Moving older dog: pls help me make decision

I'm trying to make the decision of whether or not to move my older dog to the UK and would like opinions. A couple of my friends say of course I must bring her, as she is my baby, and a couple friends think it would be too hard on her.

Mandy is 13. My ex-husband and I got her when she was 5. She had a rough life prior to living with us (in fact someone shot her and she still has 2 bullets lodged in her chest!).  She has a heart condition, Cushing's disease and various skin conditions, all managed (just barely) with medication.  She has half her teeth, a lot of problems with her anal glands, and requires frequent vet and grooming appointments.

She has never been around other dogs much, so she doesn't get along with them (she doesn't even realize she *is* a dog. LOL!). My boyfriend, with whom I will be living, has a young, very energetic and playful Greyhound. Mandy is a tired, quiet, sleepy lapdog Norfolk Terrier/Toy Poodle.

She is adorable, sweet, gorgeous, and I love her dearly. My ex-husband would take her and she would be used to his home, since she lived there for many years. However, my ex works very long hours and Mandy would be alone all day. Since I am self employed, Mandy was used to me being home all day.

So, do I leave her with someone with whom she is familiar and loves, even though she'd be lonely?  She would also be able to continue to see her regular vet, who knows her complicated history.

or do I take her with me (someone she loves more!), but put her through the stress of the pet scheme, the flight, a new country/new environment, and a very lively greyhound as a new brother?

Anyone's thoughts would be much appreciated.  I just don't know what to do and I want to do what is best for HER.

Thank you!
Autumn

I wouldn't move her and I wouldn't move without her.  I'm sorry if that sounds rude, certainly not my intention but I couldn't leave my dog behind.  I also don't think it's fair to move her considering her age and health.

I moved to England in 2006 and brought my 8 year old dog with me.  We are now moving back home to the US in a few months.  I couldn't have moved here without her and I wouldn't move home without her.  But this is the last time I would put her through such a long flight (10 hours).

Best of luck with your move and decision. 

I'd have a long chat with her vet, and go from there.  I'm lugging around a pretty old cat with some health issues, and the vet is starting to make noises about the 'OK to fly' form.  At least you have an option for re-homing your dog, options are good!

From what you've written here, I wouldn't move her.  If you decide to leave her behind I know it's not an easy decision or thing to do, but she'd probably be better off in familiar surroundings, given her age, disposition and health conditions.  Sometimes, if you can't go with the "best" option, you have to go with the "least bad" option instead!

From what you've written here, I wouldn't move her.  If you decide to leave her behind I know it's not an easy decision or thing to do, but she'd probably be better off in familiar surroundings, given her age, disposition and health conditions.  Sometimes, if you can't go with the "best" option, you have to go with the "least bad" option instead!

What she said.   Good luck with your decision-making - I know it's a hard choice. *hugs*

It's a tough thing to decide.

I moved my remarkably healthy 12 year old dog last year. She's adjusted to a few big moves in her life and is settling in here pretty well. Because of the circumstances, I wasn't able to do the PETS scheme and had to have her in quarantine for 6 months.

Given the complicated medical history your dog has, I think you have to talk to the vet first thing, as others have said. I'd also interview a few vets on the other side of the pond before you move her, if you do.

I've managed to find a very good vet here, but that was through recommendations and research. I've had vets in other places that just weren't very good (my ideal vet is still Poppy's first vet from California -- the one my mom and I took all our pets to as I was growing up).

It might be hard to leave the dog in the US, but I think you have to think of what's best for her.

I decided to move without my old and very emotionally difficult cat. It was the toughest thing that I've EVER done but I knew I had to do what was right for her, and opting for my cat over my husband wasn't an option....  She's now happily re-homed with friends of friends and I know that it was the right thing to do. Don't feel guilty if you can't bring her. I know how awful it is, but in the end you have to do right by your dog and since you have a good re-homing option at least that part is taken care of.

I had to leave my 10 year old German shepherd behind. I think if they had the "PETS" scheme back then I probably would have brought her but I just know she wouldn't have been able to withstand the 6 month required quarantine. It was a really tough decision. I had her since she was 8 weeks old.  :\\\'(

Speaking from my own experience, I left my two older cats - one who was diabetic at the time, and one who is deaf and has heart and thyroid conditions in the US with my ex.  I don't think they would have survived the flight to the US. This way, they were able to remain in the home they are used to, living with and being cared for by someone they are used to. I was heartbroken to leave them, but I know I made the right decision. They are both still doing alright at 17 and 22 years old.

I really appreciate everyone's response to this thread. This is such a difficult decision to make. I will call my vet on Monday and see what he thinks.  She is sitting next to me now with her little head on my lap and I feel like such a horrible person for even thinking of leaving her. I think her heart would be broken if I did? I know mine would be. I just don't know what is best, but I thank everyone for their input and am considering all sides carefully.

Autumn

I dont know if you have considered this but you can travel with pets on the QM2. That way they are in the kennels on the boat and you can visit them every day. Thats what we are doing with my 2 dogs. they are both young (2 and 3) but VERY fragile, they were abused rescue dogs and freak out if they are alone and i honestly dont think they would survive 10 hours alone in the hold of a plane. its $500 for the kennel for one of my dogs since hes over 30 pounds, and $300 for the smaller one which from what i have read is cheaper than flying them. of course its more expensive for me to take the cruise but thats ok with me :-)

But the cruise is certainly longer than the plane ride, yes?  And we'd still have to follow the pet scheme?

I had to leave my 10 year old German shepherd behind. I think if they had the "PETS" scheme back then I probably would have brought her but I just know she wouldn't have been able to withstand the 6 month required quarantine. It was a really tough decision. I had her since she was 8 weeks old.  :\\\'(

I did as well Pebs.. It was heart breaking..she was the BEST dog ever. We couldn't have afforded the 6 months of rent on her....

But the cruise is certainly longer than the plane ride, yes?  And we'd still have to follow the pet scheme?

Yes on both counts. I don't know the ins and outs, but I presume the benefit is that you can visit them regularly during the cruise?

Yes, you can visit them during the crossing, but they need to qualify for PETS before the cruise.  They will not transport animals that are bound for quarantine.