Moving older dog: pls help me make decision

I would really think of leaving her behind if you have a family member to keep her.  We are an animal-crazy family (I brought two cats and a dog), and got a large pup here for security.  I really have to say that the veterinary care here is appalling, and expensive beyond belief.  We just spent about $2500 for 5 months of misdiagnoses, and now I have a diagnosis, will spent thousands more.  I have tried many different vets, and truly, they are horrid.  It sounds like your dog needs continuous care; I thin it's a really bad idea.

I really have to say that the veterinary care here is appalling, and expensive beyond belief.  We just spent about $2500 for 5 months of misdiagnoses, and now I have a diagnosis, will spent thousands more.  I have tried many different vets, and truly, they are horrid. 

Im sorry you had such a bad experience with many vets... but I wouldn't encourage the OP to make the decision on whether to bring her dog over here believing that medical care for animals is appalling.  At our vet office there is one vet who is a lady who is soooo nice and really good with animals and then there is a man who scares the heck out of poor Olly and has him hissing in the corner.  So we always ask for the lady who is super sweet and helpful. There are good vets out there, just like theres crap doctors and good ones... same with vets...and you can look into purchasing pet insurance for you animal when you get over here as well.

But I would say... you know your pet... and you know whether it can or can not take the journey and whether you think it will adjust to life in the UK.

Can I ask the OP if you've reached a decision since this is an older thread.

I agree with Chrissy - there are some really fantastic vets in the UK.  All of the staff at our Veterinary Surgery, as well as our closest Animal Hospital, are extremely knowledgable, kind, and caring people.  Our Weim *loves* to go to see the Vet because the staff are all so good with her.

Yes, vet care is expensive in the UK, but there is also some very good pet insurance available.  I wouldn't be without it.

Good luck with your decision on whether or not to bring your doggie - sometimes it's so hard to decide what's best for them (and for you!).

I really have to say that the veterinary care here is appalling, and expensive beyond belief.  We just spent about $2500 for 5 months of misdiagnoses, and now I have a diagnosis, will spent thousands more.  I have tried many different vets, and truly, they are horrid. 

  What a ridiculous generalisation.

Based on what you have said i think you need to leave the dog there. Is it possible for your ex husband to arrange/pay for a neighbour or someone to come round and spend some time with the dog during the day?

I admit I don't like much about the UK but I love my vet here and I will miss him terribly!

  What a ridiculous generalisation.

Based on what you have said i think you need to leave the dog there. Is it possible for your ex husband to arrange/pay for a neighbour or someone to come round and spend some time with the dog during the day?

How ridiculous is the generalisation when no fewer than 7 vets here misdiagnosed our dog...And now because he needs specialized medicine from the U.S. the British vets won't see him (it's an American medicine).
She won't be able to get pet insurance with pre-existing conditions.

Its a ridiculous generalisation because there are more than 7 vets in the uk.......

Slagging off a whole country or system (as the majority of your recent posts seem to ) just because you've had bad experiences neither makes sense nor provides any useful help to the OP's dilemma does it?

I really appreciate everyone's posts and opinions. No, I haven't made up my mind yet. I was in a bad accident 7 weeks ago and am still recovering, and haven't given much thought to anything else but healing.

Also, I wouldn't base my decision on one poster's bad experience (although I appreciate the post and realize that there are good and bad vets on both sides of the pond).  Mandy saw 3 vets in the US before we got a diagnosis for her heart condition (or more accurately, a solution/effecitve course of treatment).

And although my ex would take her, he wouldn't put out any extra money for her (like paying someone to sit with her during the day or play with her, etc.)  He also would be lax in taking her to the vet, since he's hardly home and wouldn't recognize early signals of her being sick or in distress. I have no other family that would take her. She's at that 'problem' stage of life where it would take a lot of love and commitment for someone to put up with her many ailments.

I look at her sweet face and think I couldn't possibly leave her, but I still just don't know. *sigh*  I think as soon as I am feeling up to it, I will start her on the pet scheme requirements and play it by ear for the next few months. At least then I will be making arrangements for her to come with me if that is what I decide to do.

Thank you again everyone.

You know another way forward may be a rescue. Many of them here (and im sure there ) have a fostering service wherebye they have people that specifically will look after older dogs - perhaps those that need special care during their final years. the rescue will often offer to pay for the vet costs of these dogs.

It may be an idea to sound out some local rescue places to see if they have people of this sort. If you explain your situation and also offer to cover or contribute to vets bills you may find they know of someone suitable. Its not an ideal solution but may be worth looking into...?

AutumnH - I'm going through a similar thing.

My Sydney is 15 years old.  She needs regular vet care and loads of attention at home.  Shes been with me for so long, I know she loves me as much as I love her.  Nobody else can love her like I do.  There is no way I'd go anywhere without her.  I've kicked around the thought of trying to find a job in the states for a few years, to avoid stressing her with the flight.

From all I've read on this site, most of the stress that accompanies this process is based in fearing the worst - yet it all works out OK.  Also, from reading old posts from before the PETS scheme - animals that run away or die after they've left them - how sad it must be.  However I have to make it work, my Syd is going to be with me. 

People keep saying "you must be SO excited" about my plans to move to another country.  Exciting, yes, and terrifying!  I just picture myself, in a nice little flat somewhere, with my kitties piled up on me on the sofa.  >^..^< 

All the best!  Holly

From all I've read on this site, most of the stress that accompanies this process is based in fearing the worst - yet it all works out OK. 

It really depends on the situation.  There is a difference between "needing regular vet care" and having a medical condition that requires constant attention that might not be available during six months quarantine.  My older cat, who I left in the US, died very recently (posted on the grievances board) after suffering from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy for many years.   I do not regret my decision to leave him in the States.

I really appreciated everyone's opinions and ideas about my Mandy.

Unfortunately, I no longer have to make a decision. My sweet, gorgeous loving baby is gone. I had to put her down on Friday. Her health had seriously declined in the past three months and she lost control of her bladder and bowel, in addition to all her other health problems.

Still, she acted strong (she was a fiesty thing) and pleasant until the end. I knew she did that for my sake. It was time to let her go and I tried to make her last month as happy and as loving as I could. I am heartbroken and lonely but it was for the best.

Thanks again, everyone.  She won't be with me in England, but she will always be in my heart.

Oh my, Im so sorry Autumn. My thoughts are with you :\\\'(

Autumn,
I am sorry she is gone, I know you will miss her deeply.

Oh I'm so sorry. My deepest condolences. I know how hard it is.....