Lamb76: This thread makes me very sad, having lost my loving little Shih Tzu to heart failure not even 3 months ago. I would do most anything if I could have him back, but of course that's not possible.
In thinking more about your situation, I personally see from what you have written, a dog that is absolutely starving for attention, and the only one she gets it from is you, and it seems that you don't even like her much. After a year, I really don't see the kids stepping up and helping with the dog that they pleaded for. If they don't do it willingly, then obviously the dog really doesn't mean that much to them. Shih Tzu's are very loving and people oriented dogs, and they want and need and thrive on the attention of their care givers. It doesn't seem that at this point in time, that your family or lifestyle can give any dog the care and attention that it needs to be happy and healthy and thrive in it's environment. Perhaps at a later date and time it would be more likely to succeed.
If the kids want a pet, have you ever considered a cat? They are very independent and self sufficient and don't require near the "work" that a dog does. But maybe your family isn't suited to a cat, for any number of reasons - it was just a thought.
Please know that I am not speaking badly of you - you certainly have a lot on your plate right now - and I can understand how/why you feel as you do. You are one person trying to shoulder a whole family's responsibilities, which is a huge task even under better circumstances.
If you have any feelings at all for this little dog, then let her go with your co-worker where she sounds like she is wanted, and will get the love and attention that she craves and deserves.
Good luck, and please keep us posted.
at my feet
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