SearchWe are moving across the country
I am new here and do not really know where to post. I can't even stand what I am about to write. This was never in the plan when I bought my dogs. We are needing to move back to NH after being gone for more than 10 years. We live in Il and cannot possible travel across the country with 5 children and 2 Dobermans in the van for 2-3 days. I believe that I may have a good home for my female with some friends of ours. I very much need a good home for our male with someone who knows how to properly take care of Dobermans. I am not ashamed to say that this has brought me to tears each time that I think about it to long. I am not interested in recooping all of the money that we have put in them, I am more worried about getting them a good home. I cannot drop them off at a shelter or with someone who will not train them and care for them in the right way. These dogs are part of the family and this is a very hard thing to do. I am hoping that someone is looking to work with an older Doberman puppy who is 9.5 months old. I will give all of his info to the right person who is interested in him. I can also send pics and videos upon request. If you know someone who this Dobe would be a good fit for, please pass my info and this message to them and I will post more info. Thank you. Tina
We moved aross country with our dobe and 2 young children. We wanted to drive but decided it would be too stressful on the whole family to do so. We opted for flying, that way our dobe, who was only 6 months at the time, came on the same flight as us. We picked him up at the other end and it only cost us about an extra $100 on top of our own flights. IMO it was well worth it! I couldn't ever imagine not taking my baby with me wherever I go! As Tali mentioned, would you leave your child behind? I truly hope you find a solution to your dilema that works for everyone.
Regards
Sian
I've done both - traveled in a motorhome across the country, and also put all three of mine at the time on the plane to come back. Even my two older dogs did fine on the plane. They were nine years old, and had never been on a plane. Gabe was 8 weeks old when he flew across the country, alone, to come and be with me.
The people at the airlines were unbelievably wonderful - they all loved dogs, and knew I was beside myself with worry. They were angels to me and my dogs.
It took us three days to get here 10 years ago. We had 2 U-hauls and 6 kids backs then. Our oldest is now married and can no longer help. We have to stay in hotels twice when we get too tired for driving. There is only one child old enough for helping with the Dobes, but one of the main issues is there is no room. We cannot fly them and have them magically end up at a safe kennel. We have been through all of this ourselves and have concluded that if we can find someone who would love them as much as we do, we would find them a great home. Most hotels along the way only take dogs that are under 65 pounds. But again there is no room. We are needing to find them good homes. Our good friends have had Dobes in the past and were really hoping that they could buy one of ours before we move and we have agreed to that. They have the love and a big yard and the money to take care of my girl just fine. I want a home like that for my male. This may be a blessing for someone who is not able to do the whole puppy teething thing, and housebreaking, etc.
Hopefully you bought your dog from a reputable breeder and forgot to contact them about this. In my contract I require the buyers notify me and I will take back any of my puppies/dogs should their families need to rehome them.
The other thought was, what about having your friend take the dogs to the airport at a later date once you are settled and fly them to you. Where there is a will there is a way.
If you are hell bent on giving your pets away then you could also contact rescue groups that specialize in dobermans.
The idea of my friend flying them is a good one that we had not thought of. And as far as being "hell bent on giving my pets away"....... well that has never been an issue. I have been in tears everyday trying to find a solution that works best for them and us. I really would rather that they are not locked up in a cage at a rescue. Surely with all of the people out there, someone would be looking for an older pup.
This is a doberman rescue in New Hampshire. The breeder should be able to help you or take the pup back like mddobermans said.
Thank you for that, but the big problem that we are having is getting them to NH. We live in IL. right now.
Most breed specific rescues use foster homes, so they are not cages. I am a foster mom and my foster baby is sleeping at my feet right now under my desk at work.
The wonderful thing about breed specific rescues is that they will do all the leg-work for you. They know the breed really really well and will match them to a home that can handle a doberman. I have heard horror stories about re-homing.
Oh, I feel I may have some hope. I did not know this. I just know how much Dobes want to be near their people. And I do not want someone to trick us into getting our Dobe and then treating them badly.
