[stripy_drummer]

I am 14 years old and am struggling to take care of my 4 year old golden retriever, Bonzo. I feel I am the only one in my family who walks him, plays with him and generally takes care of him. My dad also occasionally walks him but he works away most of the time. My brother could also walk him but he's too lazy!!Also, I fear he is not getting the excercise he should be gettin because I'm not allowed to go to the only areas suitable for letting Bonzo off the lead. I walk him (on the lead) twice round a 1/4 mile stretch of grass beside the main road. Then I play with him in my back garden until he gets tierd. I love taking care of him but I have exams soon and I'm afraid I won't have time for Bonzo.There is also the problem of the fact that my dog isn't even allowed around the house! He stays in a cupboard under the stairs and is in the garden most of the time.I really need help!!!I am 14 years old and am struggling to take care of my 4 year old golden retriever, Bonzo. I feel I am the only one in my family who walks him, plays with him and generally takes care of him. My dad also occasionally walks him but he works away most of the time. My brother could also walk him but he's too lazy!!Also, I fear he is not getting the excercise he should be gettin because I'm not allowed to go to the only areas suitable for letting Bonzo off the lead. I walk him (on the lead) twice round a 1/4 mile stretch of grass beside the main road. Then I play with him in my back garden until he gets tierd.I love taking care of him but I have exams soon and I'm afraid I won't have time for Bonzo.There is also the problem of the fact that my dog isn't even allowed around the house! He stays in a cupboard under the stairs and is in the garden most of the time.I really need help!!! I REALLY don't want to rehome him I KNOW something can be done.

[mickerman]

Try to find him a new home.......someone who would love him and not abuse him.

[bearerofknowledge]

Keep up the good work mate, and get your father and lazy ass brother a talking too!I wouldn't worry about the effect on exams to much, as if you wake or indeed get those two to wake up 20mins earlier Bonzo can still get his excercise.This cupboard business I don't like that is for Girlfriends only!!!!Live strong Bonzo loves you for it dude!

[Christine]

well give him to one of your friends or me!!! that is not fare the dog is not aloud in the house!

[septocular]

Okay, so aside from the dog issue, you're probably a little stressed because of your impending exams.Firstly, if you can, I'd recommend telling your family how you feel about it. They're probably unlikely to help much though - it sounds as though you look after Bonzo because he matters more to you than he does to them (good for you!).So, my main advice is that while you're doing your exams you need something to take your mind off all of the studying anyway. Use your time out with Bonzo to switch off from everything else. If you can, try to stop worrying about how no one else cares about him, and view him instead as your lifeline - one of the things in life that you most enjoy.Good luck with all of it!