Very Hard Decision

[Superbob]

The dog lovers here are going to think I am terrible. But I have got to vent about this.

I am talking to the wonderful Lab Rescue folks here about finding a good home for Daisy, the 1-year-old chocolate lab we have been keeping since March. She was supposed to go back to my son and his family when they relocated but it winds up they don't have suitable facilities to keep her.

So I am supposed to finish the papers this afternoon saying I will sign her over, and my eyes keep getting too cloudy to do it. But what choice do I have?

I have to have knee surgery next month. My wife had a mini-stroke last month. We have steep stairs to the basement and to the backyard and I have to keep negotiating them to see after Daisy. Yesterday she again broke through our picket fence because she wanted to play with some kids, so I had to go chasing after her. Again. I don't know how I could take care of her when I am rehabbing my knee. My wife sure can't go running after her. And she probably needs more of the attention I have to give Dasiy right now.

We are both attached to Daisy but she is very high maintenance. The Lab Rescue people conduct interviews and screenings to place the labs and they assure us they would go the extra mile to find Daisy a great home. She needs a younger family and lots of space to run. (We have the space but not the youth.) Being just 1 year old, I think she would bond quickly with a permanent family. (Heck if she stays with us, she might outlive us both anyway.)

Of course we have Sadie, an older golden/lab mix but she is no trouble. She takes care of us instead of the other way around. Sadie's not going anywhere (though she'll probably miss Daisy too -- even though at times she thinks she's a pest.)

So that's what I am doing this sad Sunday afternoon. It is not easy.

 

[Ross]

Man I feel for ya. I've been in those shoes before too. The only suggestion, which I'm sure you've thought about already is, is there anyone close by you that could take care of her while you recover? Outside of that, then your doing the best possible thing for her, but perhaps not yourself. Wouldn't be so bad if we didn't get attached to these things, but we do.

 

[Cooker]

Doing the right thing is not always easy ... It seems to me that you are doing the right thing for you and Daisy ... It's ok to be blue ... even superheros shed a few tears from time to time

 

[Bina]

I am a HUGE animal lover, with a chocolate Labrador laying at my feet.....
Bob, what you are doing is great, and generous.
You are thinking of what is best for Daisy instead of your own heartfelt desire to try to hang on to her.
Certain breeds have a harder time to adjust to a new home, but I can tell you from all of my years in dog rescue, that labs re-adjust quite well. Especially a young one.
Going to a "breed specific" rescue is what I always prefer and recommend.
I didn't want to stick my nose in your business, but I am relieved to read your decision.
You will be sad, you will cry, but you are doing the right thing.

 

[DebbyA]

"The dog lovers here are going to think I am terrible."

No--the dog lovers are going to think that you faced a difficult situation and admire you for doing the best thing for the dog, however sad for you. At least one dog-loving family will be grateful when they take Daisy into their hearts and home.

We have a wonderful little mutt because her owner became unable to care for her and found her a new home through our vet.

 

[hall]

I believe you you are doing the right thing. I know it is hard on you but basically, still a puppy. We got our dog (golden ret.) from rescue and were really glad to get him. I think they screen the potential homes very well. The lab will go to a good home. Good luck to you.

 

[MaryC]

Bob,
It sounds like you are doing the best thing for Daisy. I am a fan of the 'Dog Whisperer' and the other day he had an episode about matching dogs' energy level with owners. He said high energy dogs are best placed with very active owners. By active he means roller skating, running and bike riding with them. We love boxers and have a 7 year old boxer named Katie. We recently got a boxer puppy we named Layla. I had forgotten how much energy boxer puppies have! We literally have to wear her out before she goes to bed or she can't sleep. I am now considering getting an attachment for my bike that allows her to run along beside. My husband and I have made a pact that this is our last puppy!

I have lots of friends who have chocolate labs. This is a highly desired breed. I am sure the Lab rescue folks will make sure Daisy gets a good home.

 

[Dawn-Marie]

Bob ~ No, you are doing the best thing possible under the circumstances. It shows how much you care for Daisy! Now, if you were doing what lots of people in our town do, which is dump her out in the country with no way to fend for herself, that would make me upset!

My friend's husband runs a rescue for Chesapeake Bay Retrievers (i guess that is what they are called). He finds wonderful homes for the dogs. He won't give them to just anyone who wants a dog...they have to fill out adoption papers and he reviews them. Most people who run these rescue sites do so because of their love for them. She will get a good home.

This being said, i know it's still going to be a really rough day (days, weeks) for you. Dogs (and all pets) are like members of the family and it's so hard to part with them.

Take care,

Dawn-Marie

 

[Nancy]

Bob-

If you look at it this way, you will have a different perspective. A young dog wants to run and play and do both things fast and hard. You cannot give her this kind of a life right now, no matter how willing you are to do it. Your present medical problems just won't allow a fun life for this young dog.