Illinois Doberman Rescue is truly one of the BEST places. You can trust that they will take excellent care of your dobe and find the best possible placement for them.
wow, I don't' really care if it sounds mean or not it's unbelievable to me that you simple 'don't have room' for your dogs. Ditch the stupid furniture or some other bit of junk we all tend to keep and fit them in for Goodness sake. It's 3 days - trust me they will survivie just fine cramped in the car with their family much better than being dumped off at a convienent shelter. Sleep in the car with them if you have to it's 2 nights....if you cared for them as you say you do you would have already found a way to 'fit' them in.
Lori, I honestly feel the same way about this situation, but if the O.P. is determined to find a placement, I would rather see them go to a good Rescue group with an excellent reputation rather than just be given away to someone who doesnt have a clue about taking care of a doberman.
I would do whatever it took to keep my dogs with me if the only reason I was looking to rehome them was because I was moving and it might be a little bit inconvenient to take them with me on the trip.
I'm with ya! I also would hope they go to a rescue if they are determined to get rid of them...Just infuritates me to hear how easily someone can just leave a family member behind when it becomes too much work.
Ya, right. Sleep in the car in Oct. or Nov.!! I also have children to take care of. The youngest are 3 and 5. How retarded is that? Oh, sorry children, I cannot take care of you, the DOGS COME FIRST We have been getting rid of things left and right for your info. Again, I was hoping that this fellow would be a blessing to someone who was looking for a great dog to love. I was not wanting to be harrassed on a forum from people who know nothing about us, the kind of people that we are and what is the best thing to do for our family and pets. And I am sure that you really don't care how mean you sound. Please respond only if you can help.
Thank you for your help! Much appreciated!
I am so glad that you know our situation! When people are dying from cancer, they have a lot of things to work out that are very hard. Thanks for your kind words!
from Love My Dobes: ..."cannot possible travel across the country with 5 children and 2 Dobermans in the van for 2-3 days. I believe that I may have a good home for my female with some friends of ours. I very much need a good home for our male..."
If you think you have a good home for your female, then it's just the male you're not able to take with you? In a VAN? I'd think he'd pretty much be able to squeeze in there somewhere, somehow, and be able to go with you.
Just confuses me, that's all. Good luck solving this problem. I have no other suggestions to give.
Did you call the breeder(s)?? That should be your first move - not looking for homes. If they are in any way decent, they will take the dogs back. My contract requires puppy buyers to return a dog to me if they can't keep it ... at any time during its life.
I would also look into flying them out after you arrive - if a friend can keep them for say a week and you make all the arraingments ahead of time. You could even keep them in a kennel if a friend can't keep them, but can get them on the plane. Or see if a couple of your older kids could stay with friends and fly out after you arrive so that the dogs could travel with you. There are plenty of hotels that will take big dogs. Red Roof Inns will - & there are plenty of them on your route.
If the breeder will not take them back, and you can't (for whatever reason) fly them or a couple of kids out - then contact the Doberman rescue as they are best suited to finding good homes.
I would bend over backwards to keep my dogs, and I also have kids and have made long moves with animals - I understand that your van may be full, but you do have options that will allow you to keep your dogs.
I've done volunteer work with a Doberman rescue and it always amazes me how many people dump their animals when they move. I've known families who made moves between continents and took their dogs.... where there is a will, there is a way. If there is no will...... well, that is a different story.
Fitzmar knows that I moved from Ontario, Canada to Kentucky and back with TEN Dobermans!
I kept 2 with me. I left the other 8 in boarding at my vet's over the weekend to give me and the moving van time to get to the new place and get set up for the dogs. I hired a dog show handler to bring the dogs to me a few days later. Who moves more dogs around than dog show handlers? Um, no one! It worked out perfectly. It was a lot to organize but totally worth it. My dogs are not disposable, period.
A giant nerve has been hit. To the person with the problem you need to understand that this forum would do anything for our Dobes. Now you seem to be in a pickle and you have been given the greatest advice. I expect nothing less from these wonderful people. Dont take what has been said personal. Just because it isnt what you wanted to hear doesnt make it mean. Its just advice on what we would do in your place. Re-homing is not an option that anyone here wants to consider unless its life or death situation. Moving across country or town isnt one of those situations.
Good luck in what you decide.
Tess
I am a Mom of 5 and we moved from Germany to the US. North Carolina to Massachusetts. My youngest being 9 months and 2 yrs old.
