Problem now is, my daughter leaves for Uni in September. My new job is 20 miles away and I am out of the house from 6:30 a.m until 3:45. MY son tries to pop in, in the middle of the day but cannot always....
What can I do?? I REALLY REALLY do not want to lose her. I'm sure you can appreciate not only the sentimental value attached to her but also how these lovely dogs get a hold on you. I've thought about rehoming her again. but she is devoted to me and I would be devastated to do it, even though it appears to be the best thing for her.
Dog walkers would work out at £200 per month and I'm not sure I can afford that. Dog creches open too late for me to drop her off. Relatives live too far away and work anyway.
She has never fouled indoors and seems a very happy dog but 9 hours is a long time on her own, I know. Sorry this is such a long post but as you all appreciate this is a complicated issue... Help please!!