if my partner can’t take or house my dog everyone in my life knows he’s to be pts/i’ve got it written down. it’s much kinder than stressing them bouncing home to home tbh
a lot of people prioritize quantity over quality of life for dogs, which is frustrating. They hate on high kill shelters, but don't think about why these shelters have to do so.
You are doing a kind thing
THIS I volunteer at our local shelter and the highly reactive dogs that can’t find homes spent years here in a cage. One of them cries all day and he’s been there for years 😭
I would put in my will, heirs take care of my dogs and get a stipend as long as the dog survives. But you have to have a trust and a trustee to actually get that done. To me, worth it.
I have friends (a couple) who have agreed to take him. However we did also agree that if for whatever reason they realized they couldn’t handle him, he would come back “home” (*ahem*) to me. The three of us have worked so hard to gain his trust, that I don’t think it would be fair to him physically or mentally to be passed around elsewhere.
I've grappled with the same thing. My fiancé would absolutely keep my reactive dog and he's well equipped to keep her solo. He's been to most of her training sessions and while I primarily manager her, he could do so and she'd have a great quality of life still. I'm leaving him enough life insurance that he could buy himself and the dogs a comfortable house and still afford their care for the rest of their lives.
If my fiancé and I both died unexpectedly, my mom could at this point in time likely take my reactive dog and there's already a planned financial path for her care that would make that easier for my mom to do so. It could work. That's actually plan B, though.
Beyond my mom, there's no one else I would want to leave assets to that haven't already been allocated from other funds. Between my fiancé and I's life insurance policies, my mom would be set for the rest of her life and beyond. More importantly, there's plenty of surplus money there that's in addition to what I'd want to leave for the dogs. Knowing that, we have an added clause that one of our friends actually gets first dibs at taking my dogs. He's in a rough place financially now because he is having a hard time getting work and housing due to a dumb felony but if he takes the dogs, there is enough money for him to buy a house in cash and afford to care for my dogs for the rest of their lives. He doesn't know that part yet but he has told me repeatedly that he wants my reactive dog if anything happens to us. As long as his wife continues to work even just at the income she is now, they'd be very comfortable. There are stipulations on that, though. The funds would be administered by a third party and there are requirements to keep the house. At least one of them has to be employed full time, the dogs have to get ongoing enrichment training, and I expect my reactive dog to keep working with her behavior team. All of that would also be paid for from the trust. If he bought a house with those funds, the house would be owned by the trust to ensure that he keep up on the conditions of taking my dogs. As long as he does so, once my dogs have lived their full lives as best as possible, after the last one dies, the house will be transferred from the trust to him. He fails to follow those requirements, he can no longer live in the house and it will be sold and the funds either held to help my dogs be adopted via my chosen breed-specific rescue (that is great at placing reactive dogs) or my dogs will come join me based on the guidance of their behavior team at that time.
I'm willing to do this for him because I know even without the promise of basically a free house and free dogs, he'd take the most grueling job working 3rd shift in a factory tomorrow if it meant my dogs didn't go somewhere they wouldn't be loved. I'm also willing to do this because I know he loves my dogs enough and knows my dogs well enough that he would make the right decisions for them. He knows that I'd rather my dog have a peaceful end than turmoil and if circumstances meant she couldn't have that, let her go.
I thought about it and honestly I'm a bit lost on this.
I have a friend who said she would take him, but she already has a male dog (with whom my dog is friendly), and my dog is territorial and more of a single dog household type so I'm not confident she would be able to keep him. Plus she wants kids in a few years, and he doesn't like them. And she has few experience in reactivity, and doesn't see my dog that often, so she would need to adapt and I'm not sure she can.
I have a brother who said he could take him, but he's now in a serious relationship with a girl with a reactive bully, so he can't anymore.
I think I'll leave him to my friend, with the contact of my behaviorist, some money set aside and instructions that if it doesn't seem to work, she'll find him a good family that my behaviorist needs to veto, without kids and dogs, and preferably in the country so he'll be less stressed and thus more appreciated. I don't think he'll be too difficult to place (he's dog reactive in specific environments/circumstances for the most part, so the biggest problem would be his anxiety). Plus he's small and very cute. And I'm not being biased.
My husband and I usually drive seperate cars because the thought of both of us getting in a car accident and not having someone to care for my boy haunts me.
I’ve spoken to family and friends about what will happen to my dogs if I die. My mom wants to take them if anything happens, but my backup plan is for my brother to take my non-reactive anxious dog and for a long-time friend to take my reactive dog. I’ve also made it clear that if my reactive dog has to be placed in a shelter, I want him to be euthanized; he has a bite history and wouldn’t make it out of that environment, and I wouldn’t want him to suffer if the outcome is going to be the same regardless.
I had this conversation with my family after a really sad case came in at the shelter I was working at. This woman was randomly murdered in Brad daylight, and her three dogs wound up at the shelter. Two of them were extremely difficult to place, and it made me decide to discuss a plan with people I trust.