Managed to do it with the dogs and without Hubby, because he was deployed at that time.
We flew from Germany to North Carolina and then took a trip in a van up to Massachusetts.
It is doable! Stressful, but not impossible or too hard at all.
I was hoping that this fellow would be a blessing to someone who was looking for a great dog to love
There are "blessings" like this up for adoption all across the country, in rescues and pounds and shelters. Absolutely no shortage of "great dogs to love." If he's such a blessing to you, you'd think you'd be doing everything you could to keep him (and her).
I was just thinking about one of my puppy owners. When they bought Isabelle, they lived in Connecticult. They moved to California with Isabelle. Then they moved from California to Japan with Isabelle. Then they moved from Japan back to California with Isabelle. And then they moved from California to Georgia with Isabelle. That dog had been to more places than me!
@ Love My Dobes - I moved from Illinois to Arizona with three dogs, three cats and my brother. I know I didn't have kids to manage but agree with many of the postings here that you really need to consider options beyond rehoming. It is a move and if you truly love your dogs, then you should consider options beyond rehoming. I worked at Maddie's project, a pet rescue and spay/neuter assistance line here in Arizona and heard time and time again "we are moving," or my dog is not trained so I need to get "rid of it." I know each person's situation is stressful, unique and challenging. I practice non-judgment through my yoga practice but in this instance I am having a really hard time understanding your action and words. Please consider options as shared by many experienced owners on this forum. Namaste.
We moved from Pa. to Spain with our one year old Sofi. No problems whatsoever. I agree with the other postings...dobermans are not just our dogs, they are family and you don't leave them behind. You move heaven and earth to keep them with you. Whatever you have to do. There IS a solution. The doberman loves his/her family with all their hearts, minds and souls. They cannot bear to be parted from them. So please consider the suggestions that have been posted here to keep them with you. Good luck.
I hope I offend no one with this, I will be praying for your family, humans and dogs.
Fortunately, we have not had to move or experience what you are going through. However, every summer we pack the F150 Pick-up; two adults, an 18 year old, a 15 year old, all our camping gear and our 70 pound dobie, Mia. Tight quarters? Yes, but worth every second just knowing that she is safe, secure and sharing memories with the people she loves and the people who love her, as a family member. Think it over carefully. It's not just your life that's upside down for a while, it's everyone's, including the dogs. Get your girl back and suffer the 4 day trip. In the end you won't regret it if your dobie's are true family members. Good Luck!
I too am praying for all of your family, including your Dobieboy. I'm sure it must be very difficult to deal with a family member with cancer and a long distance move. I hope everything turns out well for all concerned.
I had quite the experience moving my dog to Bahrain from San Diego. Because he was so large at 8 months, we had to move him using a giant crate, which only a few planes able to fly such a large crate. Unfortunately, my flight couldn't handle the giant crate so the wife and I had to find a unique way to get him the first half of our 8000 mile trip since I couldn't change my flight and we found this out 3 days prior to me leaving.
Here's how we did it:
Bought a cargo flight for my guy with United from San Diego to Houston (overnight stay at the airport kennel) then Houston to Ronald Reagan. I had to hire a driver to drive him from Ronald Reagan to Norfolk, VA (during DC rush hour) to meet my flight at Norfolk so we can leave to go overseas (the driver arrived 3 hrs before our flight left and it took him 5 hrs to drive). We jumped a flight overseas and ultimately got to the Middle East safely. It was quite the trip! I don't know how it worked but it did. So many things could've gone wrong; I'm glad it didn't.
After this experience, I must say anything is possible; you just need to think outside the box. Like others above, keep them with friends or a rescue or anywhere for a couple days and your dogs can follow once you've arrived in NH. There are companies that specialize in pet travel or you can do the leg work yourself. It's easier for you as you're staying in the US and don't have to worry about pet import requirements. Lack of room is simply not a reason to not take your dogs. The only requirement is spending a little money and it's 100% possible.
What about renting an RV for the move as a second vehicle ? Skip the hotels along the way and keep the dogs? Is there a RV rental company for one way? My kids aged 7 & 9 could handle my Doberman. And they enjoyed being in charge of walks & food, etc.
