[36166]

My family currently has two shelties: a 10 year-old male and a 6 year-old female. I am typically at school 5 hours away from home, though I'm now at home for the rest of January. Normally what happens is, when I'm home, the dogs get taken care of. This means, they get walks (we don't have a yard so they have to be inside) they get their teeth brushed, and they get their fur brushed.

However, when I go to school, my parents (the only two people in the house) neglect caring for the dogs. They still get fed, but their teeth don't get brushed and they don't get enough exercise or any walks. This is especially hard on our 10 year-old because he's overweight, has poor dental health, and is starting to get arthritis. I'm certain that it will shorten his life and don't want the same thing to happen to our 6 year-old.

This really upsets me because they agreed to take care of the dogs when I went to school a few years ago but haven't done so. I've tried to explain to them that the dogs can't take care of themselves and it's very similar to neglecting children. Yet, they don't listen and it really pisses me off because I've reminded them over and over again.

I still have a year and a half left of school. I'm not sure what I should do at this point in time, because I want my dogs to live long, healthy lives, but I have to stay in school. Any thoughts?

 

[ElaineV]

Want a real solution?
Earn money and pay a dog walker or doggy daycare to come over and do what your parents wont.

 

[luvourmother]

Can the dogs live with u?

 

[36166]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ElaineV

Want a real solution?
Earn money and pay a dog walker or doggy daycare to come over and do what your parents wont.

That's a good idea. I do have money to spend on that, but it might be difficult considering I live in rural Nebraska, and I'm not sure how many dogwalkers we have in town. It may also shrink my funds fairly quickly depending upon the rate that is charged, though I've honestly never looked so I'll do that.

Plus, that still leaves the dental care. I would buy dental chew things, but those could get expensive as well (especially if I'm paying a walker too). Any suggestions on these?

Quote:

Originally Posted by luvourmother

Can the dogs live with u?

No. My university requires that students spend 4 years in the dorms unless there are extenuating(sp) circumstances. I've thought about transferring because of how much I resent my parents for what amounts to just being lazy, but there aren't many apartments that allow dogs and probably not many houses that I could afford anyway. I'd also be throwing away thousands of dollars in scholarship if I did transfer...but I luv mah doggies.

 

[AlainWinthrope]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ElaineV

Want a real solution?
Earn money and pay a dog walker or doggy daycare to come over and do what your parents wont.

Good advice, his parents probably aren't going to change their behavior. You can also try paying a neighbor, which might cost less than a professional walker. You might want to compromise on the teeth and hair brushing, though, or have it done less often. It's terrible that the college demands that you stay in a dorm. Dorms tend to cost more than renting off campus.

 

[36166]

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlainWinthrope

Good advice, his parents probably aren't going to change their behavior. You can also try paying a neighbor, which might cost less than a professional walker.

I'm not sure whether a neighbor would work seeing that I don't know any of my neighbors. Plus, the older one really doesn't like strangers and since he's overweight it does take some encouragement to get him out on a walk.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlainWinthrope

You might want to compromise on the teeth and hair brushing, though, or have it done less often. It's terrible that the college demands that you stay in a dorm. Dorms tend to cost more than renting off campus.

The dogs don't need too much hair brushing at the moment since it's winter. I've tried to convince them to brush the dogs' teeth at least 2 times a week with 3 being preferable. Apparently, that's too much work. The older one already has a rotting molar and I'm trying to salvage it, but once I leave I imagine it will get worse again.

 

[vegbunny83]

If your parents really refuse to brush the dogs' teeth, have you considered paying for yearly dental cleanings for the dogs and having your parents buy enzymatic chews/rinses from the vet? The enzymatic products aren't as effective as brushing the dogs' teeth (in my opinion) but they will provide some protection against calculus buildup if given regularly. Also, maybe at least get them to put some of the doggy toothpaste on a treat and give it to the dogs once a day. If it is the enzymatic toothpaste, the enzyme action will help clean their teeth, and it's not as time-consuming as brushing.

Also, perhaps pay for the dogs to go to a professional groomer once a month so their coats stay nice. The doggy daycare/dog walker idea is good as well.

 

[whisper]

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