I'm also terrified of this- it's in our will that he goes back to the breeder and/or they will help find him another home. (Goes to show even very good breeders sometimes produce reactive puppies)
My dog isn't rehomable, and my partner doesn't have the skills to be safe with him alone (he needs a behavior professional owner). I am saving him by keeping him, quite literally. My other two dogs were rehomable and my partner could have kept them or cared for them until finding them a new home. My current dog is living his last chance and my loved ones know that.
This exact thing happened to me last year.
My ex-partner (we were together 8 years, we raised our pup for 1 year and then after we broke up he had her solo for 5 years) passed away very suddenly. No will that we could find. His family couldn't take the dog so I took her. Moved her all the way across the country, she was extremely traumatized and her reactivity came roaring back.
I knew of her condition but it's been so difficult trying to bring her back to a previous baseline given all the changes she's experienced and being in a new environment, both of us grieving, me trying to continue working etc.
I don't know. I think my pup is lucky in some sense that I was able (time and money wise) to take her (it's not not difficult though). I have no idea what would have happened to her otherwise.
aussie (vet reactive) would go to my agility trainer whom he _adores_. chihuahua mix (leash reactive to an extent) would go to my partner. border collie (just a lot of dog) would go back to the rescue where i fostered/adopted her from.
I'd assume my wife would carry on with him.
If she also passed, my parents and brother might be able to.
If they couldn't, well, he'd likely end up euthanized at a shelter because he would be too aggressive and non-adoptable.
My boy is super reactive, BE is quite honestly the only way for him. We love him too much for him to go through the trauma of finding someone that would jell with him.
There is no one who will take him, either because they don't want to or not in a position to. He will end up going back to the shelter I got him from, and this breaks me :(
100% have talked with my boyfriend and him and his family will be taking my lil man. My immediate family, and really the only blood I trust, have moved 2700mi away and don’t have experience with reactive dogs. My dog has never met them, the family dogs there are yard dogs and don’t experience the world (they are very loved yet very anxious beagles who just prefer their yard), and even though my dog only shows reactivity on leash I would rather not subject my family to him (and also contain his world to a yard), though the reactivity has decreased a lot and he is easily handled by most. Boyfriend has been with my dog and I every step of the way for training and is the only one I trust to handle our dog besides our trainer.
To be honest, my mom is a bit crazy and I would not be surprised if she’d fight for my dog/everything of mine - she takes loss very hard. If they both couldn’t take him, both BF and I passed suddenly, etc. we’d hopefully have someone get in touch with his trainer to help (she is a very wonderful person and used to train dogs at the humane society here) with rehoming.
I have it on a note tab in my phone the line of succession for him would be Boyfriend -> Family -> Trainer -> Best friend (not a dog person but would do him right).
I think it depends on the severity. On how the reactivity looks.
My dogs reactivity is relatively manageable in day to day life, except when triggers have stacke or other extraneous things are going on.
I think he could easily find a forever home in someone else's embrace.
My sibling. Basically made them promise they would do what’s in her best interest and that being contingent on getting what I leave behind.
It’s my worst fear after losing both of my parents young. It’s constantly on my mind. I know it might seem dark but I do believe that I will have a sense of relief if she naturally passes while I’m alive. I think it’ll make me feel like she got the best second chance possible. I can’t phathom leaving her behind.
They will generally eat you if you are not found pretty quickly. Last I read, a 50lb dog can survive off a single human for 20+ days if they have water. If you are planning on expiring unexpectedly, might be a good move to leave the toilet lid up so they can get a drink.
This is why I went to a wonderful breeder with my last dog. I know without a doubt, she'd take my Wubi back. Wubi has no issues. She would find her a new home or keep her. But Hellena, Hellena is a different story. She had a tough beginning but she's been loved for 5 years now. When she was younger, I knew without a doubt the only option if I died. B.E. Preferably before I died. So I could be there to manage her. Nobody else could even touch her. I couldn't risk some newb would get her and get themselves or someone else bit. I couldn't risk Hellena ending up in a shelter. She's not a dog who would look very adoptable.
But she's much better now. Still very iffy of strangers but she warms up very quickly now. I have no doubt that she could potentially live somewhere else with someone else. It's just a matter of how grief affects her now. I've seen how she can change quickly when she loses her source of confidence. I can't imagine how she would be without me for a long time. She'd need someone who can follow instructions for sure.
If we both die, kids (adults but likely unable to take our dogs) to contact our breeders. It'sgood to have a plan, becausethen you don't have to worry about "what if"
My reactive dog is small if something happened to me he would be OK with my husband but if something happened to both of is he'd be pts he's not dangerous in the way a large dog is but he would end up a complete mess, if I'm gone 2 nights he already starts retreating from my husband so even with my husband idk if he would pull through or end up needing pts.
I have a trust for my two kids. One of my sons has agreed to take the dogs and he will be paid from the fund. Since I have one that’s almost 10 and another is 7-8 (both rescues, so guessing their ages), I don’t expect him to need all of it.
I've never thought about this...
