Old Dog Relocating Across Country? (vet, best, medium, eating) - Dogs - - City-Data Forum

nurider2002 · 09-23-2015, 09:05 AM

I recently accepted a job 2500 miles away. We have 3 dogs, once of which is 16 1/2. I'm struggling with whether to take him with me (driving across country) or, if it's time for the big sleep. He has considerable arthritis, is deaf and beginning to have early vision loss. But, he is still very much engaged in living. He still takes walks with the pack, although he limps considerably after 10 or 15 minutes, still eats well and is generally still a happy boy. I know his time is limited (he's a mid size dog weighing about 45 pounds) so he is already somewhat of a miracle dog in terms of his age. The other issue is, I will have to rent initially when I relocate and have had no luck finding anyone who will accept 3 dogs. I don't know that I can put him down when he is still engaged in living. Although he sleeps much of the day, he still has the occasional burst of energy where he runs through the yard and forgets his age entirely. I'm leaning toward taking him with me and hoping for the best but wonder if anyone else has been in this situation?

Rowan123 · 09-23-2015, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nurider2002

I recently accepted a job 2500 miles away. We have 3 dogs, once of which is 16 1/2. I'm struggling with whether to take him with me (driving across country) or, if it's time for the big sleep. He has considerable arthritis, is deaf and beginning to have early vision loss. But, he is still very much engaged in living. He still takes walks with the pack, although he limps considerably after 10 or 15 minutes, still eats well and is generally still a happy boy. I know his time is limited (he's a mid size dog weighing about 45 pounds) so he is already somewhat of a miracle dog in terms of his age. The other issue is, I will have to rent initially when I relocate and have had no luck finding anyone who will accept 3 dogs. I don't know that I can put him down when he is still engaged in living. Although he sleeps much of the day, he still has the occasional burst of energy where he runs through the yard and forgets his age entirely. I'm leaning toward taking him with me and hoping for the best but wonder if anyone else has been in this situation?

It sounds like he still has a good quality of life. If he were mine, I'd take him. If you absolutely can not find a place to live with three dogs that's something that has to be factored in.

Maybe you could ask the vet about adjusting his arthritis meds to help with the limping.

nurider2002 · 09-23-2015, 11:18 AM

Thanks - he is maxed out on med's - has had both AC tendons repaired so, the limp is more muscle loss than the arthritis, He can still easily outrun me though when he sets his mind to it. Yeah, I'm feeling he's not ready for the big snooze so, the trip will be his last big adventure.

txdemo · 09-23-2015, 11:37 AM

Definitely take him. Sounds like he's got a lot of life left. You'll know it's time when he has more bad days than good.

cheesenugget · 09-23-2015, 11:38 AM

Take him with you.

Have you looked into house rentals? They are more open to multiple pets.

PAhippo · 09-23-2015, 11:47 AM

I vote for taking him also. He doesn't know it's across the country. All he knows is he's with his pack.

and I'm so glad you don't think of him as disposable because of his age.

Rowan123 · 09-23-2015, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nurider2002

Thanks - he is maxed out on med's - has had both AC tendons repaired so, the limp is more muscle loss than the arthritis, He can still easily outrun me though when he sets his mind to it. Yeah, I'm feeling he's not ready for the big snooze so, the trip will be his last big adventure.

Makes sense, sounds like you've taken excellent care of him. Good luck on the move!

BayAreaHillbilly · 09-23-2015, 04:08 PM

In the OPs shoes, if faced with a limit on the number of pets I would rehome one of the younger dogs and take the senior along on the move.

Normashirley · 09-23-2015, 06:12 PM

If your dogs are well mannered and work well on a leash, stop often.

I moved cross-country twice with three horses, 2XL dogs, 1 medium dog, and a cat.

I had my dogs trained to "go potty" on command. When we stopped for gas or diesel, all the dogs were let out (on leash) to stretch and go potty.

Your grand elder should be privileged to have more potty breaks than normal, even if all he does is stretch himself

Good luck and safe journey to you

Dogmama50 · 09-23-2015, 08:43 PM

When are looking at rentals contact to landlord and let them know your 3rd dog is ancient but still full of life. I think you may find some compassionate people out there willing to rent to you.

Make sure you have something very soft for the old man to sleep on for the trip, a heating pad may be nice for him to lay on at the hotel.