leaving pets behind
 

Hi,

Just wanted to know if anyone has left there pets behind as we have two dogs a dalmation and bearded collie going to live with a friend i think,and i keep telling myself we are doing the right thing as going to be so busy when we get there, and not many house's accept pets when renting, also beardie hates the heat and dalamation gets car sick even just going 5mins, but all the same my heart is torn when i look at them, just wanted to know if others have managed without their pets or am i just being cruel not taking them. The children are fine about it now but not sure when the time comes what they will be like. Heading for Brisbane end of July and any advice appreciated.

Lisa :confused:

Re: leaving pets behind
 

Luckily we do not have any pets, three kids is enough!

Relatives of ours are just about to get their visa and they had two dogs. They decided it would be far better to leave them here in England rather than going through all the stress of moving with them etc.

I cant believe the costs either that some people pay to take their pets with them although that was not an issue for them.

I dont mean to upset any animal lovers but I am sure that if most of you really thought about it you would agree that leaving them here is for the best.

R.

Re: leaving pets behind
 

Lisa,

I can't really offer any advice as I am still is the UK, but I really do empathise with the heartache and 'do-I-don't-I' turmoil that you're going through. As the owner of four cats, I am also agonising over what to do, as in addition to emigrating, we are first planning to spend a number of months travelling before we finally head over to Oz.

Of course you aren't being cruel - you know your dogs better than anyone else, and as hard a decision as it is to make, the most important thing is that you do what is best for them. I guess the benefit of a friend adopting them is that you have the piece of mind knowing that they will be together and well cared for, and in the worst case, if they don't settle down in their new home, you still have the option of bringing them over to Oz. It would probably be an idea to think about getting them settled at your friends sooner rather than later - gives you time to see how it goes, adjust to the situation and perhaps still visit if you can bear to.

It's such a heart-wrenching decision to have to make, but personally, based on what you say, I think you are making the right one.

Sending you a hug and some karma.

Nicky

Re: leaving pets behind
 

I forgot to mention that bit. They to have already sorted out a new home for the dogs even though they may not go to Oz until January. As you said at least they are going to someone you know so you can keep in touch etc. ;)

As for cats, there not too welcome in Oz are they?

R.

Re: leaving pets behind
 

i am having this dilema too.

if our dog was younger i would definately have taken her and even now i have not ruled it out. she is 12 this year and we have had her since a puppy, she is a typical pampered pooch, who our two children adore.

if she was a few years younger then i would have definately done it, the hassle of shipping, expense, blah blah would have been far outweighed by the peace of mind it would have given us, and i suspect her.

however at 12 i worry that it is too stressful for her.

Re: leaving pets behind
 

Your dogs have to spend a month in quarantine, so by the time the month has elapsed you should have found accomodation that accept pets.........plenty do. Friends of ours brought their pet dalmation over, found a house, visited him in quarantine, so that he knew what the score was, then took him to their rental house after the month..............if you want to do it, its easy.

Re: leaving pets behind
 

Do not even THINK about starting on this one, you stirrer!

Re: leaving pets behind
 

Well, we`re taking our 12 yr old pooch as he is in good health and he`s not the stressful type. BUT we have already re-homed our other (3 yrs younger) dog as he would basically get us in trouble in Oz (he yaps at birds etc alot and that wouldn`t make the neighbours happy, and if they get enough complaints the council order your yappy dogs vocal chords to be removed), plus he is very very demanding and would drive us even more insane. We have wanted to re-home him for years but kept feeling too guilty about it. Finally got my own way and he is now with an elderly couple who can walk him nearly as much as he wants, surrounded by fields. Better for him, and better for us.

Re: leaving pets behind
 

Don't know what your talking about! :D

R.

Re: leaving pets behind
 

i haven;t ruled it out, will take her to the vets for a chat with them i think.

she is very timid and i am not sure she would handle it that well, i don't want to under estimate her tho!!

Re: leaving pets behind
 

Yeah, we went through the same situation. We left 'Jack' (thelad) with my brother. He was always a family dog anyway, shared between me, my brother, and my parents, and spent most of his time at my brothers so, it was no big change for him, but I do miss him

First thing we did once we had got our house bought here in Brisbane, was go to the local Animal Welfare league

http://www.awlqld.com.au

and what do you know! they had a springer called Jock, 5 years younger than Jack, and the bestest pet we've ever found.

Don't get me wrong, I miss Jack, but, shipping a 10 year old dog was not fair on him. He's my brothers dog, and happy with his life.