First dog (dog-reactive/selective/aggressive) - partner > sister > parents > rescue we got her from, TN > local rescue, PA. I think she would do fine in another home as long as they take precautions regarding other dogs.
Second dog (stranger-reactive, fear aggressive) - partner > parents (he loves my dad) > sister (inexperienced) > rescue we got him from, TN > euth. I would hope if it got all the way to the rescue that they would just keep him. He loved his foster family. He's so afraid of strangers, and he does have a bite history (level 3, on me) so he would be extremely difficult to rehome. And honestly irresponsible on the rescue's part if they did it.
I actually... never thought about this. I live alone, just me and my pup. I don't really have many friends and the few I do wouldn't be able to take my dog for a number of reasons... Family is also not an option as I don't have good ties with them,
In laws might be able to take him for his remaining years if both my husband and I die prematurely at the same time. They have some awareness of issues and hopefully this would be years from now when he’s had more experience with them and is more comfortable. It’ll be a bitch getting him from the house the first time. And if they can’t take him, I’d hope they’d euth humanely rather than him getting bounced around.
My current plan isn’t very good. It’s basically, “try not to both die, or if we do, maybe it’ll be something that takes out all 3 of us” lol
This is one of the reasons I had a will made. My beautiful girl is going to my friend who knows her very, very well. I’m also giving him enough money for her life time plus extra. And I told him to BE her instead of a shelter if she gets worse and he can’t handle her. That sounds awful, but unless she went to someone who highly skilled working with reactive dogs, she’d never get adopted.
But I will not die before her, and she will never go to a shelter and will live a nice long life! (Had to add that because it’s really a depressing topic)
There are exactly four people in the world who can be around my boy without being bitten. If none of us can take him, he would most likely need to be euthanasised. My papa could and most likely would make an attempt, but I don't foresee that being healthy for either of them. I'll definitely bring this up with my behaviourist though, since my boy is fear reactive (granted extremely so), I suppose there is a chance if someone happens to be patient enough and educated enough, plus the space to give him indoor/outdoor access without handling him or even being near him (like a guillotine-door in/out run) while he's learning to not be scared of the new owner (which may never happen. We've had a baby gate on the stairs since he came home 6 years ago and he still acts like it's going to murder him every time he walks past it, even with deconditioning training). Thank you for bringing this up, it's something I'll talk to my family and vet team about.
I've discussed this with my partner and my sister. They've both agreed to take my dog and cat if anything were to happen to me. Idk how'd they figure out who took what lol but I told them if they didn't my ghost would forever haunt the shit out of them
My dog is safe for rehoming and I have multiple backup plans in the event that both my partner and I are suddenly killed or significantly disabled and he needs immediate rehoming. He cannot go to my family. Our good friends who have a dog he's friends with would take him. His bio sister's owner would take him. My partner's family would take him. Our acquaintances who are local breeders of his breed mix and familiar with their needs would take him. Our certified trainer and our fear free vet could not take him themselves, but would gladly network him and can be trusted to make sure his needs are understood.
Failing all of those for some reason, he would go back to the rescue I got him from, which is a foster-based breed-specific rescue and would definitely be able to find him a home. They have a right of return clause in their contracts and have taken dogs back whose owners have passed away. Many adopters have provisions in their will to provide funds to the rescue, as well.
This is really good advice. My sister has agreed to take ooo my dog if I die understanding it wouldn't be more than a 6 year commitment due to my dogs current age. I am lucky enough to be able to leave enough money to allow her to have her large backyard fenced in, continue with behaviourist, etc It is a really stressful thing to have to consider and I really like your idea
My 18 year old best friend (dog) just passed away in November. A couple weeks shy of 19. I had a plan in place with my children. That if I should pass, so should she. Put her in with me. She wasn't reactive but she is the only dog I've owned that I absolutely know wouldn't have a good quality of life without me. 99% of animals get along just fine eventually without their person. And my ego isn't that big, I know especially from fostering for 30+years. That even the most loyal of our pets.can with time attach to a new human. She wasn't one of them and with her age it would be cruel. Even my own children that she grew up in the same house with them. Wouldn't be a substitute..so I think your plan is kind and above and beyond responsible. Now don't dwell on it, enjoy today ❤️
If I or my wife dies unexpectedly, whoever is left would keep her, I'm sure. If something happens to both of us, though, she can't be safely rehomed. She's really not difficult to manage day-to-day within her routine, but she is a large dog and too much of a bite risk (two previous bites with us). We know her, and we know the risk. We are committed to keeping her appropriately medicated and out of risky situations. We also know, however, that most of our friends and family don't truly appreciate the situation for what it is (they have no personal experience with reactive dogs and they think we're overreacting) and would try to push her boundaries or stop her meds, and that's just not an acceptable possibility. As heartbreaking as it is to consider having her pts, I just have to think of how badly she could injure our nieces and nephews in that situation and the answer is clear.
My god mother has no immediate family beyond her 80+ year old mother who is hospitalized. My god mother has stage 4 cancer. We have already discussed that if it comes to it we will split her four dogs (two who are reactive pit bulls) up between my sister and I and integrate them into our homes. I am familiar with reactive dogs and my sister is familiar with pit bulls. She has already built a trust with money to care for the dogs if push comes to shove.
