Pet Loves - Advice Needed

[ShepherdMe]

Hi, I am struggling with placing my dog. He is an aggressive 13 year old Chihuahua with diabetes. I will be moving in a month or so and was advised by my allergist to move to a place that does not allow pets. Although I wasn’t too allergic to my dog when I first acquired him, I am very allergic to him now. Because of breathing problems, I need to find him a new home. I am saddened and upset by this as I love my dog. He is a sweet dog, but is afraid of hands as he doesn’t understand why he has to be poked to get insulin. So, he will bite if you attempt to pick him up or touch him wrong. Sometimes, it’s fear of injections; other times it’s touching him at an injection site. I understand why he bites and just give him the space he needs. He’s 13, so he just mostly lies in his bed all day. (Loves lying in the sun.) He basically gets up when he wants to play or eat. To make a long story short, I’ve searched to the ends of the earth to find him a new home with no luck. I’m told to put him down. This is just not an option for me. Does anyone have any suggestions or know of rescues that take sick and aggressive dogs? Any advice at at all would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, in advance, for your help!

 

[His_helpmeet]

Hi, I am struggling with placing my dog. He is an aggressive 13 year old Chihuahua with diabetes. I will be moving in a month or so and was advised by my allergist to move to a place that does not allow pets. Although I wasn’t too allergic to my dog when I first acquired him, I am very allergic to him now. Because of breathing problems, I need to find him a new home. I am saddened and upset by this as I love my dog. He is a sweet dog, but is afraid of hands as he doesn’t understand why he has to be poked to get insulin. So, he will bite if you attempt to pick him up or touch him wrong. Sometimes, it’s fear of injections; other times it’s touching him at an injection site. I understand why he bites and just give him the space he needs. He’s 13, so he just mostly lies in his bed all day. (Loves lying in the sun.) He basically gets up when he wants to play or eat. To make a long story short, I’ve searched to the ends of the earth to find him a new home with no luck. I’m told to put him down. This is just not an option for me. Does anyone have any suggestions or know of rescues that take sick and aggressive dogs? Any advice at at all would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, in advance, for your help!

Your best bet would be to see if you have a local Humane Society or SPCA. They might be able to take the dog, or at the very least they might know of a service that would take him.

 

[EnglishTeacher]

Hi, I am struggling with placing my dog. He is an aggressive 13 year old Chihuahua with diabetes. I will be moving in a month or so and was advised by my allergist to move to a place that does not allow pets. Although I wasn’t too allergic to my dog when I first acquired him, I am very allergic to him now. Because of breathing problems, I need to find him a new home. I am saddened and upset by this as I love my dog. He is a sweet dog, but is afraid of hands as he doesn’t understand why he has to be poked to get insulin. So, he will bite if you attempt to pick him up or touch him wrong. Sometimes, it’s fear of injections; other times it’s touching him at an injection site. I understand why he bites and just give him the space he needs. He’s 13, so he just mostly lies in his bed all day. (Loves lying in the sun.) He basically gets up when he wants to play or eat. To make a long story short, I’ve searched to the ends of the earth to find him a new home with no luck. I’m told to put him down. This is just not an option for me. Does anyone have any suggestions or know of rescues that take sick and aggressive dogs? Any advice at at all would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, in advance, for your help!

There are times when the most merciful thing to do for an animal is to put him to sleep. This is one of those cases. He has gotten to the point where it’s not fair to him to keep him alive and suffering.

Not to mention, you can’t give someone a dog who bites. People, especially children, have been seriously injured that way, even by small dogs–sometimes the point of needing reconstructive surgery.

 

[Caroline723]

Yes, the most loving thing you can do for this dog is to put him to sleep. You are not likely to find a loving home for an elderly dog who needs medical care but bites anyone who tries to adminster it. And you will be inflicting the suffering of adjusting to a new home and owner, which at his age just seems a bit unnecessary.