Think of how happy she will be with a young person who can run with her, go out in the yard and run after Frisbees with her.

Yes, you will miss her terribly and she will miss both of you as well. But she will have a wonderful opportunity and I am sure the organization you spoke with will take very good care of her placement.

It is a very selfless act and a very loving act.

(((((Bob)))))

 

[Susan BAV]

Because of our recent dog loss, another possible complication that jumps out to me from your post, Bob, is that I think Sadie may very well miss your Daisy tremendously. Our Clover is only eight, but she's an old eight, and she's not doing well since our Daisy died.

But, recovering from knee surgery with a young pup bouncing around on all fours sounds kind of dangerous.

I think your instincts on this are good. Best wishes.

 

[WayneGM]

Bob, you are doing the right thing. I'm sure it is difficult but in the long run it will work out for all including Daisy. Best wishes to all of you.

 

[Superbob]

I so greatly appreciate all these words of encouragement and observations. They have helped me very much on a tough afternoon. Susan, your observations were especially poignant because you just experienced a much tougher loss. You are right, our older dog, Sadie, is likely to feel the loss, too. She is very sensitive to comings and goings and I will have to lavish some extra attention on her. Of course, when I am into rehabbing my knee, I will need Sadie to be my main therapist, as she was after my OHS.

 

[Guest]

Thank God for rescues. At least you know she'll be placed in a loving home. My neighbor's daughter just got a beautiful Golden Retreiver from a rescue. She also goes to doggy training. There are two little boys in the home and the dog thinks they are playmates. She would trip them on purpose and then pounce on them like litter mates. It's gotten better with training. My neighbor up the street has a choc lab male, lots of energy. The owner runs in the a.m. and the dog goes too. Very good bonding....You are doing the right thing Superbob. Recognizing what the dog and you really need. Giving up an animal is not easy and should not be. It shows how big of a heart you have. {hug to superbob}

 

[Wise]

I can't add to the good advice you've received. Just want to say that I feel for you. Love for an animal is a special thing. You are being very loving even if it doesn't feel like it. Prayers for all concerned.

 

[aussigal]

I feel for you too SB...its a hard day when you have to say goodbye to a pet who has become one of the family. I'm sure Daisy will get a great new family who will love her dearly just as you do, she is one gorgeous puppy.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Been There, 'Almost' Did That...

BUT, I couldn't find an appropriate home for a 50 lb 1 year old mixed breed adopted from the Local Pound because she was simply Gorgeous and had obviously been well taken of.

When I tried an 'adjustable muzzle' (I forgot the fancy name they had for it), it became clear she was either going to Eat It or Eat my Hand. The Pet Store people let me trade it in and suggested a "Prong Collar".

That Collar literally saved that dog. She is a sweetheart and behaves quite well at home, most of the time on a leash, and 'if and when' she feels like it (i.e. is not in pursuit of a squirrel or rabbit or an 'interesting scent') when walking loose.

She 'finally' reached the point where she would stay around the house (or within 1 yard) if left outside alone (after a year or so). She lets us know when it's time for her morning and afternoon walks! It works, but I'm sure she would love to romp and stomp with some young children more often.

Good Luck and I hope you are able to find an appropriate new home. It's clear that you are trying to do what is best for the puppy. Bless You!

 

[BDMc]

Bob, Sounds like you made the tough but responsible choice here. I say this as a someone who just fell for yet another canine. One of my nephews has a habit of bringing home strays of any kind. I think around Christmas he came home with a young mixed breed dog. I wasn't too sure about him at first. He is a little hyper. But after he came up to me with my wallet in his mouth, (I must've dropped it getting out of my car) I decided I liked him. About a month ago the same nephew comes home with a young but fully grown dog he "rescued" from some one that couldn't keep it. The two dogs are very jealous of each other, but get along pretty well. I just spent 24 hours with them, and was very taken by their sweet attention. All the best, Brian

 

[Bonzo Dog]

Seems to be a no brainer to me Bob. Where is the greater love, for the dog or for the wife?

 

[Mimi]

Hi Bob,

I had to give up my cat because I could not longer take care of her during the weeks that I required to recover from surgery. I just felt that I could not give her the love and attention that she needed.

She arrived a very skinny stray cat that appeared on the door step one day. Then after a year she became this gigantic, cuddly, shiny black cat with a gorgeous white nose.

The neighbours arranged for the cat to be taken to an animal shelter while I was away. I was told later that pussycat was adopted by a loving family. Apparently, she was very popular and was highly sort after by several families.

I miss her, but I don't regret giving her away because I know she'll be dazzling someone else.

 

[Superbob]

I just wanted to say a sincere thanks again to everyone. Your comments have brought up reassuring points I hadn't thought of, and reinforced others.

I understand from the rescue people that often you do get pictures and reports from the new owners and otherwise stay in contact. Would love to see that Daisy stays happy. That rascal was having me throw ball to her at 11:30 last night, and at 730 this morning.