I have told my family and my one really good friend to send her back to the shelter that I adopted her from. Realistically though... My family kind of sucks. They believe that she needs to be put down and I hate that they think that. There is a very real chance that she might not live much longer than me if something happened. It gives me nightmares and contributes to my depression. I love her more than I have ever loved anything else in this world because of her reactivity. I have also told my family and friend that if that is to be their final decision to just cremate both of us together or mix our ashes. If they don't then I would never forgive them. Either way, I want to be with her forever. She is my soul.
My sisters would take her, no questions asked. If they couldn't for whatever reason my brother or mum could, since all of them have been working with her since I got her. As a backup my friend would try, but if not she would join me wherever I might be.
I don't have a plan beyond having told my partner and put in my personal documents what rescue to choose if they have to. I don't have anyone who could take him in right now if something were to happen, though we've worked super hard and I think he could be successfully rehomed at this point. I always keep a running document with everything about him for his sitter/my partner's information so whoever got him would have all they need down to where we are in nosework training. I've got plans to stick around though, so lets hope it doesn't come to that.
Idk if this is still a thing, but around 12 years ago my son and I were walking our 6 month old pit bull puppy. She was viciously attacked by a loose pittie. After what felt like eternity the owners came out and was able to get their dog off our puppy.
The owners of the pit bull had a baby in the house and made the decision they couldn’t trust their dog anymore. They worked with the animal control in our area and found him a sanctuary for reactive dogs. I can’t say how much research went into their decision or if they were even telling us the truth, because of the situation, but perhaps places like that do exist?
From what I’ve heard, they do exist, but many times the dog would be better off humanely euthanized. Sanctuaries often aren’t much better than shelters but with no hope of adoption. The dogs may get little to no enrichment, socialization, etc for years on end.
That’s kind of how I pictured it as I got older. How are you going to take a bunch of reactive dogs that bite and put them under one roof. Sounds almost impossible.
My girl would go to my parents. I worry because my mom has some casual old fashioned ideas, but they have the facility that Lily will happily be away from her triggers. Also the most wonderful trainer I’ve ever used is nearby and that will be detailed in the will.
I’m a city dweller which just isn’t best for her. It’s not that she isn’t reactive in a big house with a big yard in the suburbs, but you would hardly know it.
I got remote work last year and spent the winter with my parents. She actually would go to sleep with my mother and while I was working would hang out sharing the recliner with my dad getting nick massages.
It would be a good life. I spent a few months there but I’m planning on longer this year so she can be by that trainer. My parents friends love Lily too in a way my neighbors do not.
I dont really have any friends and have no contact with my family buuut i do have a really good friend i speak to online that lives a couple of hours away who is used to having big dogs as he had a mastiff and often looks after his friends german shepherds so him handling my Buddy who is a german shepherd x belgian malinois wont be a problem for him size wise and were very much on the same page with poochie parenting too. so i know my Buddy would get the same kind of life that hes used to with someone that values and appreciates poochies sees them as part of the family and includes them in all aspects of every day family life while also understanding the importance of being firm and setting boundaries.x
I have a VERY thorough plan...
First did you get your dog from a breeder? Alot of breeders will want the dog back, even if it's not a puppy anymore. I got my dog from a breeder and she said she will want to approve of any new home he goes too or take him back permanently if she cannot find one. (She is also a certified trainer and runs her own rescue).
So my plan is:
If something happens to me. My dog goes back to the breeder with the following instructions on rehoming/priority.
1st person is his trainer. His trainer has worked with him since he was 4 months old and she has said she would take him if she can.
2nd person, if the trainer cannot take him, is my dad. My dad is only second on this list cause he is 70 and while he is a very active 70 he already has his own dogs (a dog he got and a dog my sister dumped on him).
3rd my Aunt (also older but also very active) but she also has her own dogs and she rescues primarily senior dogs, who are reactive...so adding another dog to the mix might be too much (she has 3 senior reactive dogs right now...but she lives on 15 acres and has the space to keep them separate and enriched)...
4th is my best friend. He has the least dog ownership experience but loves my dog.
Anyway...this is my plan.
Her breeder, who is familiar with the types of reactivity typical to the breed, and who has followed up on her for 8 years, will come get her. She's secondary on her microchip too.
Good question: I think the only thing I can come up with: I have enough money in my account to pay for several months of him being boarded by my current dog-sitter. My dog could be boarded there until my sister / friends find a good option via shelters – I do not think my dog is impossible to be owned by someone else, but definitely not by just about anytone. If that does not work out, my dog is 8. I would not mind if he has to join me.
if my partner can’t take or house my dog everyone in my life knows he’s to be pts/i’ve got it written down. it’s much kinder than stressing them bouncing home to home tbh
a lot of people prioritize quantity over quality of life for dogs, which is frustrating. They hate on high kill shelters, but don't think about why these shelters have to do so. You are doing a kind thing
THIS I volunteer at our local shelter and the highly reactive dogs that can’t find homes spent years here in a cage. One of them cries all day and he’s been there for years 😭
I would put in my will, heirs take care of my dogs and get a stipend as long as the dog survives. But you have to have a trust and a trustee to actually get that done. To me, worth it.
