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Confession time!

4K views 86 replies 46 participants last post by  lozzibear 
#1 ·
I have avoided mentioning this on here for a fair few months, because I just know what the majority of peoples' reactions will be but I decided I might as well mention it now. Mainly so I can freely talk about it since it will most likely come up in passing on threads, and because I have avoided posting certain pics on here that will give it away ;)

The dogs will be getting kenneled. There, I said it :p Basically, my mum told me months ago that she didn't want them in the house any longer... It is her house, so I have to live by her rules. I can't afford to move out, so we bought a kennel in October. The plan was for the dogs to be in the kennel during the day, and then bring them in at night and once they were adjusted they would just live out all the time. We haven't quite been as strict as that though, and they have spent more time in the house than they were meant to :eek: However, my dad isn't well... he has kidney failure, which has got bad really fast and he is now going on dialysis. He doesn't want to take earlier retirement, so he is doing the dialysis he gets at home because that will allow him to still work (well, he will have to go off sick for a while but after that he can go to work as normal)... but that means things NEED to be sterile. So, that means the dogs HAVE to go out. I am hoping they can still come in at night, but I will just need to see how things go. I haven't mentioned it until now, but because they will be out more now then there will be more chance of it coming up in conversation.

Now, I have read previous threads on here (hence why I haven't mentioned this before now!) so I have seen most of the reasons people are against kennels... and to be honest, a lot of them make me LOL! My two will not suffer from being outside... they will still get the same walks, we will play in the garden, I will spend time training them and just generally spending time with them so they will certainly not be 'chucked' into a kennel and left. I have actually seen 'chucked' getting used a lot on threads, and I actually find it quite offensive. My dogs are part of the family, and they always will be! I know most people on here won't agree with this decision, but I can't change what is happening, and my dads health is the most important thing.

I know Arrow will enjoying being out (he spends most of his time out there anyway!) and my biggest worry is that once he gets used to be out, he won't want to come back in when I move into my own place! So there is my confession :p
 
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#3 ·
I agree.
As long as you love the dogs and take care of them thats all that really matters.

:yesnod:
 
#4 ·
i see nothing wrong with it :D

the only time i have a problem with dogs being kenneled is when there are just left not botherd with ect. i personaly dont like to see a dog out but thats because i would miss them :) sayign that im sure lexi would live out if i let her. every one has there own prefrance

there your dogs its your choice nobody should judge you for it :D
 
#5 ·
It must be a huge decision for you, and brought about by very hard circumstances, I am sorry to hear about your dad. That's tough and I would guess that he probably feels awful that the dogs have to be outside but it's far better to find a way to cope for now than not have them at all, for their sake as much as yours.

My grandparents dogs always were outside and only allowed into certain rooms of the house (dining room and best living room were not allowed). They were okay - my grandad built them bunk beds and they had little duvets. One useful thing I saw for my shed that's on order is a solar heater. You might want to look at something like that if there is no power there just to warm it overnight. I imagine Maplins might do something or a garden place?

Perhaps when you have a routine you can keep them to one specific room if/when they are allowed in?
 
#6 ·
there is a huge difference between getting a dog then leaving it outside in a kennel all the time and getting a dog, spending lots of time walking and training it and having to kennel it because there is a good reason why it can't come into the house.

There's also a huge difference in dogs' needs according to their breed.

A collie and a collie x shouldn't have any problems with being kenneled over the summer as long as it doesn't get too hot and they have enough shade - Angus likes to spend most of his life out in the garden and is only inside now (at about midnight) because he's been having vocal arguements with a local fox recently so I forced him to come in earlier.

It's obvious to everyone here how much you love and care about your dogs, it's not ideal that they can't come in the house but there's nothing you can do about it, it's for a reason.
 
#7 ·
I hate seeing dogs chained up to a tree and the like. Just goes right through me when I see that.

For a little bit or something is ok but to be left there to live just makes me see cross eyed.
 
#8 ·
Thanks guys... It means a lot when people say they can see how much I love and care about my dogs so I really appreciate that speug! :)

One useful thing I saw for my shed that's on order is a solar heater. You might want to look at something like that if there is no power there just to warm it overnight. I imagine Maplins might do something or a garden place?

