So as most of my followers know, my husband and I adopted this dog. He is not very bright (The dog, not my husband). I understand he is a dog and dogs really are not that intelligent but my dog really takes the cake.
He is about 2 years old and he has been crate training since we got him back in October. Every month or so I give him a chance to not be locked in his crate for the night, and every month he blows it by chewing on something he normally would not, or by pooping and peeing on the carpet (we have a doggy door, he will not use it unless I am home and awake. When I am not watching he chooses to go wherever).
Well, I have a really busy week coming up at work where I have to work 12 hour shifts, and obviously I can not crate my dog for 12 hours. So I was going to put him into a boarding house for the week at one of the ranches on the island with a good reputation. I am getting snarky remarks from everyone that I tell this too, they are telling me I am a horrible dog owner and that I should just get rid of my dog instead of boarding him for the week so I can work. It's very uncommon for me to work long days like this, multiple days in a row and usually I have my husband home. But with him being deployed I obviously can not rely on him to let the dog out.
Then what really irritates me is that the people who are making these remarks follow with, "what are you going to do when your baby comes? Are you just going to lock it in a crate all day and send it off for weeks at a time because you have to work?". Um...no and my child is not a dog so I would prefer you didn't compare it to one.
Me sending my dog to "doggy day care" I believe is a better option then making him sit in his crate all day. And for me, it's better because I don't have to worry about coming home to a mess on the carpet all week long.
Am I really such a horrible person???
I don't think you are a horrible person. But how much will this boarding cost? Will it take away the money you make while boarding him? Also, from my experience growing up with dogs you could lock him up for 12 hours at a time occasionally and a few times for one week would be ok.
ReplyDeleteThe boarding is only $15 a day, so it's a little under an hours pay. But, I don't have a choice for working these long shifts, I either work them or lose my job.
DeleteAnyone telling you you're a bad person for putting your dog in daycare is - excuse my French - fucking retarded. That is the best and safest option for your dog during what is an unusually busy span of time for you. It's unfair to ask your dog to stay home for 12 hours at a time alone, especially if you aren't able to make it home during the day to let him out for feedings or potty breaks.
ReplyDeleteWe board our dogs all the time for lesser reasons. I boarded my oldest, Nixon, over the weekend of my housewarming party a few years ago because he was young and not super well-behaved and I didn't want him knocking over guests or running out of the house as people came and went. It was not for the sake of my convenience, but for the sake of his safety and comfort. And most dogs LOVE daycare, especially if it's a reputable place that takes them out of their runs for play time.
You're doing the right thing by boarding your dog. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
Thank you, I would like to think so but my friends and family got me to over thinking about it which made me feel bad. Plus, it's my husband's dog...the last thing I would do is get rid of his dog while he is on deployment. He would probably get upset about that!
DeleteI don't even get why people would render an opinion on the subject. It's like saying that every parent who utilizes child care services so they can be gainfully employed is a bad person. And this is a dog, not the greatest dog either it sounds like :), not a child. Apples and Oranges. Irrelevent! At least you are looking to have the animal properly cared for in your absence. Maybe don't tell ignorant people your plans and they won't make ignorant statements. No need to add to the stress of being pregnant and alone!!! You do what you need to do to take care of your personal business. You know what's best.
ReplyDeleteIt seems as though these days whenever I can not handle something people are quick to tell me to "man up" because a baby is on it's way. Okay people I get it! So I got a pizza because I was too lazy to cook, that doesn't make me a bad future parent! "Well, you better get used to cooking every night now because once you have a child you don't have a choice." So annoying!!
DeleteDoggy day care sounds like an awesome choice. I'm sure he would enjoy it. And besides those people who say you're treating him badly sound like the same people who would give in just because their kid is throwing a tantrum in a store. You've got this girlie! You are most definitely a stronger person than I consider myself and I'm sure you'll make the best choice possible for both of you.
ReplyDelete