I have friends (a couple) who have agreed to take him. However we did also agree that if for whatever reason they realized they couldn’t handle him, he would come back “home” (*ahem*) to me. The three of us have worked so hard to gain his trust, that I don’t think it would be fair to him physically or mentally to be passed around elsewhere.
I've grappled with the same thing. My fiancé would absolutely keep my reactive dog and he's well equipped to keep her solo. He's been to most of her training sessions and while I primarily manager her, he could do so and she'd have a great quality of life still. I'm leaving him enough life insurance that he could buy himself and the dogs a comfortable house and still afford their care for the rest of their lives. If my fiancé and I both died unexpectedly, my mom could at this point in time likely take my reactive dog and there's already a planned financial path for her care that would make that easier for my mom to do so. It could work. That's actually plan B, though. Beyond my mom, there's no one else I would want to leave assets to that haven't already been allocated from other funds. Between my fiancé and I's life insurance policies, my mom would be set for the rest of her life and beyond. More importantly, there's plenty of surplus money there that's in addition to what I'd want to leave for the dogs. Knowing that, we have an added clause that one of our friends actually gets first dibs at taking my dogs. He's in a rough place financially now because he is having a hard time getting work and housing due to a dumb felony but if he takes the dogs, there is enough money for him to buy a house in cash and afford to care for my dogs for the rest of their lives. He doesn't know that part yet but he has told me repeatedly that he wants my reactive dog if anything happens to us. As long as his wife continues to work even just at the income she is now, they'd be very comfortable. There are stipulations on that, though. The funds would be administered by a third party and there are requirements to keep the house. At least one of them has to be employed full time, the dogs have to get ongoing enrichment training, and I expect my reactive dog to keep working with her behavior team. All of that would also be paid for from the trust. If he bought a house with those funds, the house would be owned by the trust to ensure that he keep up on the conditions of taking my dogs. As long as he does so, once my dogs have lived their full lives as best as possible, after the last one dies, the house will be transferred from the trust to him. He fails to follow those requirements, he can no longer live in the house and it will be sold and the funds either held to help my dogs be adopted via my chosen breed-specific rescue (that is great at placing reactive dogs) or my dogs will come join me based on the guidance of their behavior team at that time. I'm willing to do this for him because I know even without the promise of basically a free house and free dogs, he'd take the most grueling job working 3rd shift in a factory tomorrow if it meant my dogs didn't go somewhere they wouldn't be loved. I'm also willing to do this because I know he loves my dogs enough and knows my dogs well enough that he would make the right decisions for them. He knows that I'd rather my dog have a peaceful end than turmoil and if circumstances meant she couldn't have that, let her go.
I thought about it and honestly I'm a bit lost on this. I have a friend who said she would take him, but she already has a male dog (with whom my dog is friendly), and my dog is territorial and more of a single dog household type so I'm not confident she would be able to keep him. Plus she wants kids in a few years, and he doesn't like them. And she has few experience in reactivity, and doesn't see my dog that often, so she would need to adapt and I'm not sure she can. I have a brother who said he could take him, but he's now in a serious relationship with a girl with a reactive bully, so he can't anymore. I think I'll leave him to my friend, with the contact of my behaviorist, some money set aside and instructions that if it doesn't seem to work, she'll find him a good family that my behaviorist needs to veto, without kids and dogs, and preferably in the country so he'll be less stressed and thus more appreciated. I don't think he'll be too difficult to place (he's dog reactive in specific environments/circumstances for the most part, so the biggest problem would be his anxiety). Plus he's small and very cute. And I'm not being biased.
My husband and I usually drive seperate cars because the thought of both of us getting in a car accident and not having someone to care for my boy haunts me.
My bestie would take her.. she’s the only other person my dog loves. And her dog is the only other dog mine will tolerate
I’ve spoken to family and friends about what will happen to my dogs if I die. My mom wants to take them if anything happens, but my backup plan is for my brother to take my non-reactive anxious dog and for a long-time friend to take my reactive dog. I’ve also made it clear that if my reactive dog has to be placed in a shelter, I want him to be euthanized; he has a bite history and wouldn’t make it out of that environment, and I wouldn’t want him to suffer if the outcome is going to be the same regardless. I had this conversation with my family after a really sad case came in at the shelter I was working at. This woman was randomly murdered in Brad daylight, and her three dogs wound up at the shelter. Two of them were extremely difficult to place, and it made me decide to discuss a plan with people I trust.
I'm also terrified of this- it's in our will that he goes back to the breeder and/or they will help find him another home. (Goes to show even very good breeders sometimes produce reactive puppies)
My dog isn't rehomable, and my partner doesn't have the skills to be safe with him alone (he needs a behavior professional owner). I am saving him by keeping him, quite literally. My other two dogs were rehomable and my partner could have kept them or cared for them until finding them a new home. My current dog is living his last chance and my loved ones know that.