Perhaps when you have a routine you can keep them to one specific room if/when they are allowed in?
Thanks... I do have a heater, but it isn't in the kennel yet and I need my dad to do a bit of DIY on the run to get it in okay. I have been told by a number of people though that the chances are they won't need a heater, even in winter, because it is surprising just how hot it can get in a kennel... So, I will wait and see how they get on it... I am hoping it is warm enough that I can sleep out with them for the first while lol... Although, I am hoping to get the garage sorted so they can sleep in there at night (I would feel more comfortable with that). My dad and I are hoping that they can stay in the kitchen at night, but my mum isn't happy with that... but hopefully she will soften lol... she has already softened since October until this week with my dads dialysis.

There is a run attached to the kennel so they will have that as shade, and it means they can sit outside if it is too hot in the kennel at any point.
 
#9 ·
I won't lie, I don't agree with it, but given your dads health problems it's a fair compromise, I just hope you will still spend time with them outside when the weather is really bad, and they won't be forgotten about, hopefully you will get your own place soon, and keep in mind what is best for them too :) if they don't do well in the kennels then what will you do?
 
#10 ·
I won't lie, I don't agree with it, but given your dads health problems it's a fair compromise, I just hope you will still spend time with them outside when the weather is really bad, and they won't be forgotten about, hopefully you will get your own place soon, and keep in mind what is best for them too :) if they don't do well in the kennels then what will you do?
I actually find that offensive... You don't know me so to suggest that there is even a slight possibility that they will be forgotten about or that I won't spend time with them is, IMO, out of order... and I won't even get started on the comment about keeping in mind what is best for them. I adore my dogs... I am always doing my very best for my dogs, and they are my world so rest assured they will not, ever, be forgotten about. I am in the process of sorting the garage out, and we have two old couches in there so that will be our area for when the weather is bad.

I know Arrow will do okay in the kennel, they have been slowly getting used to the kennel and the time being built up and he doesn't bother in the slightest so I know he will do well. I am not sure about Jake, he is slowly getting better in the kennel. If he doesn't do well then I will need to come up with something else, but I will cross that bridge when I come to it.

Can I ask why you don't agree with it?
 
#11 ·
Thanks guys... It means a lot when people say they can see how much I love and care about my dogs so I really appreciate that speug! :)
It's pretty obvious you have their best interest at heart and love them dearly and will do everything you can for them just from your honesty in this thread
Truly refreshing to see people make themself vulnerable that way.
 
#12 ·
Life just isn't ideal sometimes.

I'm sorry to hear of your father's illness and I hope everything goes well for him. Your mother must be terribly worried about him and no doubt she is trying to manage his illness in the best way that she can. It's a very stressful situation for all of you.

The dogs will be fine. Dogs are very adaptable. They have food shelter, your love and care, each other's company and that's really all they want from life. Don't, please, feel badly about them. They can't be inside due to your father's health needs and your mother's - very understandable - anxiety about meeting his needs. NOT YOUR FAULT! NOT ANYONE'S FAULT!

They'll be FINE!
 
#13 ·
Sorry to hear about your dad, wishing him all the best with his treatment:)

It's clear from your previous posts on here that you adore your boys and give them the best care & attention possible and that isn't going to change with them being out in a kennel.
I know dogs that are kennelled and they have no issues they are still walked, trained and loved, perhaps more so than some dogs I know that are kept inside, only thing is Arrows coat will probably get thicker, maybe Jakes too... The short/standard coated gsd's I know that are kennelled have really fluffy/thick coats :)

I have no issues with dogs being kennelled by responsible owners (like you) and we are in fact in the process of clearing two areas and laying slabs for kennels/runs ourselves. All of mine like being outside but I don't like leaving them out in the garden unsupervised/can't leave Kodi and Z together unsupervised. They will be out for a few hours a day and in the house at night, although I have a feeling that Rose and Z won't want to come back in :rolleyes: :)
My mums actually going in for an op mid June and will be off work/not allowed to do anything much for 6-8 weeks and that's the other reason for the kennels as I'll be looking after her and all 4 dogs and doing all the housework etc(whilst dads at work/away on pre-op made days out/away) so just not posible for me to supervise Kodi and Z all the time and they will prefer being outside to being stuck inside in their crates, will also be easier to give them their bones separately when we switch to raw:)

But back to you, Arrow and Jake will both be fine/happy wether they can get in at night or have to be out full time (whilst your dad gets treatment and/or beyond). As Ozrex said they have food, shelter, your love and care, each other's company and that's really all they want from life:)
 
#14 ·
The only time I have a problem with kennels being used for dogs is when the dogs are left out there 24/7 and virtually ignored , or the wrong type of kennel is got because its 'cheaper'

In your case I highly doubt either of those apply as I know just how important your babies are to you , so dont worry hun , I dont think anyones going to blame you for your decision

Hope your Dads dialysis goes well :)
 
#15 ·
Good luck.