 

[ComputerGeek25]

Yes, the most loving thing you can do for this dog is to put him to sleep. You are not likely to find a loving home for an elderly dog who needs medical care but bites anyone who tries to adminster it. And you will be inflicting the suffering of adjusting to a new home and owner, which at his age just seems a bit unnecessary.

There are people out there that adopt older dogs. My wife and I adopted an overweight 10 year old dog with hip/leg problems (arthritis) and a bad thyroid.

With some meds, about $30 month, she is happy.

 

[simpleas]

Hi, sorry to hear this has happened to you and your dog. I don’t know what country you live in but here in UK we have some breed rescue. Maybe there is a Chihuahua rescue near you?

 

[MJJean]

I am a dog lover. I have four currently and would have more if time, space, and city code allowed. I want you to know my advice is coming from the heart as a fellow dog person.

I have to agree with some of the others. I think putting him to sleep is the kindest route. You can’t adopt him out as he is a senior dog with health and behavior issues. If he bites someone even after you give him to a new home you could be held legally liable depending on state law. It’s not fair to him, after all he has been through, to have to live with strangers. Having him put to sleep with you there with him is the kindest thing you can do for him. He will leave this world knowing he is loved by his person and feeling secure.

I am so sorry your allergies are forcing you to make difficult choices for your small companion. (hugs)

 

[BlueEyedLady]

Your best bet would be to see if you have a local Humane Society or SPCA. They might be able to take the dog, or at the very least they might know of a service that would take him.

I can’t recommend this. When you drop off an animal at the Humane Society, you relinquish control, and then the animal is evaluated to see whether or not it can be adopted out. Your dog is old with health problems. In all likelihood, as soon as you left, they would put him down and you will never know.

I’m not sure whey everyone is on the “put the dog down” bandwagon. The OP just mentioned age and diabetes. There’s no reason to think that the dog only has a few months, or is suffering, or anything like that. Sure, he could be, but the OP didn’t include that.

Have you talked to your priest? He may know someone in the parish who would be willing to provide an old dog with some love and comfort during his last weeks/months/years. When I was a kid, the pastor of my church often acted as animal adoption liaison, but it was a very old congregation with lots of lonely old people.

 

[pianistclare]

I am sorry that you are going through this.

Dear one you WILL be letting your dog go, it is just a matter of how. You need to decide which way of letting him go will be easier on him, not which way of letting him go will be easier on you because that is real love. He probably only has a few months to live given his age and health conditions. You must decide how you want his last time on this earth to be. Do you want it to be with you? Do you want him to die in your arms? Do you want him to spend his last days in a strange home wondering where you are?

You have searched far and wide for a home but found none, I am so sorry. You love your little dog and he bites you and is traumatized, imagine how he will be in a strange home with a strange person. Even if that person is kind it will be a stranger to him. This decision is agony for you. Jesus loves you so much, Jesus created the animals and knows how much we love them. Jesus loves them too, they are His creation. Turn to Jesus at this time He will help you decide the kindest way to let to. I will pray for you.

Print this out and pray…re-read it over a few times.
This is the most compassionate and kind thing you can do. I too, am struggling with putting down my cat, who cannot control his bowels any more. It’s heartbreaking, and he is sweet. But no one should live like this.
I too will pray for peace for you and your dog.

 

[ComputerGeek25]

I can’t recommend this. When you drop off an animal at the Humane Society, you relinquish control, and then the animal is evaluated to see whether or not it can be adopted out. Your dog is old with health problems. In all likelihood, as soon as you left, they would put him down and you will never know.

I’m not sure whey everyone is on the “put the dog down” bandwagon. The OP just mentioned age and diabetes. There’s no reason to think that the dog only has a few months, or is suffering, or anything like that. Sure, he could be, but the OP didn’t include that.

Have you talked to your priest? He may know someone in the parish who would be willing to provide an old dog with some love and comfort during his last weeks/months/years. When I was a kid, the pastor of my church often acted as animal adoption liaison, but it was a very old congregation with lots of lonely old people.

