‘My husband wants to get rid of our dog because he doesn’t care anymore – but I refuse’

The woman said she didn’t want to get rid of her 13-year-old dog, but her husband was adamant he wanted to get rid of it because the pooch had been experiencing health problems

We’ve all heard the saying ‘a dog is for life, not just for Christmas’, and many people stick by that saying, ensuring that their dog is with them forever. Dogs are undoubtedly a huge commitment, but they bring so much joy to our lives that they make the hard times worth it.

One mum took to Mumsnet to explain she was distraught that her husband had suddenly decided that they had to get rid of their 13-year-old dog because she was experiencing stomach problems and making some mess throughout the house. The woman explained that she had been better in recent weeks, although the dog sometimes vomited, but the man thought it was too much of a commitment.

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She wrote: “My husband wants to get rid of our dog. At this stage, I don’t think he cares if she is rehomed, goes to a shelter, or is put down.

“She is a 13-year-old terrier cross and up until a few months ago she was having a lot of issues with diarrhoea and causing a lot of mess in the house. We have very young child and I put measures in place to try and sort her tummy problems (consulted a vet, changed her food, she now sleeps in a crate overnight so she is contained) and for the past few months, her stomach has been better although she vomits intermittently.

“This morning she had pooed in the crate but it had spilled out onto the floor, so whilst he sorted our child for nursery, I had to clean up this huge mess whilst I should have been expressing milk before my newborn twins woke up.

“He says the dog has to go – so as not to drip feed, we had another elderly dog previously that I refused to get put down despite massive incontinence issues and dementia, when he finally went it was such a relief.

“My husband says he won’t go through it again. In fairness, he is the one who walks her although we are struggling to get her walked every day at the moment.

“Despite all of this I’m still very much of the opinion that a dog is a lifelong commitment. Am I being unreasonable?”

Others were quick to agree with the mum that a dog is a commitment you make for life.

One wrote: “I agree with you. I don’t think I could just get rid of a pet that I’ve had for a long time because they were unwell. This post makes me so sad for the dog!”

“It must be also really hard on you too with your newborns, I can understand it is adding extra stress. But a dog is for life in my opinion.”

Another fumed: “I’d get rid of your husband. An attitude like that towards a sick family pet is a huge red flag.”

A Mumsnetter agreed, commenting: “I think you are right, you can’t get rid of a life long commitment once it’s not easy and fun anymore.”

One gave some advice, writing: “This is so tough. You are absolutely not being unreasonable to want to keep your dog, but it sounds like you’re very busy right now and have your hands full with family and young children, which sounds very intense, even without the challenges of looking after an unwell and elderly dog.

“I guess it partly comes down to whether you feel you have enough time to give your dog a good life. It really shows in your original post that you love her and she sounds very well cared for, but are you going to be able to care for her whilst bringing up very young children and making time for your own needs and husband?

“Would it be possible to have a chat with your husband and think about temporarily rehoming your dog with a shelter or family you trust? And then review that arrangement and see how it goes.

“I do understand it’s not a nice decision to make though – I have a cat, and the thought of rehoming him would break me!”

What would you do in this situation? Let us know in the comments.