Adopting a Labrador

[Hollysdad]

Sometimes life bowls a googly.
A few days after starting this thread I had a numb feeling in my toes. It didn't go away but developed into a numbness in both legs and overwhelming tiredness. GP thinks its a problem with the nerves in my leg. I can't get an NHS specialist appoitment for 46 weeks as there's a shortage of neurologists.
It looks like a Lab is unlikely as I couldn't meet its exercise needs in this condition. It wouldn't be fair on the dog.
We're debating whether to hold out for a year or so to see what verdict the NHS reaches, or consider looking for a breed with lower exercise needs.

 

[Candy]

Sometimes life bowls a googly.
A few days after starting this thread I had a numb feeling in my toes. It didn't go away but developed into a numbness in both legs and overwhelming tiredness. GP thinks its a problem with the nerves in my leg. I can't get an NHS specialist appoitment for 46 weeks as there's a shortage of neurologists.
It looks like a Lab is unlikely as I couldn't meet its exercise needs in this condition. It wouldn't be fair on the dog.
We're debating whether to hold out for a year or so to see what verdict the NHS reaches, or consider looking for a breed with lower exercise needs.

So sorry to hear this. There is a similarly long wait for a neurology appointment in our area. Might you consider adopting an older Labrador who perhaps needs less exercise?
You will without doubt be wonderful people for any breed of dog to live with, although being very much a Labrador person myself I can fully understand you perhaps preferring to stick with a breed that you know and have experience of. Sending best wishes from Joy and me.

 

[Lab_adore]

I'm so sorry @Hollysdad. 46 weeks is outrageous. I hope a cancellation comes up for you

 

[HAH]

Sometimes life bowls a googly.
A few days after starting this thread I had a numb feeling in my toes. It didn't go away but developed into a numbness in both legs and overwhelming tiredness. GP thinks its a problem with the nerves in my leg. I can't get an NHS specialist appoitment for 46 weeks as there's a shortage of neurologists.
It looks like a Lab is unlikely as I couldn't meet its exercise needs in this condition. It wouldn't be fair on the dog.
We're debating whether to hold out for a year or so to see what verdict the NHS reaches, or consider looking for a breed with lower exercise needs.

Dammit, this is a bit of a spanner - I am sorry it’s taking such a slog to get to the bottom of it. I hope you get a break soon. Until you have a bit more certainty I completely understand your holding off decisions. Could it be a temporary solution to look into charities like the Cinnamon Trust to either walk/visit dogs with their owners who can’t exercise them, or foster for a time while people are in hospital or recovering?

 

[Naya]

I am so sorry to hear this @Hollysdad
There are several neurologists who are based in the The Spire in Bristol. They are private, but it might be worth contacting them as I seen a neurosurgeon within 4 weeks there after being told I had to wait 9months. It cost a few hundred for the initial consultation, but was so worth it.

 

[Hollysdad]

I am so sorry to hear this @Hollysdad
There are several neurologists who are based in the The Spire in Bristol. They are private, but it might be worth contacting them as I seen a neurosurgeon within 4 weeks there after being told I had to wait 9months. It cost a few hundred for the initial consultation, but was so worth it.

Thanks Naya. I intend to discuss going private at my next appointment with the GP. I’ll have a look at the Spire and see whether our GP deals with them.

 

[Cath]

So sorry to hear this @Hollysdad, hope you get some good news soon

 

[Jacqui-S]

That's pants Phil.
We similarly have neurology waiting lists of well over a year.
I assume your GP has done things like checking for vitamin deficiency (particularly B12 and folate) and ruled out diabetes....
Also second going private if its affordable.
Peace of mind.....

 

[Emily_Babbelhund]

As Jac says, that’s pants - I’m sorry to hear you’re having these health issues and that the wait is so long. I hope you can go private for the initial consult at least. 46 weeks is way too long to have to put your health on hold.

For your dog adoption quest, please consider not putting that on hold for too long. There is a dog - with an appropriate speed - out there for everyone, and in addition dogs are highly adaptable, more than they are often credited for being. You need a worthy co-author successor and having a dog adventure buddy will help you in so many other ways too. Not to mention what a wonderful home you will be for the lucky dog who ends up with you.

 

[Selina27]

Aagh, sorry to read this Phil @Hollysdad.

 

[Atemas]

46 weeks is way too long to have to put your health on hold.

So sorry @Hollysdad you are having to wait so long - hope you can get a private appointment and don’t have to put off getting a dog

 

[Loraseal]

Sorry to read this. I hope you get it sorted out soon. I understand why you are putting the adopting on hold. @Emily_Babbelhund is right though. There is a dog out there waiting to be loved by you.

 

[Hollysdad]

That's pants Phil.
We similarly have neurology waiting lists of well over a year.
I assume your GP has done things like checking for vitamin deficiency (particularly B12 and folate) and ruled out diabetes....
Also second going private if its affordable.
Peace of mind.....

GP has been fairly thorough. He’s done full bloods which showed up normal on all indicators including B12. He’s even rung me at home (without an appointment) just to check how I am.

 

[Hollysdad]

We’ve discussed other dogs a lot over the last couple of months. As things stand a large, strong, energetic dog would be too much. We looked at breeds and are homing in on Cavapoo or similar for adoption or as a puppy.We‘re also watching the local rehoming centres to see if anything potentially suitable comes up.

 

[edzbird]

Sorry you are having to deal with this uncertainty. I too hope you can get an initial private appointment.

 

[kateincornwall]

Oh dear, a bit of a fly in the ointment for you , so I hope you can get sorted sooner rather than later , then you dog search can start in earnest , good luck xx

 

[MellowYellow]

I am really sorry, what an awful thing. I do hope you get an appointment earlier. Cavapoos are lovely little dogs...

 

[Woodwoman]

So sorry to hear this Phil, I hope you can get a sooner appointment somehow. It is hard being without a dog they light up your life in so many ways. I hope you can find one with the suitable amount of energy.

 

[Hollysdad]

So sorry to hear this Phil, I hope you can get a sooner appointment somehow. It is hard being without a dog they light up your life in so many ways. I hope you can find one with the suitable amount of energy.

Thank you. We really miss the walks, playtimes and fun of having a dog.

 

[Stacia]

Sometimes life bowls a googly.
A few days after starting this thread I had a numb feeling in my toes. It didn't go away but developed into a numbness in both legs and overwhelming tiredness. GP thinks its a problem with the nerves in my leg. I can't get an NHS specialist appoitment for 46 weeks as there's a shortage of neurologists.
It looks like a Lab is unlikely as I couldn't meet its exercise needs in this condition. It wouldn't be fair on the dog.
We're debating whether to hold out for a year or so to see what verdict the NHS reaches, or consider looking for a breed with lower exercise needs.

That is terrible that you cannot get an appointment with a neurologist for 46 weeks! Any chance of getting one privately? I am sorry this has come to hit you x