Good advice - I would ask around your local community to see if someone would be willing to take your dog.

Also, instead of the humane society or SPCA, have you tried going to a no-kill rescue? They may be able to foster your dog and find another home. I know 50% of the animals that come into the humane society that I volunteer at do not get adopted out.

 

[AbideWithMe]

I’m not sure whey everyone is on the “put the dog down” bandwagon. The OP just mentioned age and diabetes. There’s no reason to think that the dog only has a few months, or is suffering, or anything like that. Sure, he could be, but the OP didn’t include that.

If it was just old age and medical needs, a Chihuahua rescue might be willing to take him, but the biting would make it especially hard to find him a new home.

Also, rescues are flooded with Chihuahuas.

 

[His_helpmeet]

I can’t recommend this. When you drop off an animal at the Humane Society, you relinquish control, and then the animal is evaluated to see whether or not it can be adopted out. Your dog is old with health problems. In all likelihood, as soon as you left, they would put him down and you will never know.

This depends somewhat on the shelter. The shelter near where we live is a no-kill shelter. They will ONLY euthanize for severe behavioural problems that cannot be fixed (after trying) and/or severe, chronic illness where the animal is suffering. There is no time limit for animals to be at the shelter, and they will adopt out animals with special needs. That’s why I suggest the OP try to find a no-kill shelter.

 

[BlueEyedLady]

This depends somewhat on the shelter. The shelter near where we live is a no-kill shelter. They will ONLY euthanize for severe behavioural problems that cannot be fixed (after trying) and/or severe, chronic illness where the animal is suffering. There is no time limit for animals to be at the shelter, and they will adopt out animals with special needs. That’s why I suggest the OP try to find a no-kill shelter.

I was responding specifically about the Humane Society. Most of their shelters are not no-kill.

It is very hard to get a no-kill shelter to take an animal. Most have very long waitlists even for highly adoptable pets. If the OP had longer than 30 days, I would have recommended it.

 

[Allegra]

Look up your local Chihuahua rescure association.

 

[ShepherdMe]

Just want to thank everyone for your kind words and for your prayers. The truth is that I have searched to the ends of the earth - rescues, shelters, sanctuaries, hospices. Just come up empty. I’m not sure where I’m going with this. I will be losing my house in a month, so the pressure is on. If I can’t place him, I’m hoping to rent a place where it’s just my allergies to him that I have to deal with. It’s just that the funds are limited and an apartment looks like the best solution. I was so sick last winter that I almost had him put down, then. If I have to do that this year, I will remember your kind and encouraging words. In the meantime, I will keep searching. Thanks, again! Blessings to All!!!

 

[NeedsMercy]

I can’t recommend this. When you drop off an animal at the Humane Society, you relinquish control, and then the animal is evaluated to see whether or not it can be adopted out. Your dog is old with health problems. In all likelihood, as soon as you left, they would put him down and you will never know.

I’m not sure whey everyone is on the “put the dog down” bandwagon. The OP just mentioned age and diabetes. There’s no reason to think that the dog only has a few months, or is suffering, or anything like that. Sure, he could be, but the OP didn’t include that.

Have you talked to your priest? He may know someone in the parish who would be willing to provide an old dog with some love and comfort during his last weeks/months/years. When I was a kid, the pastor of my church often acted as animal adoption liaison, but it was a very old congregation with lots of lonely old people.

I agree with you totally! Let’s see if we can give this dog a chance! Sending him to an SPCA or humane society will be like signing the death warrant. Someone else mentioned a breed specific rescue group. Another option is a no-kill shelter. I know a lot of CAF folks hate it, but these are the kinds of situations that Facebook is meant for! There are many people out there, myself included, who adopt special needs seniors. Please, please, please give this old guy a break! He may have lots of life and love left in him! :sad_yes:

 

[NeedsMercy]

I was responding specifically about the Humane Society. Most of their shelters are not no-kill.