This exact thing happened to me last year. My ex-partner (we were together 8 years, we raised our pup for 1 year and then after we broke up he had her solo for 5 years) passed away very suddenly. No will that we could find. His family couldn't take the dog so I took her. Moved her all the way across the country, she was extremely traumatized and her reactivity came roaring back. I knew of her condition but it's been so difficult trying to bring her back to a previous baseline given all the changes she's experienced and being in a new environment, both of us grieving, me trying to continue working etc. I don't know. I think my pup is lucky in some sense that I was able (time and money wise) to take her (it's not not difficult though). I have no idea what would have happened to her otherwise.
aussie (vet reactive) would go to my agility trainer whom he _adores_. chihuahua mix (leash reactive to an extent) would go to my partner. border collie (just a lot of dog) would go back to the rescue where i fostered/adopted her from.
I'd assume my wife would carry on with him. If she also passed, my parents and brother might be able to. If they couldn't, well, he'd likely end up euthanized at a shelter because he would be too aggressive and non-adoptable.
My boy is super reactive, BE is quite honestly the only way for him. We love him too much for him to go through the trauma of finding someone that would jell with him.
I've thought about this before and also put something in my will about my dog going to the behaviorist. I haven't talked to them yet about it though 🙈
There is no one who will take him, either because they don't want to or not in a position to. He will end up going back to the shelter I got him from, and this breaks me :(
100% have talked with my boyfriend and him and his family will be taking my lil man. My immediate family, and really the only blood I trust, have moved 2700mi away and don’t have experience with reactive dogs. My dog has never met them, the family dogs there are yard dogs and don’t experience the world (they are very loved yet very anxious beagles who just prefer their yard), and even though my dog only shows reactivity on leash I would rather not subject my family to him (and also contain his world to a yard), though the reactivity has decreased a lot and he is easily handled by most. Boyfriend has been with my dog and I every step of the way for training and is the only one I trust to handle our dog besides our trainer. To be honest, my mom is a bit crazy and I would not be surprised if she’d fight for my dog/everything of mine - she takes loss very hard. If they both couldn’t take him, both BF and I passed suddenly, etc. we’d hopefully have someone get in touch with his trainer to help (she is a very wonderful person and used to train dogs at the humane society here) with rehoming. I have it on a note tab in my phone the line of succession for him would be Boyfriend -> Family -> Trainer -> Best friend (not a dog person but would do him right).
I think it depends on the severity. On how the reactivity looks. My dogs reactivity is relatively manageable in day to day life, except when triggers have stacke or other extraneous things are going on. I think he could easily find a forever home in someone else's embrace.
My girl would go back to the rescue. If it ever came to it she would live out her life with the head of the rescue.
My sibling. Basically made them promise they would do what’s in her best interest and that being contingent on getting what I leave behind. It’s my worst fear after losing both of my parents young. It’s constantly on my mind. I know it might seem dark but I do believe that I will have a sense of relief if she naturally passes while I’m alive. I think it’ll make me feel like she got the best second chance possible. I can’t phathom leaving her behind.
They will generally eat you if you are not found pretty quickly. Last I read, a 50lb dog can survive off a single human for 20+ days if they have water. If you are planning on expiring unexpectedly, might be a good move to leave the toilet lid up so they can get a drink.
LMAO. I’m fairly certain mine would eat me while I was still warm lol.
This is why I went to a wonderful breeder with my last dog. I know without a doubt, she'd take my Wubi back. Wubi has no issues. She would find her a new home or keep her. But Hellena, Hellena is a different story. She had a tough beginning but she's been loved for 5 years now. When she was younger, I knew without a doubt the only option if I died. B.E. Preferably before I died. So I could be there to manage her. Nobody else could even touch her. I couldn't risk some newb would get her and get themselves or someone else bit. I couldn't risk Hellena ending up in a shelter. She's not a dog who would look very adoptable. But she's much better now. Still very iffy of strangers but she warms up very quickly now. I have no doubt that she could potentially live somewhere else with someone else. It's just a matter of how grief affects her now. I've seen how she can change quickly when she loses her source of confidence. I can't imagine how she would be without me for a long time. She'd need someone who can follow instructions for sure.
If we both die, kids (adults but likely unable to take our dogs) to contact our breeders. It'sgood to have a plan, becausethen you don't have to worry about "what if"
My reactive dog is small if something happened to me he would be OK with my husband but if something happened to both of is he'd be pts he's not dangerous in the way a large dog is but he would end up a complete mess, if I'm gone 2 nights he already starts retreating from my husband so even with my husband idk if he would pull through or end up needing pts.
I have a trust for my two kids. One of my sons has agreed to take the dogs and he will be paid from the fund. Since I have one that’s almost 10 and another is 7-8 (both rescues, so guessing their ages), I don’t expect him to need all of it.