I have experience of patients waiting for transplants (I see them for other issues) who have been forced to rehome their pets as they need sterile conditions at home (both before and after transplants). I would say that kennels are a fair compromise. It sounds like you have done your research, and are as committed as ever to ensuring the dogs remain happy, healthy and loved. Kennels can be misused (like crates really), but from what I have read of your posts that isnt whats happening, its simply a change of residence!

Best wishes for your dad x
 
#16 ·
It's not for anyone else to agree or disagree - they are your dogs, you adore them, you do the best you can for them. Don't let anyone on here make you feel bad even for a second, you hear me now?:D

Really sorry to hear about your Dad - I am a full time carer for my Mum who is very ill, so I know just how stressful things might be at your home now. Really hope all goes well with your Dad's dialysis x


As an aside, I wonder if there is something going a bit awry on PF if some people are nervous about revealing the choices they make for their dogs....?? I'll hold up hands up and admit I can be judgemental where breeding is concerned when health tests are not done - I've probably been overly harsh sometimes in the breeding section.

I just don't think that anyone should feel even remotely nervous about 'confessing' what they choose for their dogs because they think they might get an overly critical response from fellow PF folk :)
 
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#17 ·
I'm really sorry your Dad has got so bad quickly. It must be a lot of stress.

It is a shame that your Mum decided she didn't want them indoors any more, I read it as she had gotten the kennel in October, before your Dad needed the dialysis, so she didn't want them inside.

How is Jake coping outside with his poorly back end?
 
#18 ·
I'm sorry your dad is so ill, I hope his health improves. Honestly, I completely understand where your mum is coming from and think you are all trying to do what's best for your dad and your dogs. I don't believe that most dogs, if they are well loved and cared for like yours obviously are, care very much where they sleep so long as it is comfortable for them.

I don't think you have anything to feel guilty about at all. The trouble with t'internet is it's full of people who see stuff in very black and white terms and who have idealised notions of how they'd react to situations, rather than a more pragmatic approach. I think some compassion can also be lost when conversations are had at a distance rather than face to face.

That's my roundabout way of saying who cares what strangers think? Your dogs are happy and loved, your dad is ill and needs a sterile environment to get better, you're not doing anything wrong (says this stranger on t'internet ;) )
 
#19 ·
nobody has the right to judge especially when they wouldnt like to be judged themself do what you think best for your situation they will be ok outside with the right shelter as long as there love and care for that all that matters and your dogs are loved n cared for
 
#20 ·
I don't like kennels as such, thats just me and my opinion I like mine with me in the house as part of the family, which is where they would like to be they are people loving cold feeling staffie types..

BUT on the other hand I would do exactly the same as you if I was in that situation, many might think about giving the dogs up but you are doing your best in a situation that is out of your control to do the best for your dad and your dogs and keep the family together... I am sure that once you have your own place things will be different.

I hope it all goes to plan and your dad is OK.
 
#21 ·
Sorry your dad has to go through dialysis. It will be easier once he's got used to the routine. Your dogs will adapt as it is obvious they are much loved and well cared for wherever they.
I have some friends whose staffy decided he preferred to sleep in their garden shed than come inside at night just lay down in there, so they made it cosy for him and he was just fine.
 
#22 · (Edited)
I really don't see why you have to justify your actions on Petforums tbh. Only you really know your circumstances and why you have to do what you have to do. Sometimes life gets in the way of us doing what we want to do and the best we can do then is compromise.

You have obviously put a lot of thought into how kenneling will affect your dogs and given them time to adjust to a different way of life.

Your dogs wont judge you and they are the one's that really matter here. I think that if you plan to spend as much time with them as possible, you keep to a routine and your dogs get adaquate exercise they will probably adjust to life outdoors very well.

