I think it sounds worse than it is.

Jake has always known my stepdaughter and her children, and loves her children (ages 2 and 5). My stepdaughter has been asking us to please let him come and live with her since her oldest son was 1 year old. Jake and Shane get along very well. When Shane was a toddler, Jake would pace back and forth in front of the stairs to prevent Shane from falling. Whenever Shane would fall, Jake would try to pick him up by pulling him up by the diaper. Shane slept in Jake's crate with him!

Melissa is excellent with dogs and has had her female, Monroe, for about 5 years.

Both of the dogs I've adopted from the shelter adjusted almost immediately to their new surroundings and were extremely happy. Why should Jake do differently?

Of course - Jake is 7 years old. That's why I wanted your opinion. I don't know if his age would make the adjustment more difficult for him.

If it would be difficult for Jake, I won't do it. However if the transition would go smoothly I think everybody involved would benefit. Jake would have a good home with great people and a more gentle, older dog. I don't think there would be the constant dominance battles, since Monroe is female. Max would have a younger, more enthusiastic playmate - also female, so the dominance battle would be reduced. "Lady" would come to a loving home.

Please don't think I'm a bad person - I'm just feeling the situation out.