Today was the day that our foster dog, Hazel, was going to her new home. She had been waiting to get into a no-kill shelter and today was her day. It was all very exciting and traumatizing at the same time. On one hand, I knew that we had been a part of the process that saved her life. On the other hand, I had some very heartbroken children on my hands.
From the beginning I made it clear that we were babysitting, fostering, a very temporary family. But as soon as the phone call came that said her spot in the shelter was ready, things began to unravel. It got messy around here.
All along, the boys had been begging to keep her and we had been clear on our 'no'. But suddenly, none of our reasons for giving her to the shelter held too much water. At least not to the boys.
I can't go into too much detail, but towards the end, the dog was held hostage.
I didn't want to keep the dog. Oh sure, I liked her, but the so not housebroken part really was helping me get rid of her.
Jon didn't want to keep the dog, but he sure did like her. Never in his life did he imagine having this many animals short of owning a farm.
The boys did want to keep the dog. Cute, furry, and loving really makes up for the other shortcomings.
There was blood, there were tears.
Try wrestling a dog away from tender-hearted (very strong) children.
Try looking into your childrens' eyes while listening to their desperate pleas.
My friend was in transit, IN transit...to pick up the dog.
And then, my mighty yet tender warrior of a husband said it...
Oh no, he did not.
Oh yes. He did.
"Okay, we're keeping the dog."
10 comments:
You all are seriously a bunch of suckers.
I've got a bridge for sale if you're interested. It's really great.
I would have been suckered also. Those blasted kids can get to me like no one else. And Hazel sure is cute. O.k., so I would probably be a sucker for a cute dog also. Sorry, I am no help.
Thanks, Kelly. I do feel quite like the sucker right now.
Ryan, you are no help! And how many dogs do YOU have?
melanie price! that is all i'm going to say.
Ha! You are kinder people than I am.
Wow, you just got outwitted by a dog and a bunch of kids.
There it is.
Wow.
I've never experienced anything like that. Your boys are beautiful and intense! They will make good husbands being so tenderhearted (or good dog hoarders).
Oh my. I am almost afraid to read your blog from here on out- I am very afraid for your carpet's future.
Last night we stopped by the shelter anyway to check it out and get you a manual that the guy wanted you to have. It's about your adopted dog's behavior, and POTTYTRAINING. Apparently if you do everything in the manual it will only take a day or so to potty train. (I am soooo skeptical).
He also gave us a resource where you can get all shots, spaying, and heart worm testing for $88. (we'll help cover the cost because I feel SO responsible for your situation).
We talked to him at length about the dog to see what his thoughts were. He said a dog like that is not a good candidate for shelter adoptions- because people will just bring her back and not give her a chance.
He said she has severe seperation anxiety (duh) but loves people (duh duh). Shifting from home to home will only intensify her negative behavior BUT once she realizes she is with you for keeps- she'll be a great dog.
fingers crossed.
Please don't curse me every time you clean up poop!
Rachel,
You are officially off the hook. I will not curse you no matter how many couches she destroys or no matter how much my house smells like poop. You did everything and then 100% MORE than you needed to do for this dog.
Let's hope this guy is right. She really is a great dog. It's just the housebreaking. Did he say why she would rather go in the house than outside?
But seriously, you're off the hook for good. You are no longer responsible. I release you!
I love you guys.
Awwwww!!!!!!!
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