I don't know what to do

[tijya]

I think we should rehome Jyra, but my husband doesn't agree. He firmly believes that a pet is for life, with which I agree. However, I also feel she isn't getting the kind of care she deserves.

I've taken on too much right now. I'm in the middle of a teaching practicum that is wearing me down, stressing me out, etc. In May we are moving out of province and I will be swamped with a new job.

I guess I don't have much of a point, but I just don't know what to do. I don't even know where to start. If I decide she would get better care elsewhere, how do I even begin? I hate the idea of giving her up, but I truly think it would be best for her. She is my pet more than my husbands, so if I decided to do this, it would be ok I guess, but I just don't know if I should.

Ugh, this is such a hard decision! Sorry for my rambling, but when I talk to my husband about it, he shuts me down right away. :(

[hemi_mygirl]

Like your husband, I believe a pet is for life. But when she isn't getting the attention she deserves, it may be better for her sake to give her up. However, if he doesn't want to give her up, maybe he should take over the brunt of the responsibility for her, until things slow down a bit for you.

[HedgieMate]

I agree with Hemi's mom. You wouldn't be feeling torn or confused unless you care very much for your pet. I know how overwhelming things appear at times in life. I also know your pet requires and deserves your attention and love no matter what's going on in your life. If you can't give it, adopting out might be your last resort, for the sake of the pet. However, I think you should see if you could enlist your husband for temporary caregiving. A little help may go a long way...

[Melody]

I actually find that my pets are DE-stressing for me. After a hectic day at the office, it's great to come home to the zoo -- The birds greet me with "Momma's Home," "Heyyy Baby!" "I LOVE you" "Go woorrrkkk??.", the chinnies wake up to welcome me too. Okay, I have to nudge the hedgehog, but once she's awake, she's happy to see me too. Even when I'm up to my armpits cleaning up shavings and assorted poops, at least I'm thinking about how cute and lovable this littlest of God's creations are. And how true to their nature they are, unlike too many humans!!!! I think you should see if you can find a way to include balance in your life, and the time you spend with your baby as an escape from (or to, depending on your perspective) the real world.

[HedgeMom]

I think we should rehome Jyra, but my husband doesn't agree. He firmly believes that a pet is for life, with which I agree. However, I also feel she isn't getting the kind of care she deserves.

I've taken on too much right now. I'm in the middle of a teaching practicum that is wearing me down, stressing me out, etc. In May we are moving out of province and I will be swamped with a new job.

I guess I don't have much of a point, but I just don't know what to do. I don't even know where to start. If I decide she would get better care elsewhere, how do I even begin? I hate the idea of giving her up, but I truly think it would be best for her. She is my pet more than my husbands, so if I decided to do this, it would be ok I guess, but I just don't know if I should.

Ugh, this is such a hard decision! Sorry for my rambling, but when I talk to my husband about it, he shuts me down right away. :(

Well, pets ARE for live, until you aren't able to provide the best possible home for them. Then the responsible thing is to put the animal's wellbeing ahead of yourself.

That said, can your husband take over some of the responsibilities around the house so you are less stressed and less pressed for time? Can he do the laundry, fix dinner a few nights each week, tidy up the house, clean the hedgehog? Maybe a redistribution of responsibilities will help lighten your load.

I hope everything turns out well for you.

[keeja820]

where will you be moving too? i might be able to take her in :D
or maybe even take a road trip to you or half way....i live in toronto!! please let me know! :hearts:

[boomer7]

Like your husband, I believe a pet is for life. But when she isn't getting the attention she deserves, it may be better for her sake to give her up. However, if he doesn't want to give her up, maybe he should take over the brunt of the responsibility for her, until things slow down a bit for you.
I believe the same thing and I think its a very good idea :)

[hemi_mygirl]

I actually find that my pets are DE-stressing for me. After a hectic day at the office, it's great to come home to the zoo -- The birds greet me with "Momma's Home," "Heyyy Baby!" "I LOVE you" "Go woorrrkkk??.", the chinnies wake up to welcome me too. Okay, I have to nudge the hedgehog, but once she's awake, she's happy to see me too. Even when I'm up to my armpits cleaning up shavings and assorted poops, at least I'm thinking about how cute and lovable this littlest of God's creations are. And how true to their nature they are, unlike too many humans!!!! I think you should see if you can find a way to include balance in your life, and the time you spend with your baby as an escape from (or to, depending on your perspective) the real world.

I find my animals are like that too. There's nothing I enjoy more after a hectic day at school than our puppy meeting me at the door with kisses and drool, and then Hemi waiting inside her bag for me. The minute she hears me open my door, she pokes her head out and gives me a chirp. I cuddle her for a bit, and then put her down to go back to sleep. it just balances out my life. :)

[tijya]

I do find pets can be relaxing, but I also have two bunnies, and my husband has a dog. The bunnies have individual health issues that require a little bit of extra time. They get bumped up in terms of priority because of that, which is sad for Jy.

I didn't really want to come and check the responses because even thinking about this makes me feel sick to my stomach. Ugh.

I could ask my husband to take on more, but he already does a lot for me. He's also not really attached to her, he just believes firmly that keeping her is 'right.' I don't think it helps that she doesn't like him very much. She's not exactly social, but she's not so bad with me. But part of that is because I do try to give her the time she needs, even though it is lacking lately.

keeja, that might be something for me to think about. We are moving to North Bay. It all just makes me sad. :(

[keeja820]

keeja, that might be something for me to think about. We are moving to North Bay. It all just makes me sad. :(

Hey hun, i sent you a PM earlier about her...