A Chihuahua or a cat?

    • Gold Top Dog

    A Chihuahua or a cat?

    To cut a long story short my chihuahua and my sheltie were sent to america as they couldn't come from saudi arabia to australia due to quarentine. We never thought we would be able to bring them over due to the huge costs involved to send them from anerica to asutralia because of the crazily strict rules over here.
     
    Anyway we rescued a rottie x and a tibbie x while we were here then realised it is illegal to own anymore than 2 dogs  my dad doesn't like animals much anyway but my mom loves them like me and my sister, plus I take care of them. I'm 20 so im not a kid. Anyway, we managed with the help of the lady taking care of them in america, to raise and save enough money to get my sheltie back. We decided to send her because the lady said the chihuahua is quite happy in america and the sheltie wasnt doing too well. She was missing us.
     
    So we get the sheltie back in appauling condition. Anyway two months ago I went to the vet with two of my dogs for anual vaccinations and we saved a cat that was about to PTS. She is an 8 yr old DSH who nobody wanted. She is lovely, sleeps and eats all day. Lays about with the dogs in front of the fire. She has settled in really well and is no trouble at all.
     
    Ok so now I get an emal my chihuahua is being kept outside because the lady has another job and is busy and so I'm worried about my chihuahua. My mom and I have been saving since we got my sheltie back and i have enough (if i take out a $5000 loan aswell) to get her back.
     
    We broke the news to my dad that we think she is unhappy and she is almost 9 so she is getting on and how *I* (he would have hit the roof if he thought he was paying) have saved up and we can get her back.
     
    His reply was no problem but get rid of the damn cat.  What do I do. Nobody wants an 8yr old cat . Plus I'm attached i really like the cat. I do however, have an obligation to my 9yr old dog. My dad isn't a bad person her just isnt fond of animals and we already have 3 dogs and a cat.
     
    Any ideas? What would you do?
    • Gold Top Dog
    Ever thought of getting your own place?
    • Gold Top Dog
    Perhaps you can find a new home in the US for your Chi? It is a sticky situation, but I most certainly wouldn't move the cat out now.
     
    My first though was "Move Out" by I know it's not that simple. Course, my other thought is how much of a "Daddy's Girl" are you? My evil twin was thinking that you could break down crying because you love them both so much, etc.
    • Gold Top Dog
    What would your dad do if you told him you couldn't bare to get rid of the cat yourself and would rather that he find it a new loving home.  I know my dad wouldn't go through the trouble especially if he thought I was being hurt in the deal.  
    • Gold Top Dog
    The moving out idea wont work. There are heaps of reasons but in a nutshel i have never lived in a country more than a few years due to my parents work. I have been send to heaps of different boarding schools etc alone and I'm sick of being alone. I like living with my family. If i moved out i would end up renting and sharing a place where i doubt I could bring my pets. If i could bring them it would be lots smaller than where i live now and i would be out all the time working to support myself. I'm currently taking 3 degrees and I have 3 casual jobs. I'm still always broke after buying stuff for the dogs. I also have to look after my little sister from 7 - 7 take her to school etc so my parents can work. So moving out isnt an option.
     
    I have cried...heaps but dad says 'sweety we can get the dog back if we can get rid of the cat'. To him a dog is a dog and a cat is a cat. Should live outside and eat scraps. If i told dad to find the cat a home goodness knows where she would end up. I dont think I could trust a home in america that I havn't visited to leave my chihuahua in.
     
    I guess lots more tears might help! He does cave in sometimes. Thats how come ive got all my pets in the first place. Thanks fro the adivce. Keep it coming.
    • Gold Top Dog
    My Dad was pretty strict but I could typically wrap him around my little finger.  One of my passive agressive tricks was to agree with him but then not do what he wanted.  In this case it would be "I'm trying Dad, I really am but I just can't find a home GOOD enough for her".........
    • Bronze
    Well, this is a hard and personal choice. For me, I would rather keep the Chihuahua because dogs are more loyal, smart, and (no offense to the cat) fun. Before you make your final decision though, find out if anyone - anyone at all would want a cat for free. If you have no luck, then you might want to keep your cat, because more people are interested in old dogs than old cats, and if you get rid of your cat and no one wants it, I'm sure the poor thing won't live long.

    Good luck! And I'm sorry you've been put in this situation.

    [:(]
    • Gold Top Dog
    I understand the very difficult spot you're in. I'm sorry. Just thinking out loud, but is there anyone in America you would trust to evaluate a potential new American home for the Chi? If not, what about contacting a Chi Rescue? I don't know where your dog is, but if its anywhere near me I'd be happy to do a home visit, and help with transportation if you find someone to take good care of your beloved dog.

    • Gold Top Dog
    In this case it would be "I'm trying Dad, I really am but I just can't find a home GOOD enough for her".........


    *cough, cough, cough*

    I'd *never* do something like that[;)]

    Teenie's still a "foster", but NOBODY wants a nine year old dog!
    • Gold Top Dog
    can you rehome your dad? kidding [8D]
    there must be a rescue group that'll take your chi. I can't imagine moving a 9 year old dog that distance especially if she's in rough shape now.
    • Gold Top Dog
    I think you could find a good home for the chi in America, through a friend or rescue.  Transporting the dog, getting the loan, and getting rid of the cat are 3 big deals that rehoming would be just 1 thing to do and chances are, he could get a good home :).  At this point, since you have been away from the chi so long, I think you are probably more attached to the cat and just need to make sure the chi is ok.
     
    Where in America is the chi?