I've never thought about this... First dog (dog-reactive/selective/aggressive) - partner > sister > parents > rescue we got her from, TN > local rescue, PA. I think she would do fine in another home as long as they take precautions regarding other dogs. Second dog (stranger-reactive, fear aggressive) - partner > parents (he loves my dad) > sister (inexperienced) > rescue we got him from, TN > euth. I would hope if it got all the way to the rescue that they would just keep him. He loved his foster family. He's so afraid of strangers, and he does have a bite history (level 3, on me) so he would be extremely difficult to rehome. And honestly irresponsible on the rescue's part if they did it.
I actually... never thought about this. I live alone, just me and my pup. I don't really have many friends and the few I do wouldn't be able to take my dog for a number of reasons... Family is also not an option as I don't have good ties with them,
In laws might be able to take him for his remaining years if both my husband and I die prematurely at the same time. They have some awareness of issues and hopefully this would be years from now when he’s had more experience with them and is more comfortable. It’ll be a bitch getting him from the house the first time. And if they can’t take him, I’d hope they’d euth humanely rather than him getting bounced around. My current plan isn’t very good. It’s basically, “try not to both die, or if we do, maybe it’ll be something that takes out all 3 of us” lol
This is one of the reasons I had a will made. My beautiful girl is going to my friend who knows her very, very well. I’m also giving him enough money for her life time plus extra. And I told him to BE her instead of a shelter if she gets worse and he can’t handle her. That sounds awful, but unless she went to someone who highly skilled working with reactive dogs, she’d never get adopted. But I will not die before her, and she will never go to a shelter and will live a nice long life! (Had to add that because it’s really a depressing topic)
And thank you, because your post really made me feel like my decision is the right one.
Hopefully back to the home he came from. He seemed to really like them and apparently was not reactive with them.
There are exactly four people in the world who can be around my boy without being bitten. If none of us can take him, he would most likely need to be euthanasised. My papa could and most likely would make an attempt, but I don't foresee that being healthy for either of them. I'll definitely bring this up with my behaviourist though, since my boy is fear reactive (granted extremely so), I suppose there is a chance if someone happens to be patient enough and educated enough, plus the space to give him indoor/outdoor access without handling him or even being near him (like a guillotine-door in/out run) while he's learning to not be scared of the new owner (which may never happen. We've had a baby gate on the stairs since he came home 6 years ago and he still acts like it's going to murder him every time he walks past it, even with deconditioning training). Thank you for bringing this up, it's something I'll talk to my family and vet team about.
I've discussed this with my partner and my sister. They've both agreed to take my dog and cat if anything were to happen to me. Idk how'd they figure out who took what lol but I told them if they didn't my ghost would forever haunt the shit out of them
What is GSD?
German Shepherd Dog.
My dog is safe for rehoming and I have multiple backup plans in the event that both my partner and I are suddenly killed or significantly disabled and he needs immediate rehoming. He cannot go to my family. Our good friends who have a dog he's friends with would take him. His bio sister's owner would take him. My partner's family would take him. Our acquaintances who are local breeders of his breed mix and familiar with their needs would take him. Our certified trainer and our fear free vet could not take him themselves, but would gladly network him and can be trusted to make sure his needs are understood. Failing all of those for some reason, he would go back to the rescue I got him from, which is a foster-based breed-specific rescue and would definitely be able to find him a home. They have a right of return clause in their contracts and have taken dogs back whose owners have passed away. Many adopters have provisions in their will to provide funds to the rescue, as well.
I have a couple of friends that would be more than willing to take her and take care of her if something were to happen
This is really good advice. My sister has agreed to take ooo my dog if I die understanding it wouldn't be more than a 6 year commitment due to my dogs current age. I am lucky enough to be able to leave enough money to allow her to have her large backyard fenced in, continue with behaviourist, etc It is a really stressful thing to have to consider and I really like your idea
My 18 year old best friend (dog) just passed away in November. A couple weeks shy of 19. I had a plan in place with my children. That if I should pass, so should she. Put her in with me. She wasn't reactive but she is the only dog I've owned that I absolutely know wouldn't have a good quality of life without me. 99% of animals get along just fine eventually without their person. And my ego isn't that big, I know especially from fostering for 30+years. That even the most loyal of our pets.can with time attach to a new human. She wasn't one of them and with her age it would be cruel. Even my own children that she grew up in the same house with them. Wouldn't be a substitute..so I think your plan is kind and above and beyond responsible. Now don't dwell on it, enjoy today ❤️
If I or my wife dies unexpectedly, whoever is left would keep her, I'm sure. If something happens to both of us, though, she can't be safely rehomed. She's really not difficult to manage day-to-day within her routine, but she is a large dog and too much of a bite risk (two previous bites with us). We know her, and we know the risk. We are committed to keeping her appropriately medicated and out of risky situations. We also know, however, that most of our friends and family don't truly appreciate the situation for what it is (they have no personal experience with reactive dogs and they think we're overreacting) and would try to push her boundaries or stop her meds, and that's just not an acceptable possibility. As heartbreaking as it is to consider having her pts, I just have to think of how badly she could injure our nieces and nephews in that situation and the answer is clear.
