I just wanna vent away..

**mum_inlove** · 17-12-2007 22:11

How do I start..hmm

We have a dog, a siberian husky who's an outside dog. I feel sorry for him because I kinda feel that we neglect him. I don't really play with him (ds does every day), we don't walk him (I used to until we have children, too hard with a pram and a leash).

So anyway, it looks like we have to look for another rental place. I've been looking for one but couldn't find one that's within our price range and will allowed pet. I said to dh that maybe we should sell Yoda. Dh flatly refused and said that I was mean. Anyway he was talking on the phone to his mum and mention about it to her. She said that I should look after him then, dh said 'exactly'.

Now, I'm angry and hurt. I mean, yes I don't really bond with Yoda, I've been telling dh we should sell him, but I've been looking after him. If it's not for me, he'll stay outside on the rain because dh's too lazy to get out of bed to put him into the garage.If it's not for me, he probably would have an empty drink bowl, would only be fed twice a week. Everytime I ask dh to do all of those task he always said 'I'll do it tomorrow morning', yet 'tomorrow' comes and he forgets as always and I always the one who do it, and I don't look after him? Just because I'm at home every day, doesn't mean I have to look after him by myself. He's the one who doesn't want to sell him.

I want to sell him because I think he deserves better owner. He deserves someone who will play with him, walk him, straight away fill his bowl with food and water and don't wait until tomorrow. I mean I don't look after him very good, but I look after him better than dh.

Anyway, am I being silly?

**punkbaby** · 17-12-2007 22:15

If he doesnt want to sell him then he should play with the dog more! Sorry thats JMO, you have two young kids to care for a house to keep etc doesnt leave much time in the day!
Only other suggestion is go out the back and throw a ball around for an hour a day, its good excersize for you and Yoda, even split it up to half hour plays morning and night when kids are sleeping! Just a thought. or see if a neighbour can walk him?
I would be sitting your dh down though and telling him he needs to do more if he wants to keep him

**LilShenanigans** · 17-12-2007 22:19

My only other suggestion would be to spend your days entirely devoted to your children and dog, then when you husband comes home you can explain that it was your choice whether to clean the house or take care of the dog. and "You thought the dog would be more fun to play with"

**punkbaby** · 17-12-2007 22:23

Originally Posted by LilShenanigans

My only other suggestion would be to spend your days entirely devoted to your children and dog, then when you husband comes home you can explain that it was your choice whether to clean the house or take care of the dog. and "You thought the dog would be more fun to play with"

Ohh thats a good one!! Mind you i tried that and it didnt work lol

**mum_inlove** · 17-12-2007 22:27

Exactly, I've been telling him we should do a family walk, he can hold the leash and I'll push the pram. He said yep, good idea. That was like 5 months ago, and not even one walk.

And yep, he expect the kids to be happy when he goes home, the house is tidy, and he'll have all these wonderful ideas of things to do with Yoda. But like you said, once I finished all the things I need to do and the kids are in bed, all I want to do is to have some me time, just sit back on the couch for a little bit.

I do play and give him cuddles here and there if I hang the washing, but I'm not a very dog lover and thinking 15 min of my time is quite plenty for him.

But what really gets me is the drink water and food. I don't understand why have to delay. I don't even bother to ask him twice to do it, I just do it myself. I mean, we wouldn't starve our children, why starve our dog. It's neglect. Especially he's a snow dog in this QLD weather.

And yep, my main point is, if he wants to keep Yoda, he'll need to pull some weight and do more. Oh I'm rambling on, can you understand what I'm trying to say?

**punkbaby** · 17-12-2007 22:34

I hear you

totally see where you are coming from! WHat time does hubby work, could you get up early and go for a walk with yoda before kids woke up or could he...hmm would he?

I would get a jug, pass it to your dh in the evenings say fill this and fill up yodas water please ohh and feed him why your out there.

I hope he starts to help, and your right its not fair on yoda and if you arent a dog person well your not a dog person! there is not much you can do about that. If it was me i would prefer to find him a home as well

**OneBabyBoy** · 17-12-2007 23:16

Just say: Either you look after Yoda or we sell him.

I have a friend who's husband has this big high maintance dog and she refused to look after him, so her husband gets home from work and takes him for a one hour walk every day (2 walks on weekend days) then feeds him, and also washes him when he needs and plays with him etc. So that is ok. He wants the dog he looks after it.

And I think you are doing the right thing. I'm sure you would take the time to make sure the new family was suitable and it's much better for Yoda to be walked and fed regularly.

**MountainGirl** · 18-12-2007 07:01

sorry,...but how hard is it? A dog is a lifelong responsibility,..you cant just get rid of it because you dont feel like looking after it anymore,.. poor dog,...

I have 2 small children, am pregnant and we have 2 high maintenance dogs who get everything they need and deserve,.... it is the least we can do really,..for two such loyal and loving members of our family,..

sorry,....but that really grates with me,..a pet is a gift not a chore.

**jeski** · 18-12-2007 07:06

According to The Dog Whisperer, a dog like yours should be walked for 45min a day. I think you're absolutely right to want to sell him to owners who have more time for him.

**shed** · 18-12-2007 07:47

Originally Posted by mum_inlove

And yep, my main point is, if he wants to keep Yoda, he'll need to pull some weight and do more. Oh I'm rambling on, can you understand what I'm trying to say?

Yes, I do understand what you are trying to say. I am a dog trainer and even I find it hard to spend time with our dogs now that I have a baby. I make the effort but its not as easy as it used to be.

Its probably a temporary situation and will hopefully improve in time if you just hang in there.

One day I got so annoyed with one of our dogs I opened the gate and told him to P!ss off!

he didn't. Thank goodness!!