I can't imagine the heart ache of loosing the dogs. If you must, please use a Doberman rescue. They won't let your dogs go to just any one. They screen very carefully and do home inspections to ensure the dog has a forever home. They won't let the dog go where it would be used for breeding stock to a puppy mill, or abused.
I apologize if some sounded too harsh. We don't know your whole story. Just the little paragraph you began with. We hadno idea of your other difficulties with cancer. Such a terrible situation. DJ's dad is from that area, and a kind person who has suggested a great rescue. If they aren't in your immediate area, call them anyway. They may be able to organize a sort of way with volunteers to get your dogs into the rescue. They go to great lengths to help this breed. You loose nothing but a phone call to try this! Best of luck and best wishes for your family trip & recovery.
Oh wow, love the advice, especially about the flying the dobermans in after settling in great idea, and Karjinx that's a wonderful idea with the RV rental they have those all over the USA now......and I agree with DJ Dad that in a van that one dog should be able to squeeze in somewhere, and yes I would sleep in my car to keep my animals, the kids might consider it an adventure and it would teach them to value their animals as family and that you don't leave a family member behind or give them away when they become an inconvenience....I remember sleeping in the car for several nights to get to the beach when I was a kid and loved it & thought nothing of it.....
There should be enough ideas here to allow you to keep you dogs and if not by all means call the breeder first.....I work in rottweiler rescue and this sort of thing happens all the time and it's very hard to find quality homes for these larger dogs that require a knowledgeable person to have......
Here is what happens to the dogs that once were in a family and then became an inconvenience:
At one point this guy was in a family, yes this is a real photo of a real doberman needing a home, I just received this tonight with a heartfelt plea....working in rescue I get these types of pics pleading with me hourly to help find a rescue or a home and asking if our rescue could make an exception for "this" dog or "that" dog, since we are breed specific to rottweilers, rescues still hold out hope that there is one opening for a different breed in order to save them.....this is why it is imperative that anyone and everyone try to keep their dogs with them if at all possible regardless of the trouble it might present at the time.....
What tears me up every time is the facial expressions, this guy should have a spark in his eye and his ears up and standing proudly waiting for something to do or wiggling all over cause his life is happy and his people are there; instead his spirit is crushed and he is lonely and confused along with frightened and why - because his people left him behind for some reason like he was disposable.....
Didn't want to upset anyone but wanted you all to know that the remarks about the dogs possibly ending up in rescue later is a truth that won't go away......the number of dogs that pass through my mail every day is heartbreaking and I am just one person in rescue imagine how many are out there needing a home and for what reasons??? the number one reason - I'm moving........by the way this is not a rescue since he is in a holding cell instead of a foster home, he is in a shelter and we can only pray that it is no kill.......I am unfamiliar with this particular shelter.........
I HAVE to get rid of my dog, it won't fit... in... the...car????? Are you f'in serious?????
This makes me so sad. I remember when I had to give away my Boston Terrier back in 2006. I was in the Army and came down on hardship orders to go to Korea. I could not bring family or pets with me. For the life of me I could not find anyone to take her for a year to return her to me. I ended up having to give her and all of her belongings to the secretary of the department that I worked in at the time. I couldn't to sell her and I would be damned if I was going to put her in the pound. She was like a daughter to me and it just broke my heart.
Luckily becuause I knew who I gave her to I was able to keep in touch. Four years later I moved back to Ga. where they are and I am lucky enough to get to see her :o) Her owner will not give her back I know because I tried and tried before we decided to get Chico, but she allows me to spend time with her here and there.
If I were you I if there were any way possible I would recommend that you try your very best to bring you dogs with you. There have been so many great suggestions. Maybe you can even find a temporary home for them until you get settled. It sounds like you do have a lot going on right now. I wish I had had the oppurtunity to do so when I had to go to Korea.
Chico sends hugs to you and your family. Safe travels.
Seriously, take two vehicles. Where is the commonsense in this whole situation. Either you value them or you don't. The amount of discussion put into this is crazy. With keeping family together where is there is a will there is a way.
Kaisesr~~I saw this thread the other day and posted EXACTLY the same words you just did.
" Where there's a will there's a way".. I added a few other things too, then thought better of it and deleted the rest as somehow, I didn't think it would do any good, and my heart was breaking.