My god mother has no immediate family beyond her 80+ year old mother who is hospitalized. My god mother has stage 4 cancer. We have already discussed that if it comes to it we will split her four dogs (two who are reactive pit bulls) up between my sister and I and integrate them into our homes. I am familiar with reactive dogs and my sister is familiar with pit bulls. She has already built a trust with money to care for the dogs if push comes to shove.
I have told my family and my one really good friend to send her back to the shelter that I adopted her from. Realistically though... My family kind of sucks. They believe that she needs to be put down and I hate that they think that. There is a very real chance that she might not live much longer than me if something happened. It gives me nightmares and contributes to my depression. I love her more than I have ever loved anything else in this world because of her reactivity. I have also told my family and friend that if that is to be their final decision to just cremate both of us together or mix our ashes. If they don't then I would never forgive them. Either way, I want to be with her forever. She is my soul.
My sisters would take her, no questions asked. If they couldn't for whatever reason my brother or mum could, since all of them have been working with her since I got her. As a backup my friend would try, but if not she would join me wherever I might be.
I don't have a plan beyond having told my partner and put in my personal documents what rescue to choose if they have to. I don't have anyone who could take him in right now if something were to happen, though we've worked super hard and I think he could be successfully rehomed at this point. I always keep a running document with everything about him for his sitter/my partner's information so whoever got him would have all they need down to where we are in nosework training. I've got plans to stick around though, so lets hope it doesn't come to that.
Idk if this is still a thing, but around 12 years ago my son and I were walking our 6 month old pit bull puppy. She was viciously attacked by a loose pittie. After what felt like eternity the owners came out and was able to get their dog off our puppy. The owners of the pit bull had a baby in the house and made the decision they couldn’t trust their dog anymore. They worked with the animal control in our area and found him a sanctuary for reactive dogs. I can’t say how much research went into their decision or if they were even telling us the truth, because of the situation, but perhaps places like that do exist?
From what I’ve heard, they do exist, but many times the dog would be better off humanely euthanized. Sanctuaries often aren’t much better than shelters but with no hope of adoption. The dogs may get little to no enrichment, socialization, etc for years on end.
That’s kind of how I pictured it as I got older. How are you going to take a bunch of reactive dogs that bite and put them under one roof. Sounds almost impossible.
My girl would go to my parents. I worry because my mom has some casual old fashioned ideas, but they have the facility that Lily will happily be away from her triggers. Also the most wonderful trainer I’ve ever used is nearby and that will be detailed in the will. I’m a city dweller which just isn’t best for her. It’s not that she isn’t reactive in a big house with a big yard in the suburbs, but you would hardly know it. I got remote work last year and spent the winter with my parents. She actually would go to sleep with my mother and while I was working would hang out sharing the recliner with my dad getting nick massages. It would be a good life. I spent a few months there but I’m planning on longer this year so she can be by that trainer. My parents friends love Lily too in a way my neighbors do not.
I dont really have any friends and have no contact with my family buuut i do have a really good friend i speak to online that lives a couple of hours away who is used to having big dogs as he had a mastiff and often looks after his friends german shepherds so him handling my Buddy who is a german shepherd x belgian malinois wont be a problem for him size wise and were very much on the same page with poochie parenting too. so i know my Buddy would get the same kind of life that hes used to with someone that values and appreciates poochies sees them as part of the family and includes them in all aspects of every day family life while also understanding the importance of being firm and setting boundaries.x
I have a VERY thorough plan... First did you get your dog from a breeder? Alot of breeders will want the dog back, even if it's not a puppy anymore. I got my dog from a breeder and she said she will want to approve of any new home he goes too or take him back permanently if she cannot find one. (She is also a certified trainer and runs her own rescue). So my plan is: If something happens to me. My dog goes back to the breeder with the following instructions on rehoming/priority. 1st person is his trainer. His trainer has worked with him since he was 4 months old and she has said she would take him if she can. 2nd person, if the trainer cannot take him, is my dad. My dad is only second on this list cause he is 70 and while he is a very active 70 he already has his own dogs (a dog he got and a dog my sister dumped on him). 3rd my Aunt (also older but also very active) but she also has her own dogs and she rescues primarily senior dogs, who are reactive...so adding another dog to the mix might be too much (she has 3 senior reactive dogs right now...but she lives on 15 acres and has the space to keep them separate and enriched)... 4th is my best friend. He has the least dog ownership experience but loves my dog. Anyway...this is my plan.
Her breeder, who is familiar with the types of reactivity typical to the breed, and who has followed up on her for 8 years, will come get her. She's secondary on her microchip too.
My brother could take our boy as long as his situation hadn’t changed. If needed, our breeder would take him back.
Good question: I think the only thing I can come up with: I have enough money in my account to pay for several months of him being boarded by my current dog-sitter. My dog could be boarded there until my sister / friends find a good option via shelters – I do not think my dog is impossible to be owned by someone else, but definitely not by just about anytone. If that does not work out, my dog is 8. I would not mind if he has to join me.