Dog days

[RN4LaftR]

I really need some advice here. I hope someone can help me. Some lady I took care of a long time ago left her dogs to me in her will. The thing is, I hate dogs...especially little tiny dogs. One of these is old, blind, has only three legs, and the other one has diabetes, needing three insulin injections per day. It has a tumor on its scrotum and pees every time it wags its tail. Also, the first dog licks my face all the time while I am trying to sleep. I work nights at an LTC and was thinking that this dog would be a good companion for one of the residents.

Othwerwise, I am thinking of putting him down. What would you do?

[netglow, ASN, RN]

Sorry OP but,

You just made me laugh SO hard!!!

again, sorry but

and I do love animals.

[canoehead, BSN, RN]

She should have asked you if you were willing and able to care for the dogs BEFORE she left them to you. I'm a big animal lover, but I don't think you have an obligation beyond finding a good home, or a peaceful closing to their lives. They don't sound like the healthiest pair.

[Diane in Ohio]

Couldn't she have left you something else????

Judging from their conditions, I would say they are close to end of their life cycle. The one requiring injections and has a tumor and pees is probably not a happy dog and probably should be put down. If one has to go, the other may be lost without it's friend and actually die of a broken heart (I've had this happen when 2 dogs are brought up together)

But if you want to try to give the first dog a shot at life with love and companionship from one of the residents, I say go for it. However, how will the resident feel if they become attached very quickly to the dog and it passes away not long after?

Tough call.....

[Jules A, MSN]

This is a challenging pair and I commend you for thinking about it before doing something. If it would be possible for them to live with your patients in LTC I think that might be wonderful for both them and the dogs. My dogs are my babies so although she should have given you a heads up please know what a compliment it was that she entrusted these little ones with you. Good luck.

[rkitty198, BSN, RN]

I am sure this is hard to deal with but,

I would feel so honored, because the dogs were probably her most prized posession. Too bad it wasnt a car, a house, money :) but to her they probably were just as valuable to her.

I would gift them to another resident. Do you think you would still have to care for them financially? Would a resident be able to meet the medical needs of the dog? If not I would consider putting the poor thing down. Sounds like the pup is probably miserable.

However ill they are, I think that was a beautiful gift she left you.

[Trekfan]

I am sure this is hard to deal with but,

I would feel so honored, because the dogs were probably her most prized posession. Too bad it wasnt a car, a house, money :) but to her they probably were just as valuable to her.

I would gift them to another resident. Do you think you would still have to care for them financially? Would a resident be able to meet the medical needs of the dog? If not I would consider putting the poor thing down. Sounds like the pup is probably miserable.

However ill they are, I think that was a beautiful gift she left you.

No,

The LTC takes over the care of the dogs in most if not all cases i have seen and there us never a shortage of staff wanting to sign up to help out with pup. It's a win win for all every time .

[Tabbyg20]

I would look for someone to adopt it. I know there are people out there that will take in pets that are close to the end of their time... My nephew adopted a dog that nobody wanted and a dog that is very needy (medically and emotionally). I would try my best to find an owner. Obviously the lady entrusted a very dear part of her life to you because she knew you would do what is best for them...and not because she despised you.

[GHGoonette, BSN, RN]

This has to rank amongst The Top Ten Oddest Stories I Have Read on Allnurses.

Op, before doing anything, have them assessed by a good vet, one who can give you an idea of their approximate age and advise you as regards care.

The tumor on the scrotum might be nothing worse than a cyst and easily operable. Peeing while tail wagging is probably due to excitement and can be addressed by an animal behaviourist.

I advise this because if you're planning to either return them to the LTC or find another home for them , it's considerate to have their health issues checked out first.

Strange you say you hate dogs, but you already have them sleeping on your bed..

[merlee]

This is an absolute riot - - you accepted dogs, and on another thread, a person turned down a house.

I surely would have accepted a house, and refused the dogs.

Have the dogs evaluated, and go from there.

[BOOYARN]

animal lover , but ur taking care of patients all day long then coming home and taking care of animlas ..... oh NOOOOO WAY!

i would drop them off at a shelter , as sad as that may seem but i would

[Indy, LPN, LVN]

I was going to say, if it has a tumor on its scrotum... a neuter is a really inexpensive surgery...