I might have to give Shankly up. Please Advise

[VTbxrFan]

I would suggest that you think long and hard and not rush into a decision. Your baby is only a couple of months old -- I'm not a parent, but every new mother I have ever known has felt very overwhelmed in the first few months. Adjusting to a new baby and the time demands isn't something that will happen overnight. I would imagine that even though a baby brings lots of joy and happiness into the home, your wife probably also feels stressed and exhausted. It's easy in that situation to look at the picture and determine that the dog is the piece that can be removed to make things easier, but your wife would still be left with a new baby and that's probably the real source of stress in her life right now. I think everyone has offered some good suggestions on trying to find friends and neighbors to help with the dog. Another approach is trying to find a trusted friend or family member who can come over and sit with the baby for an hour or so a few times a week so your wife can take a break from the baby and go out for a nice walk with Shankly or some playtime at the park. Shankly could be a great stress reliever for you and your wife instead of something to stress about.

Just something else to think about! If you can stick it out for a few more months, you might find that Shankly really isn't a problem when you all have a little more time to adjust to the new routine.

 

[sandy oakey]

Below is a site that is dedicated to helping people keep their pets. They list many reasons why people give up their pets and offer solutions and alternatives. Please check out this site:http://www.wonderpuppy.net/canwehelp/

I hope you will find some useful information and reconsider giving Shankly up.

 

[muttersley]

when my girls were born (and I had 3 ceasarians (sp)) I still managed to walk my dogs myself daily after the first couple of weeks. I believe that fresh air does babies good and also keeps you fit. Does your wife love Shankly as much as you do?

 

[debbie knowles]

Please think it over

Sorry,
I,like everyone else can't buy your reasons for throwing away the dog. It sounds like your wife has a "new" baby so the old one can now be disposed of. Sorry, but I just can't understand. A dog is NOT disposable...please for her sake, try.. really try to make some arrangements to keep her. It just breaks my heart to think of her being tossed out like she has outlived her value. Shankley undoubtedly loves you more than you will ever know...please try to see that and understand her feelings as well. I know you are in a hard situation and I know this cannot be easy for you. But please give it some more thought. I know I am probably TOO much of a softie when it comes to the love of my animals, but I just hope you will think it over a little more before you make such a life altering decision for her. Thanks and good luck...Deb K.

 

[Barb_IA]

Does your wife like the dog? When it comes time to take the baby for stroller walks she can take the dog also. Great exercise for all. I have a day care in my home. I have many days when there are lots of children here, babies included plus there were 2 boxers (until the loss of 1, Loki). I think she can handle the dog and the baby just fine. I don't understand any reasons here. I've always been raised to treat a pet as part of the family. My dogs are here for good! I wouldn't get one if I didn't think I could keep it for the duration!
Your dog should provide as a great protecter to the baby! Maybe your wife should think about that.

 

[WAT]

I don't agree with your reasons, I'm sorry. We had Minx when Dalton was born and I just put Dalton in the stroller and took both of them for walks. It was actually nice, we all got some fresh air. Please rethink your decision, for Shankley's sake.

 

[douma]

Hi i haven't any advice ,but i found these pics and i think that are wonderful ,please look at these

http://www.boxerworld.com/cgi-bin/photo/index.pl?photo=3977

http://www.boxerworld.com/cgi-bin/photo/index.pl?photo=4107

and i would like to wish you and Shanky good luck

 

[Barb_IA]

Oh my gosh, those are adorable pics Sofia!

 

[Billysmum]

Well my adivce is the same as everyone else - think long and hard before you give Shankley up.

When we got Billy as an 8 week old puppy I had Tamsin aged 2 yrs 5 mths and Marissa aged 9 weeks.

It was really hard and looking back we realise we got a pup at the wrong time in our lives. However, I got through it. I potty trained Tamsin, breastfed Marissa and house trained Billy.

Once he had had his innoculations he soon learnt to walk to heel next to the pushchair.

5 years on and the girls adore Billy and our Rottie, Tommy, who is 2. We just wouldn't be without them and having a pet has taught the girls alot about caring for someone else.

Sometimes when they're upset they go to Billy for a cuddle instead of me or their Dad!

Your wife needs to get out of the house too. Is there a field nearby where Shankley can run free? I'm sure she will enjoy a daily walk and Shankley will walk next to the pushchair.

Don't feel we're all getting on at you - we just want you to know that there are options out there. A dog walker might be a good start for the first month or two though.

 

[cfhtlhii]

OK! I must say first off HORMONES!!! It hasn't been long enough for them to be back in check and your wife is I am sure very hormonal. I speak from experience, I have 3 boys! Never, never, never, make a lasting decision like this so soon after having a baby. Things always look so grim. Give your wife a chance to see clearly. Maybe find a friend or someone to watch the dog for you for a couple of days to a week and see how she feels about it. If she still doesn't think she can handle it try giving it another week. Then if she still doesn't think she can handle it start looking into your other options of what you can do. Remember to be encouraging to her, its not all about the dog, trust me!

Connie