Dating and Pets

[Zorbgoddess]

Finally I am dating a great guy and everything seems to be working out well! {For those who have been following my past treads it's not the pilot, things didn't work out}

Here is where the issue comes in: He has two dogs. One is the same age as mine and is middle-aged, healthy and active. The other, however, is 16 years old has lost most of its fur and has become incotinent. For his age the dog still has a bit of life left in him but when you are over at someone's house trying to sleep and the dog starts crapping all over the house at 3:00 AM then again at 6:30 AM it becomes a big pain in the butt.

I can't suggest the guy put down the dog since it's not my place to make a decision like that, but the suggestions I have made don't seem to be working. [Dog-diapers, Outside dog house, Large metal cage] He tried the diapers thing so I agreed to stay over last night. Again the same problem happened and they were useless.

Not spending the night is an option, yes, but I'm hoping there's a better solution.

Oh... and to add to the situation: We are planning a weekend camping trip for this coming weekend. Last night I asked him what he planned to do with the dogs. Most likely we will take them with us was the response. Ugh!
I love dogs (I have two of my own) and taking the younger one is just fine. It's the older one I'm quite concerned about. Between the ride there (a good four hours) and having to deal with the issue all weekend long will definitely kill the fun of the trip. When I asked if the old dog would be ok on the ride and he said "I guess he'll have to be". Does anyone have a suggestion as to what I should do?

[sera300]

Don't get between a dog owner & his/her pets...you will always loose. Many times people hold on for reasons which others do not find rational.

Tolerate and help him for now. As far as the trip? I would considered both cancelling due to the dogs health--4 hours in pretty tough on older pets.

[goof'schik]

Can you ask and see if the older one goes to a really nice kennel for the weekend. Look them up on the internet, get a referral from a friend. This cannot be fun for him either, and yes seperating pets can hard even on the pets not just the owners. Maybe seeing how life is without having to take care of this dog's mess in the middle of the night will make him feel better about maybe putting it down. What does this dog's vet say?

[constantlylearning]

I suggest camping at the Ritz..............their room service is PERFECT.
I bet they would provide a TENT as well. They are good at trying to
grant MOST Requests. LOL (Yes, there is a story in there). I agree
with the Kennel suggestion. Pets nicely taken care of END OF STORY.

[Zorbgoddess]

The vet has told him that other than the current ailments (there are a few) the dog still has some life left so until he can't walk and can't see then let him die naturally. I am not about to get between a person and their pet. I understand that is a pointless arguement. As it is I haven't suggested to put the dog down, only ways that might make things easier to deal with (Hence diapers, cage, dog house). The Kennel could be a good idea. I do know of a good one if he'd be willing to put that burden onto someone else. Four hours is a very long ride so that is why I am so concerned. As it is, he is constantly apologizing for the dog's behavior and telling me how he's embarassed by it. I just agree that it is annoying but have nothing against his dog or him. I thought about having the dog stay at my parents' house while we are gone, but the dog might feel scarred and awkward being away from its environment and with dogs he doesn't know. Plus, it's a big burden to place upon my parents, even if they are nice enough to accept the challenge.

[Zorbgoddess]

Originally Posted by constantlylearning

I suggest camping at the Ritz..............their room service is PERFECT.
I bet they would provide a TENT as well. They are good at trying to
grant MOST Requests. LOL (Yes, there is a story in there). I agree
with the Kennel suggestion. Pets nicely taken care of END OF STORY.

The Ritz. Now that sounds like a definite place to camp. Five star service is always nice. I haven't been with this person long enough to suggest something like that, maybe in the future though.

[constantlylearning]

That is a plan put it on your TO DO LIST.........never underestimate great
ambience coupled with great service..............PRICELESS.

[goof'schik]

The Ritz is a very nice place, but they may not allow a return visit if this is what they get.
The Kennel over your folks, other than one day they may be his in-laws and he does want them to like him, is they are equiped for an animal with shall we say special needs. It's just the one dog, and I'm sure this would not be the only thing he would be holding you back from doing like going for a hike. Maybe offer to pay, I know they can be expensive and if he's spending a lot to go camping, you can be surprised how expensive that can be. (The Ritz might be cheaper)

[sera300]

Originally Posted by Zorbgoddess

The Ritz. Now that sounds like a definite place to camp. Five star service is always nice. I haven't been with this person long enough to suggest something like that, maybe in the future though.

The Ritz Carlton property's cater to "all needs" even if they seem bizarre by the staff! They are very accommodating and always my choice while traveling.

I would re-think who is left to care for the elderly pooch since many do not do well at the life cycle they are in. They form a routine and are quite set in it. Boarding? No. Separating the elderly pet from the other causes anxiety as well for them. Moving them to another household tends to confuse them & result in depression.

It's tough when they get older. However, how you handle the situation with compassion will convey what you are about, to him & his dogs.

One thought though--try changing the feeding times so when the pup is ready for bed the bowels and bladder are already evacuated. May require early feeding and no food after 4 PM. And water should be stopped by a certain time as well based on your bedtime. Additionally, has the vet given any thoughts as to the use of meds to slow the intestines down for the night? There are a few meds which can help with this, strict feeding schedules, and a special diet food.

[neeta]

what you could ask is if he thinks if the dog is having fun or is in pain and see if he dosn't mind taking the dog to the vet