What To Do About Cookie?

[mrw42]

I have been trying to figure out what to do about our dog, Cookie. She is a very friendly, extremely cute little pure-bred beagle, and we love her, but it's not clear that we are able to take care of her properly now. Kevin used to be home during the day, and he would take her out on walks multiple times a day, pay attention to her during the day

Comments

[lyonesse]

dog door to a little area outside where she can relieve herself? beagles are alas known for being a bit prone to that kind of accident....

another option (popular in my neighborhood) is to have a dog walker come by, or send the dog to a day care. that way they have company and exercise to one degree or another, but still actually live with their family.

good luck with cookie!

[sweetmmeblue]

Dog day care is a really good idea, or the dog walker idea. The former will get her more attention and exercise than the latter. If you do decide you wish to rehome her I have the names of some good agencies.

[chocorua]

Jane worked in a dog day-care place for a while; they vary, and how happy Cookie would be at one also depends on her personality and how she relates to other dogs. Jane also runs into a lot of dog walkers when she's out with hers, and might have something to say about choosing one. I don't know how costs would compare between day care and a dog walker.

If you feel you should find her a new family

[drwex]

There are lots of adoption services and no-kill shelters. Most shelters in MA are no-kill, and you can make an adoption donation with her that will pay for her care until a new family can be found.

That said, maybe talk to her vet about what kinds of care she needs now, and to a trainer about how to help her adapt to changing circumstances. It really depends mostly on what you want.