Are there any honorable ways to get rid of a dog that you no longer want?

If he's purebred and came from a reputable breeder, you CAN always contact them to see if they will take him back or help you re-home him. There are Rescue groups for virtually all purebreds, and many in your area for mixed breeds. Try www.petfinder.com if you live in the US or contact the national club for his breed (online) to find a listing of more locally placed rescue "branch" groups.

Is this a living breathing being, or a bag of sugar? I can't understand how anybody would have a dog for perhaps 6.5 years, and then come to a 'no longer want' situation. That's just shocking. Yes, circumstances change meaning anybody may no longer be able to keep their dog but just to 'no longer want' one I simply don't understand.

If you got your dog from a reputable breeder, there would be a return clause on the sale agreement. If not, or you are no longer in touch with the breeder, then the next step would be breed rescue, if the dog is 'a breed'. Finally I suppose a Shelter but just know older dogs often take a long time to be chosen by people wanting a dog, and if he's in any way unhealthy, he will be put down. And how much 'better' would that be, if it came to that, to be done by YOU rather than by strangers. And imagine the trauma he'll go through, shut in kennels for however long it might take to find somebody who will love him again.

Whatever happened to COMMITMENT these days. The 'honourable' thing would be to not even consider getting rid of this poor dog who is going into his final years when he should be happy and SECURE with you.

Check with your local county animal control. They may have some ideas on getting your dog to a 'rescue' service. If he's had all of his shots and has been treated well, he may be easy to adopt out. I would be leery of sites like Craig's List- some people will take dogs and cats people no longer can care for and use them for unsavory things like dog-fighting or ritual sacrifices. Also, contact your local Humane Society. The staff there may have ideas, too.

Dogs Trust Charity.

The previous owner of my rescue cat dropped her off at the animal shelter, picked her back up and dropped her back off again when they realized the family dog wasn't going to get along with the cat. There isn't an "honorable" way to get rid of a pet. Pet adoption is for the life of the pet. You don't get rid of the dog because you don't want it.

Re-home him with someone that Really Cares or turn him into a shelter/rescue.

Don't get anymore pets unless you can commit to having the time to provide the proper care needed for the next 12-17 years, regardless of any lifestyle changes and/or finances.

There's never anything honorable about dumping a senior dog.

Just give him to a no-kill shelter so he can find a better home. Then enjoy the bad karma for being such a selfish prat.

Don't just dump him some place or put him in a regular shelter. Older dogs are often overlooked. Ideally, see if there are friends or family members that are willing to take him. If not try to find a rescue group or no kill shelter in your area.

If you have had this dog for 7 years, its a bit late and very unkind to now decide he is a burden on you.

However.....the most "honorable" way to "get rid" of him, if there is such a thing, is to take him to a good rescue kennels, where if he is as good natured as you claim, then he will soon find a new home with someone who wants him.

Please never get another dog.

I am glad I am not a member of your family. Most people love there pets and treat them as family members, and look after them until they die. There is no honourable way to get rid of a family member.