Had to give up a dog today...

[slccom]

We had a little visitor, an 8-pound apricot poodle boy who we found running around on Wednesday. He is so adorable, and sweet, and deciding that he lived here really fast. Unfortunately, that makes it number six, and not only is that two too many for the laws we have here, but we can't afford yet another. I took him top the vet to see if he had a microchip, which of course he didn't. We had an ad in the paper for 3 days, and two people called. He wasn't either of theirs. However, the first man was really nice, and agreed to take him (we called him "First Name Unknown") if he didn't have a microchip or was found by his people.

So FNU has gone to his new home. I really, really wanted to keep him! But he is doing fine, eating a Subway sandwich with his two new canine siblings, and they said that we can dogsit for them sometime.

Dog fostering is really not for me!
Sharon

[Katybarstool]

Sharon

That's a shame you couldn't keep him, but it sounds like he has gone to a good home. Doesn't stop you feeling bereft though, does it?

A few years ago, we adopted a rescue Manchester Terrier, as a pal for our Border Highland terrier. However, the Manchester had been trained to hunt, and he was determined to hunt our car. And, the usually very placid, Border terrier joined in. We were terrified for the cat, and brought in an animal psychologist to try to give the cat the courage to spit at the dogs. No good. It cost a fortune, and didn't work. We had to let the Manchester go to a new home. And I was gutted as I felt as if I had given up on him. But at least the cat lived on in peace:)

I hope they do let you pet sit once in a while.

Kathyx

[jessiblah]

I know how you feel. I am the local girl all of the dogs seem to find when they run away. I have found over 20 strays in my town whether it be they ran away or didn't have a home to begin with. For the dogs who didn't have a home they found a special place in my heart but unfortunately I too have laws to abide by and found great homes for nearly all of them. I have 4 dogs which is one too many in my town. I tried to find a home for a pitbull puppy we seem to have collected from a stranger who got it from someone else. Unfortunately there are too many people out there who heard pitbull and jumped at the chance to adopt mine. These people were not great in my book because of their eagerness to own a pitbull and the fact they were not going to get him neutered. So we decided to keep the little bugger. Thank god we did because he health problems are horrible and anyone else who have put him to sleep or would have given him to a shelter. He has horrible allergies with chronic ear infections and skin infections. Luckily I work for a veterinarian so it was easy for me to understand issues like this.
It has been so hard to give up dogs to others not knowing if they will be taken care of and be loved the way i would love them. I am lucky to have found friends in rescues and they have gladly agreed to take on any strays i can't find homes for.

[slccom]

The nice couple who took FNU called. He is happily receiving instruction from their little black dog as  to the household rules (Our biggest duty is to lie up here on top of the couch, look out the window and let Our People know if that pesky cat from next door is trespassing...) and generally enjoying himself.

He is definitely in the right household!
Sharon

[Pisces24]

I understand. I am not and would never be a good rescuerer.

I have two cats that I rescued and was going to find homes for after I got em all fixed up. One in 2003 and one in 2005 and I still have them.  They are such great cats and very loving. I think they appreciate having a good home more than my other three.

Glad you were able to find a good home for the dog!!!!

[susanep]

I understand all of this. We have 4 big lovable dogs, and 1 big lovable cat. They all get along, and the dogs watch after the cat.

Well, now we took in a little cutey (part Yorkie part schitzu) sp - and none of our others get along with the new little one. She (Bonnie) as we named her is one year old, and goes after them yapping if I pet any of them.

She didn't have a good home before so she is so possessive now and my others are jealous, and don't like the yapping.

I sure could use some ideas here, hehe, because we are already in love with her, but we feel devoted to our other babies too.

Help pl e a s e !!!!!

susanep

[slccom]

Well, little Choo-choo is living the life of Riley! (Who is he, anyhow, and what made his life so great?) He and his new brother went out into their back yard and rolled in the dog, er, stuff. Taking turns, doing a thorough job, and with great enjoyment. They both got baths immediately, and Choo-choo went to the groomer's the next day. His new people say he is really cute with a haircut, and he is promising to come by and show him off.

I figure that if he is keeping him after that performance, he is definitely Home! And he is taking good care of his new mommie, who is recuperating from her hospital stay. So all is well, and I feel really good about this outcome.

But I sure wish we had been able to keep him....
Sharon

[slccom]

I understand all of this. We have 4 big lovable dogs, and 1 big lovable cat. They all get along, and the dogs watch after the cat.

Well, now we took in a little cutey (part Yorkie part schitzu) sp - and none of our others get along with the new little one. She (Bonnie) as we named her is one year old, and goes after them yapping if I pet any of them.

She didn't have a good home before so she is so possessive now and my others are jealous, and don't like the yapping.

I sure could use some ideas here, hehe, because we are already in love with her, but we feel devoted to our other babies too.

Help pl e a s e !!!!!

susanep

This site mentions training methods:  http://www.ehow.com/how_4682464_stop-dog-barking.html

You might want to just forcibly remove her when she gets after the other dogs, like put her in a crate. You can do the same with the yapping.

The tincture of time will probably help, as she feels more secure.

Sharon

[susanep]

Thanks Sharon, and I tend to think you are right, because she did the same with our cat Charlie, and now she is not so much noticing him now, and that is a big improvement.

Time is good for some things.

susanep

[slccom]

I'm glad that things are getting better for the fuzzballs! Keep us posted...
Sharon