It probably sounds like ruthless advice at the moment but, once you get over here, and get your house, go to a dog pound (the link above is a good one), and pick up a new pup or older dog.

Its all part of the tough decisions of moving.

Good luck
JTL

Re: leaving pets behind
 

hi born2tri, my heart really goes out to you. we left our staffy behind for numerous reasons, his age, he hated cats, barked at birds and basically just liked himself as the only other animal in the vacinity. saying that he was the most adorable gentle dog that i have ever met. we were lucky that we left him with my sister in laws family but, when the time came our hearts were ripped out.
3 weeks later he had settled and was very happy. no probs at all. again we were lucky that we returned home after 7 months and got to have him back for the rest of his years (died of old age).
only you can make the decision, but whatever you do just remember that as long as they have a good home, no matter how close they are to you, they will settle in a new home. never feel guilty. after all you have given your dog lots of love through the years and he-she couldn't ask for much more. if you do leave him-her it will be because you know they wouldn't settle/survive the journey.

all the best louise

Re: leaving pets behind
 

I will be taking our Jack Russel dog (3) with us but unfortunately I will be leaving my cat due to health reasons. My friend has said she would have her for me so I know she will have a brilliant home. Although I will be very upset, I know that its the best thing for her.

Do what you feel is right for your animals, like someone else said, you know them best.

I am also having to sell my horse due to it costing a fortune to ship her :(

Re: leaving pets behind
 

Hi

my horse will have to stay behind too. couldn't sell her as i have had her 16 years but a good friend at the yard has agreed to take her on for the rest of her days. It's heart renching but i know she will be happy and well cared for.
Tracy

Re: leaving pets behind
 

We took our dog and she was 11 when we took her to Perth, she was part of our family and there was never a thought to leaving her behind even though it cost us a fortune (along with our daughters two cats)! As someone said they have to stay in quarantine for 30 days and soon adjust to the heat. Aussie dog breeders breed all different types of dogs from all over the world, they get use to the heat, better than we did!!! lol :)

Born2tri
It is hard to leave pets behind, I had to find a home for my horse. He was also part of the family but being rather large (!!) it would have cost me an estimated 8,000 pounds and he had a foot propblem on hard ground, so due to dry weather he would have suffered.

Good luck and I know its heart breaking but if they are in good homes it's a comfort.

We also bought our pets back to the UK with us too (another small fortune!), there was no way I was going to leave them over in OZ!!!! :scared:

Sounds funny all these things being said about the Aussies and cats?.....No one even bothers if you have a cat or not? There are tonnes of them out there, just like here. The birds are too big for the cats to go near!!! :D

Re: leaving pets behind
 

Hi,

Thanks for all yr replys and karma (thanks Nicky) i thought applying for visa was the most stressful part, didn't really think about all the other decisions to be made, feel like i have aged 10yrs in the last 10mths, i know it has got to be worth it in the end and i do know that they will be happy with my friend it is just something i am not looking forward to doing, but thanks JTL for yr info on getting a new dog which i do think we will have to do once settled.
Thanks again
Lisa

Re: leaving pets behind
 

I am taking three dogs and one cat when i return to Australia in July. My oldest dog is twelve yeaars old and does not like traveling but he still arrived here perfectly ok when we did the Melbourne to Heathrow trip four years ago.
Also dogs do seem to adjust to the change in weather really well so long as they have shade and water and do not walk them in the heat.
Most of my Aussie friends have cats and they love them as much as we pommies do.
Finding a place to rent with pets is sometimes difficult but not impossible, just offer to pay extra pet bond. Anyway whatever you decide, good luck.

Re: leaving pets behind
 

Too big for some of the men to from what I have heard ! ! ! :D

R.

Re: leaving pets behind
 

Hi Lisa,
I know exactly how you feel as I made the decision to leave Foxy Loxy (my dog) behind. I didn't think it would be fair to drag her to the other side of the world. I am very lucky that my dad agreed to have Foxy to keep Romulus, his dog company. I thought that it would be best if she moved in before we actually left. She has been with my dad for over a year now. This way she got used to not seeing me everyday and me not seeing her. I would definitely suggest that you move your dogs in with your friends sooner rather than later. That way you can ween yourself off and at the same time know that they are settled. Not an easy decision to make but sometimes the best one. Good luck.
Sarah

Re: leaving pets behind
 

Ah, yes. I've heard about the Lesser Spotted Mannn Eater Bird! Think it's an urbank legend, R!!!

