New Home Needed Rehoming a dog due to disability - questions.

Hi, I'm new to this forum so I'm sorry if I've posted this in the wrong place or am supposed to make an initial introduction but I will try to put all of the information here in this post however if moderators want to move this, that is fine by me. Also heads up, I think this might get quite lengthy!

Basically, I am no longer taking adequate care of my dog due to severe mental health problems - he gets fed and gets attention and occasional walks but with the exception of food and water I'm not being as good of an owner as I should by a long shot. I've been diagnosed with PTSD (as well as a list as long as my left arm) and have over a number of years have become entirely housebound without assistance and have been in and out of hospitals. I've stuck my head in the sand about him, and have clung onto him for a long time in denial, but I now know I am not doing good enough for him.Jasper, my dog is a large, very waggy, very happy Lab x he wouldn't hurt a fly and is a huge wuss but kind. Due to night-terrors and waking up into panic attacks and him being on the bed making it feel like I'm being held down, triggering flashbacks has meant he now stays downstairs. He is very affectionate and happy and this whilst not the end of the world, coupled with a lack of walks and often me being hospitalised for lengths of time just isn't good enough. So at least you know why I need to rehome him. I feel terrible for this - both as a failure to him and as an animal lover/pet owner for not being able to do my job at that.

I am going to ask my social worker anyway as I'm heavily tied up with the local mental health team and they may be able to give me some assistance with this, but I have a number of questions about how I should go about rehoming my lovely, affectionate, smiley, waggy boy. The biggest question I really have is:

As I am not very mentally or physically able to vet homes or owners - I'm not the best judge of character and I want him to go somewhere safe, where he will be loved and well looked after. Should I try to rehome him myself or should I get help from a charity like the dogs trust?

I suppose I don't want him to be in boarding kennels or what have you, but I'm worried I won't be able to tell if who-ever takes him won't be a bad owner, but also he's 8 - though people always ask if he's a puppy still and largely he's black and I've heard bad things about his prospects. So if I don't rehome him that way, how do I go about doing it? Someone told me I should charge for him - so he doesn't get used for dog fighting or abused - but he wouldn't hurt a fly.

I've put this off for so long but only at his expense, now I really want to do what's right for him but it's beyond me. Help!

Thanks in advance

(Note: The only reason he had that type of collar is because he never pulls on the lead for me (sometimes for others a little but he has overall had a fair amount of training) and it comes off really quick for him to go in the sea, back when he was walked and also because he doesn't wear a collar at home.)

Hi

I'm so sorry to hear of your situation,

although I am no expert in the field of dog rehoming i share your concerns as a fellow dog lover ,you clearly love your dog and want what's best for him .

i think your plan to discuss with your mental health support team is the way forward and my feeling is to contact the Dogs Trust first and foremost for expert advice and perhaps a Labrador rescue group?

do not advertise your dog for rehoming on any of these internet sites as you have no idea what type of home your much loved dog could be going to.

good luck

Defo do not try rehoming him on any sites he is gorg mate I feel your pain get the proper people 2 get him a safe and loving home somewhere he can have a couch and walks maybe an older couple or older family would be best good luck xxx

I think you should get advice from a Dog Rescue or other source of help too. How about speaking to your local vets and dog training clubs to find out whether any of their caring, responsible owners have just lost an elderly dog and / or are looking for another one?

Perhaps you could adapt the proofs I'm offering of my fitness to rehome a dachshund to check that anyone offering your dog a home is a good bet? I'm offering references from my own vet and from dog-owning neighbours who've known me (and my first two dachshunds) over 30 years. I send anyone who might be able to help me find the new dog pictures and descriptions of my previous dogs and explained how I looked after them and what my home circumstances are. I've invited a home check before the owner hands over the dog.

Hope this helps.