It is very hard to get a no-kill shelter to take an animal. Most have very long waitlists even for highly adoptable pets. If the OP had longer than 30 days, I would have recommended it.

It is becoming exceedingly common for no-kill shelters to take rescues from out-of-state. There are places that will even arrange for the transportation. I cannot emphasize enough the power of Facebook in this regard.

 

[ShepherdMe]

The problem is that I don’t know where to look anymore. I’ve tried breed specific rescues and many, many, many no kill shelters. The bottom line is that no one will take a 13 year old dog with insulin dependent diabetes that bites. Most are afraid to give a biting dog injections. In reality, that is not an issue. I just wrap him in a blanket. They are also afraid that he will be aggressive with their other rescues. I’ve been at this a long time and I just have no where left to look. If anyone knows of a specific rescue that might accept him, I’d be happy to call them. Thanks to all for your help with this!!!

 

[severus68]

The problem is that I don’t know where to look anymore. I’ve tried breed specific rescues and many, many, many no kill shelters. The bottom line is that no one will take a 13 year old dog with insulin dependent diabetes that bites. Most are afraid to give a biting dog injections. In reality, that is not an issue. I just wrap him in a blanket. They are also afraid that he will be aggressive with their other rescues. I’ve been at this a long time and I just have no where left to look. If anyone knows of a specific rescue that might accept him, I’d be happy to call them. Thanks to all for your help with this!!!

I am sorry about what you are going through. I love animals and hope you can find a place for your little dog.

This is one place that takes in senior dogs:

facebook.com/susiesseniordogs?ref=ts&fref=ts

I assume you are in the US. That is a US site.

Then there is the Sanctuary for Senior Dogs in Cleveland Ohio:

facebook.com/Sr.Dogs.

In the meantime, try wrapping your dog in a wet, tolerably hottish towel twice a week. It helps people with asthma who want to keep their fur pets.

Praying for you and your dog.

God bless.

 

[Luvz2travel]

Hi, I am struggling with placing my dog. He is an aggressive 13 year old Chihuahua with diabetes. I will be moving in a month or so and was advised by my allergist to move to a place that does not allow pets. Although I wasn’t too allergic to my dog when I first acquired him, I am very allergic to him now. Because of breathing problems, I need to find him a new home. I am saddened and upset by this as I love my dog. He is a sweet dog, but is afraid of hands as he doesn’t understand why he has to be poked to get insulin. So, he will bite if you attempt to pick him up or touch him wrong. Sometimes, it’s fear of injections; other times it’s touching him at an injection site. I understand why he bites and just give him the space he needs. He’s 13, so he just mostly lies in his bed all day. (Loves lying in the sun.) He basically gets up when he wants to play or eat. To make a long story short, I’ve searched to the ends of the earth to find him a new home with no luck. I’m told to put him down. This is just not an option for me. Does anyone have any suggestions or know of rescues that take sick and aggressive dogs? Any advice at at all would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, in advance, for your help!

Have you reached out to some pet rescues regarding is case to ask them is there is way he can get therapy to make taking meds easier or is there another alternative way to give him the meds. Sorry to hear you have to let him go. I work with a cat rescue that deals with harder medical cases and you’d be amazed what things can be achieved. Before you put your dog down please check into rescues in your area to see if someone could help. I know of a rescue called Seniors for Seniors. Seniors adopt out senior dogs and the rescue pays the dogs medical expenses for life and a senior adopts it and keeps it as a forever pet. I’ll soon lose a foster I’ve had for almost a year. I was hoping to get her adopted or adopt her myself but my house has been too problematice and expensive for me to maintain anymore so I’ll be giving her back to the rescue soon so I sort of know in a way where you are coming from. I’ll really miss here she’s been a joy to have in the house and see her go from the scared cat who hissed at me for a week when I first got her to coming to me every morning for belly and head rubs.