Re: leaving pets behind
 

Hello

We left our 2 siberian huskies in Scotland-It was a real hard move but I still think it was right.The original breeders took them back.
I think it is to stressfull on the animals and ourselfs to take them.Also if you are going to be renting a place for a while it is harder to find somewhere decent.Also the first few months in Oz is hectic and I guess the last thing you need to worry about is what to do with the dogs.

Good luck with your decision.

Cheers
Keith :confused:

Re: leaving pets behind
 

Yes, we left 3 Burmese cats at home and I cried more tears over them than any family/friends (something to do with having trouble explaining it).

One cat went to my parents and the other two were rehomed through the Burmese Cat Club. I can honestly say it's the best decision we made. Very few rentals allow cats, and I would concur that the feedback on this site regarding cats is probably spot on - the Aussies aren't as keen on cats as the Brits.

Plus, we had to ask ourselves who we are doing it for - them or us? It was us all the way. The cost was never an issue.

All three are totally fine and TOTALLY not missing us. Talk about divided loyalties.

I miss them though. Mr J has promised me that when we are settled we might get an older rescue cat that won't venture far beyond the porch, and just wants a warm lap of an evening. Have to respect the Aussies and their feelings about cat hunting and its effect on the environment. Doesn't matter whether or not you agree (my male cat would watch a mouse scuttle past him with quiet amusement - never attempted to catch one) you have to go with the feelings of the country you are in.

Mrs J

Re: leaving pets behind
 

Its a really hard one deciding to take pets or not.
We have a rescue cat who is Persian she is very nervous of everything and everyone and is now getting quite old 12 is a pretty good age for a Persian.
We have decided it would ot be fair to take her not sure how she would cope with the flight etc.So we need to find her a good home she would ideally suit a more mature person as she sleeps pretty much most of the day and night and just needs somewhere to feel safe.shall not go to Oz until I can be satisfied that she will be okay.

Re: leaving pets behind
 

Just have to say that Aussies love cats as much an anyone in the UK (after all most of us come from UK stock), and personally I`d rather have a cat than a dog alot of the time (cats are independant and alot less hassle).
But unfortunatelyI`d rather not have cats in Aus as they are a hazard to the local wildlife.

Re: leaving pets behind
 

I took my 10 year old persian to The persian rescue centre in Bristol.It is run by a lady called Isabel(who comes from Oz many years ago) She is brilliant and much better placed to rehome a persian properly as she matches the cat to the new owner,vets them and makes sure they know how to groom them etc. Besides allot of the people that go to her for cats have had them before. Not sure if this is too far away for you to go but its web site is www.persianrescue.co.uk tel 01454 250548. she found my persian a lovely home in Reading and Im more than happy Ive done the right thing

Re: leaving pets behind
 

Many thanks Peppi for the info that would be great if we could take her somewhere like that as they specialise in Persians it would be much more suitable.I shall certaintly check out the website address and phone number when the time comes .
Once again Thankyou this will really help.

Re: leaving pets behind
 

Hi Lisa,

You have my sympathy. I miss my goldie so badly at times that I feel like crying. But my children are fine, they've got new pets and having a new kitten or two seems to have helped them get over it well enough. I have found it much easier to get a landlord to say yes to cats than to dogs, so I am not sure why people think Aussies hate cats?

As for our faithless dog and cats, well, they don't miss us at all :rolleyes: We had five cats, four of whom went to good homes and who do not even know we've gone (typical) and one which had to be put down, unfortunately, as he was really ancient, had bladder & kidney problems & I just couldn't imagine anyone ever putting up with what we'd put up with, with that cat. If you picked him up and cuddled him he peed on you. He'd ruined a futon of ours and two couches, a bed and several mats. I often thought he purposely held it in until he could find a soft warm spot to go in. You'd chuck him out and he'd sit there and wait until you let him in again - then he'd find a nice warm spot and PRESTO! When he was a bit younger he snuck into the neighbour's house and peed on his head! The neighbour always thought it was his own black cat and therefore was much more forgiving of the event (even though his poor pussy cat was never again allowed in their room), but I didn't have the heart to tell him that I knew it was my cat because he'd done it to my husband too! (I think he had a soft spot for bald heads :D ) By the time we were leaving our tom could not eat properly anymore & had to be hand-fed. I was too worried that someone may take him, then find out he's too much trouble and get rid of him cruely. So I bit the bullet & took him to the vet myself :(

We re-homed our other pets long before we left. That gave us a chance to see that they were happy and well cared for and it certainly gave us peace of mind to leave them behind. We still get pics e-mailed from all of them and that's why I get so teary eyed about my girl at times, even though she's having the time of her life with her new family.

