Most humane way to deal with Watson

[dhollister]

How to take better care of Watson

Hi -

My furry companion is Watson, purebred German Shepherd going on 14! He's happy as can be and has no specific ailments, but his back legs are getting terrible, he can't walk well, he poops in the house regularly, etc. He's not going to last forever, but he's here for now and I love him.

I'm 22 and live in Los Angeles trying to do the whole entertainment thing, so I can't be home all day to take care of him. My grandmother has been taking care of him when I'm gone during the day because she didn't really go anywhere. But unfortunately my grandma herself had a stroke last week and has only a few days before she passes. This is very sad on many levels, and the other problems I can solve... but now I need to figure out what to do with Watson.

I love Watson to death and want to care for him as best I can for as long as I can, but it's just not going to be possible for me to be home as many hours as he would like. I'm going to find a new apartment in the city that will allow me to keep him there.

My question is, what is the most "humane" way to deal with this situation? Should I hire someone to come check up on him during the day? What about those doggie daycare places, is that too cruel to put such an aging animal in a place like that?

Basically, what is my best option to keep Watson happy and healthy when I have to work all day? What would be best for HIM?

 

[Tankstar]

First sorry to hear about your grandmother.

Second. I would look in to some one to come and check on him through out the day. I wouldnt want to put a dog in a doggy day care at his age with his issues. to many playful dogs to bother him. Unless they have a "elderly" type of dog group, with relaxed dogs who just lounge around and just enjoy each others company. DOes he get along with other dogs? Still enjoy playing? if so and it doesnt bother his hips, then i guess a doggy daycare could work. I know when our old girl was 13, with failing hips she didnt want anything to do with a playful puppy or dog.

 

[Buddy'sParents]

I'm so sorry about your grandmother.

I echo Tank and recommend having someone come in every day to check in on him and spend some time with him. He needs you now more than ever (and you him!), please don't give up on him. Best of luck to you.

 

[smkie]

^^^^ agreed. I have a senior and i think doggy daycare would stress her out.

 

[dhollister]

DOes he get along with other dogs? Still enjoy playing?

Luckily, Watson is old but doesn't actually suffer from anything in particular. He's kind of a puppy in a senior's body. He can't really play very well, but he still tries, and still loves to wander around and inspect things, sometimes more often than I'd like for fear of him hurting himself!

So yeah, I MIGHT look into a doggy day care type place if I can find one that does well with senior dogs and would take good care of him. He likes attention and excitement, and I kind of feel like a doggy day care place might be better for that than just having someone visit him in whatever little apartment he and I find together. But if not, I will definitely find him a friend who will drop in when I am not around.

 

[DogstarAcademy]

You might also call some doggy daycares and find out if anyone'd be willing to make special accomodations for your dog, like letting him hang out in the office with chews instead of in with the other dogs.

 

[JudithMary]

I am sorry about your Grandmother. I hope you can find accomodation for your dog. Have you thought about having someone come in at noon to take him out? or maybe a friend have him for some of the day.

 

[bubbatd]

I'm sorry about your Grandmother too .....let us know what you decide to do .

 

[ahkelteke]

You may want to see if you can't find a doggy daycare that specializes in the care of the more mature. I know I have run across a few in my area.

Also, a lot of doggy daycares have areas for the different wants/needs/speeds of their clients. He could hang out in the "nap" area. Or, ask some of the daycare's in your area if they are able to provide for his particular needs. Maybe they can bring him out in the front room to just hang a few times a day.

Good luck! I wish you the best!