Why should I feel guilty? Why should I be judged?
I lost my constant companion. My friend and helper. My Dane loved me as much as I loved him. When he got sick, I took care of him. When it became obvious that he was suffering, I loved him even more. I said good bye.
A year latter I was ready to begin my search for another friend. After researching several breeds, I applied for a purebreed dog but I didn't stop looking.
Every week I went to the pound. Every week, I left with tears in my eyed.. I wanted to take all of the sweet puppies home.
But I can't. I need the one...
I made yet another trip to the shelter. I honestly didn't expect to find the dog. But I kept coming back to one wiggle butt. She was too old. Too small. Too energetic. But I just couldn't leave her there.
In less than a week she learned how to walk on a leash. She learned the many commands I needed her to learn faster than any dog I have ever trained. She was so smart but I never connected to her.
Her prey drive is so strong that training will not solve her one major problem. She wants to eat Dragon's cat and our pet bunny. She doesn't bark and growl. Oh no. Silently, she stalks them and attacks. She is a hunter. This is something I could not have known when I found her in the shelter.
Finally, the decision was made to find her a new home. One without cats or bunnies. I tried my friends on Facebook first. Within three days she had a new home. She is going to a disabled man who will benefit from her many skills.
I still need to teach her a few more skills. Fetch the phone, get help and pick up dropped items. She will go to her new home just in time for Christmas.
Now what do I have? An acquaintance shaming me for buying a high dollar pure bred dog.
What do I have to say to that?
BACK OFF BITCH!
You don't know me. If you did, you would know that my family has fostered over 180 dogs and cats. All of them with problems. I lost count at 180. I kept most of them until they were adopted.
How dare you lecture me on the over crowded shelters, homeless animals, puppy mills and irresponsible pet owners.
I have 4 dogs in my home right now. 3 of them are rescues. I had to purchase a dog in Germany. They didn't let Americans adopt. 3 of them are seniors. The one dog under a year old is now being trained to do a very important job for a disabled man I love very much.
Even the cat is a rescue.
So get off your high horse.
The dog I am buying comes from a proven blood line. I know about how tall she will get. I know she will be strong. I know she will be calm and alloof. I will have support from the breeder I know she will be independent and stubborn.
Everything I know about this mastiff is an unknown in a shelter dog.
Do I feel guilty? Hell no.
You have nothing to feel guilty about! I am so sorry that someone decided to judge you! I hate that people are like that!
ReplyDeleteWe rescued one of our dogs. She is a feisty little cutie!
Thank you. Sorry for the rant. I was just a little frustrated. Can you tell? I am on a waiting list for a puppy from a very good breeder. It is hard to wait but I know it will be worth it.
DeleteHey sweet Rose...I agree with Minelle...you have nothing to feel guilty about. You have specific needs for a service dog and those can't always be met through rescues. Shame on the acquaintance who tried to shame you...shame on her! What right does she have to judge or try to guilt you. Life is too short for bs like that...eliminate the bitch from your life. You do what you need for your health!
ReplyDeleteHugs and Blessings...
Cat
Thanks. I get so tired of the finger pointing. I was fostering before animal rescue was in fashion. But sometimes you need to know what you are getting. I need a large, powerful dog. 30 inches at the shoulders and strong enough to hold me up.
DeleteUgh! People become so judgemental when it comes to this sort of thing. You are providing a home for a dog - doesn't matter whether this dog is purebred, a mutt, rescue, whatever. I love rescue dogs - my second dog and most wonderful dog ever was a rescue. Sadly she passed away in February due to unexplained and sudden kidney failure. We are looking for our new companion and we are searching for the right dog for us - be it a purebred dog from a breeder, a rescue, animal shelter, whatever. People need to get a life and find something else to do with their time besides judge someone else's decision for their family companion.
ReplyDeleteI guess it just goes to show why I like dogs more than people. Blaggg. She is a great dog. God put her in my home for a reason. She was sent to me to train. Thanks:-)
DeleteDon't feel guilty. I know people like that as I foster and rescue too. If you were just giving the dog away because you didn't want it after a day that would be different! You found her a loving home that she will thrive in. You saved her and didn't just take her back to the pound.
ReplyDeleteGood for you for finding the right fit for you, that way you can have a forever dog and not just a "when I feel like it" dog.
People are jerks :(
I was determined to find her a home. She came from a high kill shelter. No way was she going back there. I love her to much. My little rescue puppy is leaving my home with almost $1000 in gear. Crate, harness, halty and training gear. She will be all set.
DeleteI've done a lot of rescue and rehab work mostly with horses and some dogs/cats too. You don't ever know what you're getting, even when you know ALL the facts. Sometimes it's fantastic. Sometimes it's awful. Making an appropriate placement is always the right answer, even if it didn't go as you planned.
ReplyDeleteWe went through a few rescue dogs at home who didn't work out for various reasons that nobody could have envisioned. Like you, I train and work with the animals but sometimes it's just not a good fit. We had one puppy that bit children's faces unprovoked.
That was the point that a lot of research went into finding the perfect dog for our family. We knew the bred we wanted, but it has a smushy face and is prone to breathing and eye problems. Crossed with a poodle, the snout lengthens and problems go away.
So there you have it, this rescue lady paid good money for a darned "registered" designer dog (mutt) that people sometimes carry around in purses. Best decision ever. He grew to be precisely the dog we wanted in size and temperament. And I caught a lot of flack for it. But you know what? My kids are safe and we have the dog that's right for our family.
Rescue work is tuff. Sometimes you just can't save them all. I haven't worked with horses yet but I want to. I am on a wait list for a mastiff cross. Tighter bottom lip, less drool, fewer health problems and longer life expectancy. All plusses. Expensive but I know the breed and will have more luck training her.
DeleteSo sorry that the placement didn't work out ...and worse yet your friend lacked the sympathetic and supportive response u needed. The fact that you will continue to teach the dog some skills and then rehome is commendable &from what I've read and know from most animal lovers. ..its just a given..u took responsibility and ur following thru...its too bad that often at shelters the dogs aren't always tested for temperment/prey drive & suitability. I know it comes from a good place &they just want to get the dog out of the pound&into a home, but the adopters should get a bit more support to ensure a forever match...its an issue that can be dealt with but good for u for recognizing that u need to put your energy into training your support dog..and not rehabilitating a dog with some serious prey issues! U know your truth. it sounds likeYou are dedicated and caring.
ReplyDeleteShe came highly recommended by the shelter volunteers. With just the number of animals at the shelter, testing every dog would be difficult. I don't think any of us saw this coming. I am happy knowing that she will have a great home.
DeleteThats it dont take no crap. I think its wonderful you found a home for the one :-)
ReplyDelete