I think for your dogs try to find homes with a set-up similar to yours. For our goldie we chose a friends' home where they had children ours' age and cats like we did. Our goldie cottoned on to them straight away. Two of the cats HAD to go together as they acted like they were joined at the hip and that was a challenge, but not unsurmountable as they were Abbies and gorgeous. The third and fourth, two real moggies, were adorable and cuddly and they went to some friends of ours on a farm where they sleep in front of the fire all day :p

It really helps to know where they are and that they are happy.

Re: leaving pets behind
 

We had to leave our 9 year old Jack Russell Terrier behind and it was one of the worst moments of my life. Seriously ! She had been around long before the kids and it just made me feel very , very sad.
That said , now we're here I know we did the right thing. She would have not survived the flight or the quarintine on this side and if she had made it thru all that , she definately would not be able to stand the heat or the thunder and lightening storms.She would have had an indoor lifestyle and be a complete nervous wreck , at least where she is now she gets out and about still , down on the beach & out in the fields.We stay in touch with her "new family" and although she took a while to settle , she's doing ok. It's not easy though, she played a big part in our family life and the kids really miss her , but when they do , we look at photos and send her a letter. I know some of you reading this will not understand but those of you with pets will know exactly what I'm talking about.
Stick with the choice you've made because deep down you know it's the right one for your pet.
All the best,
Tass.

Re: leaving pets behind
 

Hi Lisa,

When we left for Oz decided that it would be best not to take our 2 chocolate labradors with us. Our girl did not cope well with kennels and suffered terribly with heat rash in the summer. Our boy would have been fine but we didn't want to seperate them.

So after alot of heartache we called the breeder we got our boy from and although she could take them (she was getting too old) she recommended someone else. That someone else was a farmer who had 3 children who wanted the dogs. They now have fields to run around in and sheep to chase.

I was heartbroken the day they left, taking them for their final walk was unbearable. Even now when I think of them I sometimes get upset. Anyhow, we know we have done the right thing for them and they are very happy in their new home.

What does make me sad is we are now back in the uk and part of me really regrets giving them away, they could still be with us :( After arriving in Oz I do believe they would have coped (but not with the quarantine).

What you are doing is very brave, you have got to remember why you are doing it and it is for the dogs.

I have thought of getting another dog but to be honest I don't think we can replace them, However, in today's paper I spotted an advert for fostering Labradors, I am thinking about it.

Go with your decision, it's the dogs that are important. It's not easy but you will do what is right for your dogs.

Mandy

Re: leaving pets behind
 

Not sure if we are doing the right thing but we have a 15 year old cat, she was going to my mums, but the people who have bought the house have 2 children and want her stay with them... and I've said yes..

In some ways I thnk we're lucky as her life won't be disrupted too much but worried that we are leaving her with strangers!!

wierd!

Re: leaving pets behind
 

I'm sorry I cant give you advice but can give you an opinion.
I think your being perfectly rational and making the right decision. We are Brisbane bound in the next two or so months and we are leaving our Cat and my Horse behind :( we thought long and hard and just didnt think it was fair to put them through it. The Cats OK as she is going to my mum's and will be well loved and cared for, but the horse is something ive really had swings and roundabouts with - I have owned her since she was an ickle foal (she is now six years old) and in my eyes, is my one in a million - its totally wrenching my heart but I just have to keep putting my rational head on. Its going to cost at around £11,000 to ship her, she is a native breed to UK and will melt in the heat, and i should be happier thinking of her in a good home rather then suffering a long journey maybe getting ill through the stress of it all, maybe not making it in a new country. If I was to ship her over and she really doesnt get on well with the climate I would certainly want to take her back to the uk rather then prolong her suffering and if you double the dollar to the pound thats going to cost a hell of a lot.
The only comfort at the moment is at least I can take the time and more or less choose her new home - have someone viewing her this tuesday and she sounds lovely seems to have her head screwed on and wants a horse to go out and have fun with. So fingers crossed shes going to be my Horse's future mummy!

I wish you the best in whatever decision you finally come too, and dont be too hard on yourself!

Take care

fuggle.