Most of us would crawl over broken glass to keep our Dobermans.. There's very little that would cause us to WANT to give them away.. other than the fact that there is 'no will.'
I moved from Wyoming to California with 3 dogs, 4 cats, 2 birds and 3 kids. We took 2 cars. I also moved from Illinois to Wyoming with dogs and a horse in the dead of winter, we borrowed a pick up and a trailer. I think it can be done!
The pic speaks volumes. Enough said.
Tess
this is clearly the case of having an easy out to just get rid of the dog, without feeling guilty about dumping the pooch. Seriously, how many people who love their dogs decide to turn them into rescue because they don't have room in the van when they move?
Hate to say it, but this is one of those situations where it's probably in the dogs best interest to go to idr.
I am so shocked, I do not want even seem to be polite!!! All in tears? People are so twofaced and cruel. It does not too seem to be an issue to travel with 5 kids, you dont think of finding them good home,ah? Terrible.... No comments
touche!
This is somewhat related, but a little off base.
My very own sister did this and I could not believe it, BTW I have 3 sisters this one has two cats for her children and no other animals.
My sister gave birth and had a difficult delivery she ended up with an emergency c-section and a bad infection in the c-section scar, she was unable to care for my nephew as she was not able to even lift his weight, which cause very bad post partem depression.
She was having a horrible time and she had my brother-in-law take both their dogs to the pound. I happened to show up after her husband had taken the dogs to the pound. He was getting ready to take MY cat to the pound. I was very young had lost my job and was forced to move back to my parents my Dad would not allow my cat so my sister agreed to keep her until I got another place. I was with my parents for only 4 months this was a short period of time.
I was completely appauled that my own sister would do this. I would have never thought that my sister would have ever reacted this way EVER. I am in no way saying this behavior is acceptable, but given that I saw my sister go through this experience, I wonder if there is a point where people just do not think rationally when faced with adversity. I will add that my sister has regreted this decision for years and years.
Again, I would strap luggage to the hood of my car if that is what it took to find room for my Shelbi, but we do not know the circumstances or the mental condition that could be caused by whatever the "cancer" situation is here. This person referenced "people dying from cancer" it could be this person that is dying from cancer not a family member. If that is the case she/he is looking at the faces of a spouse, 3 kids and 2 dogs that she/he will not be there to see get older.
Please do not get me wrong I just like everyone else here would do anything for any of my animals, but we do not know if this person is under enough mental anguish to not think rationally in reference to the animals. If this person is the care giver for the animals it could be that she/he is trying to find a home where they will receive the best care in the event of this persons death. I personally can say that if something happened to me that Shelbi would not be cared for the same way if I was not here.
These are just some thoughts I had to try and understand what this person is thinking to just want to dispose of their dogs this way.
As opinionated as we ALL are, we may want to consider that we do not know the whole story here, as some people do not broadcast all of there personal issues.
Jeri
I think you are right. We should ask more information before jumping to conclusions. May be we should have just make suggestions and hope for the best. A possibility that the poster can't see for themselves. I feel horrible that the poster may have been the one with cancer. Even if it wasn't the poster with cancer, but perhaps the spouse or child. It 's such a devastating thing.
The original poster went by the name of LOVE MY DOBES. this person was hoping to find a good home for her male as I read it. Not to put the dog down. We should have suggested the rescue and explained how they screen new owners rather than to start a word war. This person asked for help, or the how to re home.
I feel sad.
Kar jinx if it helps - I think rescue was mentioned and lots and lots of suggestions, I think most areas were covered. I do feel that maybe the op was the one with the cancer, but she also made it sound as if she wanted to take the dogs but couldn't because there was no room, and everyone wanted to show her how it could be done. I feel maybe more questions should have been asked for certain but there was every indication that this person would keep their dog or dogs if they could and that was the problem....
I could just be to optimistic, but my gut is telling me that there is more to this story than was originally posted. I would have to say that asking for ideas from strangers about what to do with your dogs is probably alot easier than saying "I am dying", or "My spouse is dying".
I know that we all are opinionated and very protective of our fur babies. I guess sometimes I agree with responses on GD, but other times I feel that people are to quick to pounce on someone without taking into consideration that there may be personal issues that the OP doesn't want to make public, especially to strangers.
