Quote Originally Posted by Squeaky View Post
Since you're not going to keep her, at the very least, be sure to put the effort into finding her a good home. Maybe you could start looking now. I don't have a lot of money, and both of my cats are on medication, but they are my children and I chose to be a pet owner. Sorry if I sound judgemental, but we have a responsibility to our pets, and if we aren't going to be committed to them, we have no right to adopt them. If she's holding it for 12hours while she's in a cage, then she needs some retraining. It could also be behavioral since she's alone so much and maybe your vet could recommend something. Maybe you'll have to get up at 3:00 am for a while to let her out, and then let her out again when you get up, and then before you go to work.
Well, trust me... I was having this conversation with my best gal-pal last night.

I refuse to give her to anything but a GREAT home. End of story. Honestly, I think my expectations are so high, I will never find anyone. Basically the person needs to be at home most of the time (retired), no kids around ever (the dog is 2-lbs, a kid could kill her by accident), and no other pets.

I also struggle with the idea that I bought her, and I need to keep her... no matter what the behavioral issues are.

I tried a few different routes to try to break her of this habit. I did the "wake up in the middle of the night" route for about 1-2 weeks. Honestly, I was exhausted come the weekend, I even passed riding with my cycling group.

And, it's a dog. I shouldn't have to wake up in the middle of the night... it's a dog, not a baby.

I have tried picking up her water... putting her in the cage (which I refuse to do)... sleeping on the sofa in the living room with her (didn't make a difference)... leaving my bedroom door open (then she just pees in my room)...etc.

Yes, I thought the problem was due to lack of attention... so for a week, I came home and promptly played with her...for 2-3 hours STRAIGHT... that made no difference. And... honestly, I have to do stuff when I get home, I can't play with a dog for 2-3 hours straight.

I got this dog when I was married and my life was different. Then my husband left me... and here I am a single parent.

I think now the question comes in... do I look for a really good home for her and let her have a better life... or do I just keep her because I bought her? What is the "right thing to do"?