Lots of dogs spend all their lives in kennels, hounds for hunting, most working collies, police dogs, army dogs, lots of breeders of pedigree dogs kennel their dogs and many, many rescue dogs. Nobody accuses the people that kennel these dogs of cruelty.

It seems to me you are tackling your problem in a very adult way, at least you're not dumping your dogs in a rescue for them to sort it out, many do.

I wish you much luck and well wishes to your dad.
 
#23 ·
From all your posts you love your dogs and would never forget about them being outside and i think you will spend even more time outside with them and out walking and training them.I know my lot spend most of their time outside when its nice anyway and i have to call my Collie and Aussie in when its summer and time for bed infact i have been known to leave the door open so they can sleep outside if they want to. Collies like being out its not like you are putting chis outside and expecting them to be ok and not yap their little heads off.
I do hope your Dad will be ok and as you say things have to be as sterile as possible and you have found a good solution and not getting rid of the dogs. I am sure they will revert back to indoor dogs when you get your own place i know that puppy farm dogs soon become house dogs
 
#25 ·
Thanks guys... To be honest, I don't care what other people think because I know the situation and have nothing against the dogs being outside (even if I would maybe not choose to do it myself). I have also read many arguments for people being against kenneling and some of them are just laughable. I just wanted to explain the situation so that if in the future, I comment on the dogs 'kennels' people know what I am talking about... it also means I can post garden photos that have the kennel in the background without getting questioned at that time, or people coming to their own conclusions without asking.

I have read the previous threads about kenneling though, and read the arguments which is why I was so reluctant to post lol.

I would much rather kennel the dogs, than rehome them and given it is my mums house, I need to do as she says.

I'm really sorry your Dad has got so bad quickly. It must be a lot of stress.

It is a shame that your Mum decided she didn't want them indoors any more, I read it as she had gotten the kennel in October, before your Dad needed the dialysis, so she didn't want them inside.

How is Jake coping outside with his poorly back end?
Yes, I got the kennel in October. My mum decided a while ago that she didn't want the dogs in the house... for a few reasons... she hates the fur, they get under her feet and we knew at some point in the future my dad would be getting dialysis and going on the transplant list. So, we decided to get the kennel then so they could be used to it. She wanted the dogs in the kennel when we were home, and they would be inside at night and when we went out... they have been spending a lot more time in the house than that though, and she hasn't bothered too much about it. However, now my dad is going to be getting dialysis, they need to go out for him... so she is getting a bee in her bonnet about it again, and is going to be strict with when the dogs are in the house.

We have just started with them spending more time outside and Jake is doing just fine. I have spoken to a few people about this, and having told them about the kennel, and the beds they have, they have said Jake will be just fine out there with his back end. It will just be the same as when he is in the house.
 
#26 ·
I have read the previous threads about kenneling though, and read the arguments which is why I was so reluctant to post lol.

I would much rather kennel the dogs, than rehome them and given it is my mums house, I need to do as she says.

Yes, I got the kennel in October. My mum decided a while ago that she didn't want the dogs in the house... for a few reasons... she hates the fur, they get under her feet and we knew at some point in the future my dad would be getting dialysis and going on the transplant list. So, we decided to get the kennel then so they could be used to it. She wanted the dogs in the kennel when we were home, and they would be inside at night and when we went out... they have been spending a lot more time in the house than that though, and she hasn't bothered too much about it. However, now my dad is going to be getting dialysis, they need to go out for him... so she is getting a bee in her bonnet about it again, and is going to be strict with when the dogs are in the house.

We have just started with them spending more time outside and Jake is doing just fine. I have spoken to a few people about this, and having told them about the kennel, and the beds they have, they have said Jake will be just fine out there with his back end. It will just be the same as when he is in the house.
It really is a shame she doesn't want them around, although as you say it is her house and therefore you cannot have any say in the matter.

I only asked about Jake as I know that out buildings are always colder and draughtier then indoors, no idea why. As a pain sufferer myself I know how my body responds to the colder weather in my joints.

For dialysis, they usually say one room should be pet free and they are fine to live around the house at all other times, just not when it is actually in use.

By the sounds of it though, your Mum had had enough anyway, which is a shame for you and the dogs.
 
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