I do not know "Loves My Dobes", but I am trying to put myself in her/his shoes and think of what situation would prompt such a drastic and heart-wrenching decision.
Jeri & Shelbi
I think I'll have to agree with Jeri. If I was dying, and had to get my affairs in order, that would include my fur babies. My mind would not be rational. I might be more clear later, but not at the moment I knew I was dying and could not keep my baby. He's my world. I have had people comment "do you have a life other than your dogs"? ( yes & no) I might need a nudge in the right direction. I might need a stranger's kind advice. I might snap at suggestions, especially if I honestly asked advice and then felt attacked and made to feel like I did not care when I really do. If this was me, I would have hoped that one of you on this forum who care so much about your own dogs, may have room to take on mine or know some one equally caring who might have recently lost their Doberman and take mine. I would move a mountain to get him to the right person so I could die in peace. And I would feel assured he would get the best care possible. Even then i would be afraid that no one on this planet could love him as much as i do. You are all here on this forum because of your love & dedication to this marvellous breed. You all would be the turn to people for me. Love you all. You feel like a family to me.
A 65 to 100 pound dog of any breed is a lot to handle for someone going through chemo therapy. And we all know how demanding this breed is.
I have to stay away from this topic, it eats at me. Not off the forum, just this particular topic. It makes me feel like I have kicked a person when they were already down. I know I might be wrong too. I hope that some where in all the suggestions that there was an "ah ha ! " moment for the poster. Something that they hadn't thought of. It's not my intention to make any one feel badly. I just know that next time, I'll ask more information in a gentle way.
i do really love all my new friends here & have respect for your ideas & values. You have brought me laughs and info that I treasure. I look forward to being here daily. And I'll continue to read something here every day.
I've been a member on this forum for several years and love it very much. I've made some life-long friends and have learned an enormous amount.
One thing that I've learned is that the written word sometimes doesn't come out the way it sounds in the writer's head. ( Just like that last sentence Lol) Statements lose something in the translation and without 100% of the information, it's so hard to suggest or recommend solutions.
Not everyone has a way with words and I've been shocked to read some of the responses offered by highly respected members of the Doberman community. They come across arrogant and quite possibly lose the OP who is coming for suggestions not scolding.Usually it's meant to help, but more times than not, offend. I myself ( *sharp intake of breath here) have been snarky and a little too opinionated at times.. We call it 'passionate' it's really just rude. and I humbly apologize.
Jeri, I agree with you, there's probably more to this story than we know.. Kar Jinx, we are a family, and we care deeply for our family members and their dogs.
So maybe asking more questions before offering suggestions might be in order.
Love you all
Katie
Katie,
I think you may have had the last word on this thread. I couldnt agree more.
Tess
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Talisin's CrittersI'm a bit confused, it's just a move and travel of 3 days at most, once you have arrived you should be able to settle the dogs and be ok......I am confused because you are saying that being inconvenienced for 2-3 days is necessitating finding them a home?? I don't mean to be rude, but if they are your family then that means you have 7 children not 5, if you had 7 human children I doubt you would be leaving 2 behind because it would be inconvenient or a hassle to move with them.....this is where, depending on the age of your children that you sit them down and enlist their help and assistance in handling the dogs during the trip, if it's too many bodies in one vehicle then how about renting a second car that allows for one child and one dog and vice versa so that the dogs don't feed off each others anxiety or feeding off the kids keeping the dogs wired.....divide and conquer type theory. Surely this doesn't require leaving your dogs.....once you get settled will you then be getting/adding dogs for the kids in your new home, if so then take your current dogs and board them once you arrive until you are settled into your new home. I am sure that the town probably has a kennel where they can be boarded until you get moved in sufficient enough to bring them home. What about collapsable crates to take along on the trip, they fold flat and if you are staying in hotels then you pop them up and the dogs stay comfy and out of your way then fold them up and hit the road for another day........contact a kennel in the new town set the dogs up there asap, talk to the kids enlist their help, rent a second car, get foldable crates and chew toys and rescue remedy to keep the dogs calm and occupied, and remember it's just 3 days and 2 nights not a lifetime......
there are ways to do this without giving your dogs up......