Re: leaving pets behind
 

Hi lisa,not sure if its any help but we feel the same way about our dog to,we re not going to take her,shes 8yrs old and we dont know how she ll travel and if she ll get on ok in the heat when we get there,also we re going into furnished accomadation i think when we first get there and it will be alot more difficult with a dog,and of course theres the cost,that would easily pay rent for 6 months when we get out there.We have found a very good home for her though with some friends so we know she ll be looked after and we can see her on webcam whenever we chat to our friends.
We re heading for brissy to around the same time as you by the way,ant idea which area yet?

tracey

Re: leaving pets behind
 

Our two cats - one 13 and one 10 travelled from Dubai to the UK in 2000 (having to endure 6 months quarantine too). We then acquired the most gorgeous Cocker Spaniel who is now 2 and all 3 of them travelled out with us to Melbourne in January of this year. As much loved family members the only thing that would have stopped us from putting them through the journey and quarantine would have been our vet saying they were not well enough. They are our pets and our responsibility. They all appeared to cope with the flight better than we did and we visited them regularly in quarantine. We found a rental property relatively easily that accepted our pets and all 3 of them seem to be enjoying their new lives downunder :)

I don't understand this thing about cats here either - yes, there are individuals that do not care for cats but there are lots of homes with cats where we live and they wander around freely. I would say that it is no different from the UK where some individuals feel cats are fair game as far as air rifles and shooting are concerned.

Re: leaving pets behind
 

Mine is a Welsh Section D 4yr old mare. Have also had her from birth and It is breaking my heart to have to sell her but like you the its amount it costs and the worry about heat etc. Ive only just started to advertise her and have had one genuine call so far but others have been a bit wierd :eek: at least I know the ads being seen tho.

Good luck with finding a good home.

Re: leaving pets behind
 

Hi there

We have decided to leave our 5 year old black labrador behind. He is a complete house dog and really battles in the heat. Our children are upset, but we explained our reasons and hopefully they won't hate us for too long. We have yet to find him a home as none of our family or friends can have him. That will be the hardest thing, leaving him behind (even harder than family I think, because at least they can get on a plane to visit!). Anyway, good luck with it all. It is hard I know, but sometimes you just have to make tough decisions.

Re: leaving pets behind
 

Hi I really dont have any choice, got two beautiful Cockatiels that are not allowed to go. :(

Heartbroken about it had them 8 years.

Re: leaving pets behind
 

I had to leave my Boxer baby behind when we moved here from Sweden. It was just far too expensive and complicated to bring him, and as I was 15 at the time, I didn't have much of a say in the matter. Anyway, I know how it feels..just make sure you get them good homes, and rest assured that you did the right thing.

-Becs

Re: leaving pets behind
 

Ditto! Mine is a welsh D mare too. ive had her since she was rising three but have known her since she was a lil knee high sprog. and now just when all the ground work has been done I have to sell her :( if you need any info on decent websites to advertise her just give me a PM or if the people seeing mine are after something younger or different to my mare I can forward on your details asI have had some people that have been very particular about what type of welsh D they want - mines 15.2hh and not your traditional stocky type, she's more leggy and athletic looking and I have had some people that want the real traditional macoy. I have had enough interest, just me being picky where she goes, have turned down three people so far as just didnt think they would be right for a still relatively young horse although she is out and actively competeing and doing well.

know exactly what you mean by some dodgy responses though - had any about paying by some sort of cheque payment and asking the mileage?!?! Do they think I have the word "Stupid" stamped on my forehead? duh!

These people over tomorrow look a good prospect - mother wants to get into dressage and her boy wants to do a bit of pony club so sounds a fun and adventureous home. got my fingers and toes crossed! just getting scary now as offer been accepted on the house and its a good chain and the buyers want to be moved in by six weeks :scared: but im still not rushing to sell her as good home for my baby girl is a priority.

anyhoo, I wish you luck finding your girlie a new home, let me know how you get on.

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These are truly heartbreaking stories.

It takes so much courage to leave your beloved pet behind when you migrate.

At the time your heart is being torn but at the end of the day, you are doing what you feel is best for your pet and what suits your situation.

You are not being cruel, you are finding it a good home where it will be loved and fed, and thats all any animal could wish for.

Its harder on us than it is on them.

The love and bond between a pet and its owner is somewhat underestimated.

And to those that do rehome, nobody can take away your memories.

Re: leaving pets behind
 

hi lisa,

we have a great dane x rottweiler and a cat, our dog (bruno) is huge and hates the heat and would hate it in townsville, so our good friend is going to have him, he looks after him if we go away and bruno loves him.
when it was hot the other day (hottish) bruno hated it, and it made our decision not to take him, a little easier. It would probably kill him, and i couldnt bear to take him over there and spoil his life.
Ive a few friends who have offered homes to my cat, fudge, so i know she will be ok.
we decided that once we have a date to go by, we will settle bruno and fudge into their new homes a month before we go, that way we will all have time to adjust and we can see they have settled into their new homes.
It will be heartbreaking, but i know we are doing what is best for them.
Trish :)