I've got a question....

Hi Everyone,
Some of you know that Peanut (My Toy Poodle) was with my sister for a few weeks before and after Hayley was born. He has been a complete monster since he has been home. All he wants to do is fight with his brothers now. He really enjoyed being the only dog at my sisters. Major Alpha Dog syndrome. It is driving me crazy. But I am used to dog craziness. I am thinking that the debarking will help me with this issue...his barking won't be so obnoxious.
My Grandmother who is 92 yrs young absolutely adores Peanut and thinks he would be happier in a one dog household and she wants to take him. She at least would like to try having him. I know how good it is for the eldery to have pets and Grandma has a caregiver that lives with her so I know Peanut will be taken out and walked etc..
My question is... I don't believe Grandma is long for this world. Do you think it would have a negative psychological effect on him? Of course I would take Peanut back after.... I think he would enjoy having some quiet time with Grandma and being the only dog even if it is only for a short amount of time. However, I am not sure this would be a good thing for him in the long run.
For those that don't know.. Peanut has seizures...usually aggravated by stress...like fighting with his brothers.
Now that you have all the facts... What do you think?
Respond to this topic here on forum.oes.org  
Hi,

Although it's obvious you dearly love Peanut, you always have your hands full with a new baby and some active dogs. I'm sure the barking doesn't help with a newborn in the house as well...You need your rest as well!

Here's my opinion...okay it may be a little stressful for Peanut to live with your grandma and then back to you...hopefully not for a while. The benefits to your Grandma ...you know from the stats that elderly people with animals live longer. Don't view it as negative but from a positive viewpoint...Peanut will enrich and bring joy to your Grandma. You will have some time to have some rest and little less stress in your household with your new baby. I have no doubt all of you will benefit...I think you may be experiencing a bit of guilt over this...do what's best for all involved. Hope that helped. :D

Marianne and the boys
Thank you for your opinion Marianne. I truly appreciate it.
You are right I am feeling some guilt over it. I would never give any of my animals away and I kinda feel like I am doing that...even though I will see him all the time. I think you are right. It would probably benefit both Grandma & Peanut. I could also use some quiet time around here.
At least when Harley & Pepsi wrestle and play there in no barking involved....well most of the time.
Elissa
I know how you must feel-- I feel horrible just leaving the dogs with my mom if I go on vacation! But it does sound like it would be a great situation for both Grandma and Peanut-- they like each other, Peanut could go back to flying solo, Grandma would have a great companion and you could still see him all the time.

Don't beat yourself up over it, you need time to relax and enjoy raising your daughter. You're not giving up on Peanut by giving him to your Grandma. You'll be enriching all of your lives for the better-- even if it doesn't seem that way now. Good luck!

Jill
For everyone's sake, let Peanut go live with Grannie. I don't see a down side. Peanut will be calmer, your other dogs will be calmer which in turn puts the baby in a somewhat safer situation. Stress can trigger bad things.

sheepieboss
Sounds like Peanut would get Grandma more active and would be better for her. It also sounds like an oportunity for Peanut to be happier.
I agree with everyone else...it really seems like a win/win situation. Your grandmother, Peanut and you will all benefit. I completely understand that you would feel a little guilty. I'm sure I would too. But, you'll know you're doing a good thing for everyone - especially Peanut & your grandmom!
I voted for Grandma. With my kids we had a sort of 'no quiet' policy
around the babies. We went about our normal routine even while the
baby was sleeping and in no time they get used to the noise and it
doesn't disturb them. Even with the barking the trucks shaking the house
and vacuuming it worked better for us in the long run. I steam cleaned
the carpet the other day while my son napped in the livingroom. So I
didn't vote for the noise reason, HOWEVER... the stress between the
dogs did sway my vote. In no time your little one will be cruising the
floors and no matter how diligent we are with out tots, grousing
between the dogs is a little risky. I think Grandma sounds spry and
may have even years of love to give your little Peanut. I think, like
the others said, you are doing Grandma and Peanut a favor by
letting him live with her. If he needs to come back to you later at least
he will be coming into familiar surroundings. I agree it is a win win
situation for both parties. It sounds like they would enjoy each other!
I guess it is a matter of just adjusting your perspective of why
Peanut is going to Grandma. Don't beat yourself up, you are doing it
for them.

Shellie
Hi Elissa,

I also voted for Peanut to go to your grandma. My dad's mom is getting older, my grandfather passed away sevral years ago, and her dogs are such a joy to her! They keep her active, they're her companions- they keep her from being lonely. Just think of the wonderful gift you are giving to her, by allowing her to have a constant companion who will love her and be with her unconditionally!!! Let us know how it goes!

Karen :)
I would give Peanut to your Grandma - I'm sure she will like the companionship. :D
I hit no and meant yes!!!! Sorry for the mix up!

-Lauren
Well it looks like everyone thinks it's a good idea.
Thanks everyone for your input.
Elissa
Please let us know how it goes Elissa! I know it must be such a hard thing to do.... but you need to do what works best for you, your family, peanut, and your grandma! :) Lots of factors to consider.....
You didn't mention how far away she lived...if you could always be around Peanut...in the event he is returned to you...his transition won't be difficult. Who know maybe the care giver will also fall in love with him, and take him.

Until that dreadful moment, he would be so good for your grandma and perk her spirits up everyday. She will be needed, and he will love her and she will have a new purpose in her day.
Daise,
Grandma lives 100 miles from me. The rest of my family is within 5 miles of her and always over there. I only go there about twice a month.
The caregiver wouldn't take him. Her job is to live at other peoples houses and take care of them. So that would be impossible. But I know they will both enjoy him while he is there. He is so good without the other dogs around. He hardly even barks..
Elissa
I would give him to your grandma. He'll be like therapy to her, and he'll enjoy being the only dog.

Are you planning on having him debarked?? I can see why people do it at times, and I know toy poodles can be yappy at times (my neighbors have one---very loud, too), but unless COMPLETELY necessary I wouldn't do it.
I was going to ask that too... if he goes to your grandma's will he still need to be debarked, or do you think with less stimuli he will bark less?
I vote for Grandma. Guilt, I've had my share recently having to give up 4 of my 5 OES. But, am finally getting a grip on it. If you're doing what is best for the dogs/s and yourself, what's there to feel quilty about? And, in your case, the little guy knows Grandma, you can still visit him and it sounds like you think he "would" be happier. That's the main thing.
As far as after Grandma is gone. What about her caretaker. Depending on how long she/he has been with or will be with her, they will have established a relationship with the little guy as well. He may adjust better going with them than coming back home. Perhaps you might think about it and discuss the possibility.
And, speaking of Grandma's. Call "Grannie" Annie. The folks on this forum sent me to her when I needed help. I'm sure she could advise you on getting him re-adjusted after Grandma leaves him.
Please, don't beat yourself up with guilt!!! Be thankful instead, that you have a gift of life to offer Grandma in her last years. One that she already loves. A best friend, a comforter and a 24 hour companion. What more could you, or either of them ask for. God bless and enjoy your peace of mind.
gaddymep9 & Stacey,
Peanut will most likely still need to be debarked. My Grandmother lives in a Senior Community, Condo Style. I am sure Peanut will bark every time he hears a door opening or closing. So we are going to give it a couple of weeks to see how it goes before doing it. He was supposed to be debarked this weekend, but my Niece who was going to be bringing Peanut along with a few of her dogs to have it done is 41 weeks pregnant and being induced on Friday.
mouthypf, Thank you for your comments and advice, I appreciate it :D

Elissa
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