need help for my dog "daughter"

[UnsureMS]

This is not so much a medical question. But more of an advice question, and a cry for prayer. My dog who I have had for 6 years now, has lived with my husband and me in our apartment since we first moved in. She is almost a mute, and never has caused a nuisance. The old manager knew we had her, and there are other dogs on the property. But yesterday the new manager caught us with her. She is telling me I may have to get rid of her. There is no dogs allowed, and even if we pay the deposit we won't be allowed to renew.

The part that is so devastating is that my dog is more like a daughter to me. I have been pregnant twice and had abortions due to health issues. For right around 6 yrs I have been coping with an undxs issue. They believe it maybe an autoimmune disorder. But without knowing what is causing the sxs my neuro believes I shouldn't try to have a child. I fall apart just thinking about having to get rid of her.

My "daughter" is even called sister by my two step children who I get only every other weekend even call her sister. She was even at my wedding. She has been there for me when my husband couldn't and I was feeling ill. She has been my comfort when times are rough. I am hoping to get letters from my doctor that suggest she is more like a support dog then a pet. I have someone who will take her but I just want to cry thinking about not having her. I got her on my birthday.

I know her birthday and I keep up with it. Please, if anyone has any advice on how I can fight to keep her I would be grateful. Also, for all those who pray out there. Send your prayers this way please. I love my dog so much I am willing to fight for her. Plus I can't see her doing good anywhere else. My mom has tried to watch her for me for only three days and she wouldn't eat or play at all. My grandparents have had her there and when I leave she waits by the door for me. We got her a bit early, and she wasn't ready to be taken from her mommy. So I believe maybe that is why she is so attached to me and my husband.

Thanks in advance for your advice, and prayers. I only have prayer to depend on now. Thank you also for taking time to read this. May God bless you,

Kimberly

[UnsureMS]

Well like I have said its all over with now. Thank The Lord.

[jolicat1]

Same thing happened at my apartments.  I had lived in the same apt for 10 years.  Loved my view!  Anyway my two Dobermans were grandfathered into the lease and I put down the 800 deposit and paid an additional 40 a month for them to live there.  Finally last year they decided that any new leases were not to have any dogs over 50lbs.  It scared me that we were put in this situation.  I ended up buying a 3000 sq ft home with a huge yard.  It was time for us to buy a house.  Even though my dogs lived in an 1100 sq ft apt.  We went to the lake every day or park or little places in the neighborhood I knew they could go off the leash.  I look at it as if something negative turned into something positive.  If you can’t get a house then rent elsewhere and be up front with your land lord.  Your landlord is giving you warning.  There are places that will call the pound and have the animal removed from your property.  

[UnsureMS]

Thanks to all. My neuro was very well worded in the letter so I don't think there is anyway they can't honor it. Plus it took the new management over four months to figure out we even had a dog and still wouldn't have known if I wouldn't have been honest.

As for why I wasn't wanting to live my apartment right away is I was scared to break a lease agreement and can't really afford anything that is more expensive. Just to comfort everyone I would never put my "daughter" in a shelter. If I did have to get rid of her my grandmother would take her and I would still see her often. I know she likes it there. I just don't want to be away from her. Thanks again all. May God bless you,

Kimberly

[deadgamegrrl]

I'm so glad this is working out for you. Many years ago I had the same thing happen to me due to a change in apartment management and I ended up having to scramble to find another place to live.

I've known a few people that had pets as 'support therapy' animals and that does need to be honored by the management. Give your dog a big hug!

[Jerry_NJ]

It it always good to read a thread with a happy ending.

My only advice is doing "spike the ball", be appreciative for the allowance made by the apartment management and work hard to be sure your dog isn't a problem for anyone.  Then your experience will be happy all the way around, and will set a great example to the management for the next dog case that comes upl

Enjoy your dog, I'm sure she is happy to be a member of your family.

[Kmia22]

I know how you feel, my dog is like my baby too.
You need to figure out is this apartment worth keeping?
Is this apartment more important that my dog?
You need to weigh the pro's and con's in this situation.
Get a letter from your doctor saying she is a support or working dog, and then your landlord cannot make you get rid of her.
I mean to me, I would move anywhere for my dog, but honestly if you do have to put her in a no kill shelter she may not adjust.
She may get depressed, as I have seen a few dogs get depressed before.
We have a beagle named Summer, well it was my pap's dog and when my pap died of cancer, Summer wouldnt eat, she wouldnt play, she would whimper constantly.
It was one of the sadest things I have ever seen in my life.

[UnsureMS]

Thanks for the support. Well, I just received word my neuro is going to give me a note stating she is a support animal for my undxs health issues. The manager said they would have to honor this. So, hopefully this issue will be done with after today.

I am so grateful and I am crying happy tears and know The Lord is with us. Thank you for the support. I just pray the owners will feel the same and won't try to fight it any further.

[LoveMyBostons]

That's a really good idea. A service dog doesn't require you to have a physical handicap, they can also provide emotional comfort as well. Though if you have the symptoms of MS (I have MS) then it should make it easier to get her declared a service dog. Definitely talk to your doctor!

[aheart]

My heart goes out to you on this, I can't imagine how sad you must be. I was thinking that if you could get her declared as your "service" dog or convince the landlord/management of it? Either that or your just going to have to move to a dog friendly community.It seems to me if you had her for six years, how could they do this?? I would keep her for now and work on the manager and find a doctor that will make or declare her a service dog.
I don't know how the service dog process goes but I sure would go out and find out.Hmmm......I think that your doctor will be your best advocate for this. I think that's you best bet. Let us know, Good Luck!