What about the dog?

There is no right or wrong answer here. Only you can decide what to do.

There are groups like rover.com that are fantastic in a pinch. You can have them dog sit in your house or theirs.

Best of luck to you. It’s a difficult decision. I adore animals.

Almost 2, eh. Bit of a handful, I expect?!

Dogs generally settle into a more manageable and sober middle age at about 4-6 (depending on breed/type, of course). Not that they don't still need plenty of exercise and social contact, but the furry whirlwind impressions become less frequent.

I have to ask, please don't be offended - are you currently feeling you've bitten off more than you can chew?

When I think of "teenage" dogs I remember best my DIL's brother's Staffie, whom DIL was dog-sitting for the weekend. We went as a family party to Richmond Park, human adults and three dogs, DIL responsibly keeping Lola on an extendable lead, but honestly! - it was like a cannon ball on a cheese-wire - I'm sure she cut at least three of us off at the knees at one point. The next occasion when I spent any time with Lola was a big family house party about four years later, and she was a different dog. She divided her time between my MIL and my mother, sitting quietly with her head at patting height next to one elderly human and then padding across the room to the other.

So if Pup is only two, and DH is doing his fair share of the dog care, I honestly should hold tight to her. The exercise, stress-relief, companionship - and, simply, love - that you'll gain will contribute so much to your wellbeing.

You're not wrong to want your dog to be happy. Of course not.

How long have you had this dog?

What bothers me is that it sounds as though you're preparing to sacrifice your own wellbeing to your mother's needs when you don't even know that she'll have any, let alone needs so time-consuming that you won't be able to cope with them and a dog. Thinking ahead is all very well, but I'd suggest you're rather getting ahead of yourself, and in a terribly pessimistic way.

I can only speak for myself, but if I'd had to give up my dog to care for my mother I would have resented her for it.

Does your mother like the dog?

Is the dog a good car passenger?

How old is the dog? If you're past the housebreaking stage, it's not as imperative to be home all of the time.

The problem that I foresee with all of these pandemic adoptions: right now, it's all very wonderful that everyone is working from home, unable to travel, etc. to adopt a new pet; but there will come a day when things will go back to normal. Then what is going to happen to all of these pets adopted during the pandemic? I have this fear that as empty as the shelters are now, they will be full to bursting once things return to normalcy.

Can you guarantee that the family with whom you place your beloved pet will not turn around and rehome the poor thing once their life returns to normal?

We got a puppy (an 8 week old female Samoyed) while I was taking care of my mom 24/7. I personally was so thankful to have her and her cheerful puppy-optimism while everything else was so sad. I myself would not give up my dog - if you have parents and/or in-laws who are expecting you to travel to their homes to take care of them, then they can put up with your dog coming along for the ride. Who knows, they might even benefit from having a pet around - pet therapy is a useful and beneficial tool in nursing homes!

If bringing your pet with you during your travels is absolutely impossible, then there is also the option of doggy-day-care, or services that will come to your home and walk/spend time with you dog when you can't be there. Many people own pets and are gone for extended periods of time during the day working, and the pets are fine.

I agree with Geaton, most dogs can adapt to new situations beautifully, and I would not prematurely give up my pet for adoption until I really had exhausted all other options. I have no doubt you love your dog, but don't let panic make a decision as big as this before you see what else you can do.

Good luck.

I’m not a dog lover. Don’t take to the dog pound or shelter. Find a home where the dog will be well cared for and loved,

If you want what is best than by NO MEANS give your pup up. The only thing I would do is maybe look for a family to baby sit if the need came up so you can size them up as you plan ahead in case god forbid something happened to you....but to be that pup's family and then be out of his /her life is cruel and traumatic and uncalled for. Dogs have a capacity to adapt, but there is no way to replace the life long relationships and love they have known with the people they are closest to imo. Your pup will be better off during this time adapting to less attention but having quality time with YOU than being sent to be with others.

Dogs do bless us, normally ;-) They are not people, so they don't need the same things that we do. Two or 3 walks a day (exercise), nutritious food in appropriate quantities, boundaries (training) and some affection are what dogs need. Dogs can add to our daily stresses when they become sick, make messes in our clean homes, and damage stuff. Regular and emergency vet bills can add up. This is part of dog ownership.

You are not wrong at all for wisely seeing that this may not be the best time to have a dog. Just wanted to let you know that dog ownership is great, but it comes with downsides and this is normal. You have not failed in any way. I have 3 sons and we waited until I was working part time to get a dog. I didn't want it to be alone in the house all day. I'm not judging anyone who does this, I just knew I wouldn't feel comfortable with it. So glad I waited. I hope you can look forward to a time when having a puppy will bring you much daily joy.

No, you're doing the right thing.

We impulsively got a Border Collie puppy who was struggling with Parvo and was too young to be taken from his mother, so had major digestive issues. Also was a runt, which was fine, but was going to require a LOT more energy and time than I wanted to put in.

After a week of non-stop cleaning the floors and taking this little guy down 8 icy stairs to the spot DH wanted him to use as his potty (24 hrs a day--no breaks!) I was sick and exhausted. DH went out of town and just called a few times, begging me to ride it out--he'd come home and deal with the dog. Well, he'd been home 3 days with him and simply put the dog on the bed with him and dealt with all the diarrhea and pee in the am. Rather, I did.

This was unfair to the dog. I did not have the connection to him I could have had. It wasn't anyone's fault, it was just a bad decision.

I rehomed the dog through an accredited agency while DH was out of town. He is with a family who sadly, lost THEIR old Border Collie a few days after they took Tucker. It was a win-win. I've seen pics of him and he is so happy with his new family.

After the rescue woman took the dog, my stress level dropped to normal and I wasn't crying all day.

My YD is still mad at me for not keeping him, but that's her problem. Ilearned that I have to care for myself before I can care for a dog again. (We have ALWAYS had a dog and I have ALWAYS been the one who did all the work).

DH REALLY wants a dog, but I told him we can't revisit this until he can be the one responisble for it. That will be never.

You're NOT wrong to want the best for your dog. It shows you are kind and thoughtful. I wish you luck in rehoming--if that is what you choose to do.

It’s kind of you to be thinking of the dog’s best interests. Many people get a pet and find life circumstances change and they don’t have the time for it any longer. If you reach out locally, on groups such as NextDoor, tell the situation and the kind of home that would be better, you may be surprised to find a new placement that you’ll feel good about