Puppy arriving,circumstances changed, should I cancel?

[deebythesea]

After being diagnosed with an aggressive mast cell tumour in August, my beloved mongrel had a leg amputated in September to give him the best shot at recovery. His quality of life returned, and he was happy but only for a short time and we (myself and 2 daughters) lost our boy on New Year's Eve. We are devastated and the house is just not the same.

After a lot of thought, and discussions with my kids, I have been researching a new puppy, (right size for our house/garden amount of exercise needed etc.), and have found an adorable cross breed little pup well raised, and have seen both parents. I believe she is the right puppy for us.

I have booked to take my annual leave in one go for the first 3 weeks when the puppy comes to us at 9 weeks old, in order to give her the best start with toilet training and lots of love and attention. I then will be working 4 hours a day, with a neighbour popping in once during the morning. All organised!

Now I have just found out I have to have an operation and the date I have been given is for when the puppy is 18 weeks old. I will be in hospital for a week and then can't exercise or lift for at least a month. However, I will still have lots of love and cuddles for the puppy and will be on sick leave so can be with her.

I can find someone to look after the puppy for the week I am in hospital and the week after, but am really worried that I am being unfair to a small puppy, unsettling her by moving her around.

I am also worried it will affect her bonding with us.

Also, that someone else won't put in the training (short, fun bursts, teaching good puppy behaviours) that I would and that will ruin the puppy.

Should I tell the breeder that I can't take her :- ( or in your experiences, can it still work out?

Your advice is much needed and appreciated!

 

[goldenbear2013]

Hi there,

First of all I'm sorry about your boy! Losing your beloved pooch is so heartbreaking!

In my opinion there are positive and negatives to your situation.

The most crucial time for a dog to bond with their owner is from 9-14 weeks. This is the time when they establish their habits and what's what. This also includes socialization with other dogs too so they can learn manners and doggy etiquette.

At 18 weeks, having someone else handle them as well as yourself may not be a bad thing. They will learn to take directions and commands from other humans, which will lead to a well balanced dog later on in their life, if you ever leave them with anyone if you go on holiday etc.

However, 18 weeks they are still a puppy and will be full of life and will have no concept of the fact that you have just had surgery and diving all over you is lots of fun and they don't care that you will be in pain or discomfort. They have no empathy for humans at this stage in their life, it's all about exploring. Depending on the severity of your surgery this could cause you problems, having a young pup tearing round your home.

Now this is the crucial bit; It's not so much about the puppy as the different experiences he will be having with others looking after him and walking him etc is exactly what he will need.

The question you need to ask yourself is: Are you going to be able to handle it?

You need to think about you, and what is best for you. Your recovery time may be longer than you think, and you may struggle. Even just bending down to put the food in his bowl, or giving him a cuddle be a struggle.

You do not have your new puppy at present so it's your health that is the most important. If you think that you personally are not going to be able to cope very well then I would say to delay having him and wait until you are fully recovered and look for another puppy at a later date.

It may be a hard decision if you have your heart set on this one, but you need to think with your brain on this one and not your heart.

Your health comes first.

I wish you a speedy recovery.

Sophie x

 

[gypsysmum]

I agree that the puppy will come to no harm with the happenings going on around him. One of the most balanced GSD's I ever saw had, through no fault of his own, been in four homes in the first few months of his life. Each home had been a good one and he learned a new set of skills in each one.

The big problem will be his socialisation. Puppies need to be out in the world as soon as it is safe to do so. It will not be about exercise but about life experience. If you could be driven to a spot to sit and watch the world go by this would help. If you could be driven to puppy socialisation classes even better. Perhaps you could invite a variety of people, and their vaccinated dogs, round for tea? That might work too.

I hope your operation works out for you and that you look back and say that you made the right decision, whichever one you make.

 

[Raven oaktree]

So sorry about your boy, i know that pain too well

i would still get the pup to be honest. The pup will be almost 5 months old and to be honest life is like that..there are going to be times in the next 10-15 years of the pups life with you when other arrangements will have to be made but i wouldnt let a temporary problem (and in the grand scheme of things its very temporary) stop you getting this pup, if its still what you want

 

[deebythesea]

Thanks for the replies! After thinking very carefully I have decided to go ahead and get the puppy! I am arranging for someone else to care of her for two weeks whilst I am in hospital. When I come out I have arranged for friends to bring over vaccinated pups to socialise and then a few weeks after that, will go to puppy classes with my daighter (and the puppy!). The puppy is so tiny and will remain small so I don't need to worry about damage being done if she jumps all over me. It would be such a shame to miss out on such an adorable puppy so right for my family, just because of a few weeks of inconvenience. I am hoping that puppy cuddles will help me get better quickly! Photo attached....

 

[goldenbear2013]

Oh my goodness!!! The cuteness is too much to handle! :wub:

I'm glad you have made a decision and you seem most pleased that your little monster will be with you soon!

I wish you the best of luck and speedy recovery.

Sophie x