[LiteraryLark]

My brother has enlisted in the Marines. He has a dog, Max, that he hasn't been taking very good care of for the past 6 months because of 2 jobs and college. Now he's not even going to be present for months at a time. I just started a new job and I've got school, so there aren't many opportunities for me to take Max for walks or take care of him. My parents are law enforcement officers and they don't have time to take care of Max.

I wish it would be easy to give up Max, but here is his background: Before we adopted him at 6 months, he jumped around to four different families. Max has been with us for 8 years now. My dog is currently very depressed because of my brother being gone and getting a kitten for Christmas. I don't think it would be fair to Max to give him up to another family, but I also don't think it would be fair to keep him with us if we don't have the time for Max.

What are our options? I do know that our neighbors has their dog enrolled in a dog-walking/obedience program. I think that would be our best bet if we want to keep Max, and we definitely want to keep Max.

[gayleggg]

Yes, it would be best if you could find a way to keep him. It's hard to find a home to take an 8 eight year old dog unless you had someone in mind. If he is depressed now, how do you think he will feel being taken from his home. Does he live in the house or outside? If he is an outside dog I can understand why you would think he would get lonely, but if he is in the house and part of the family then he should still have enough socialization to be okay. However, if you can provide him any attention look for someone that would be ready to take on an older dog or take him to a no kill shelter where he is more likely to be adopted. I know it is a hard decision. Best wishes.