Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Tough choices.

I've had a bit of anxiety about this post, as I've been in the dog community long enough to know how, I suppose, flammable the topic is. Sweet, freckle-nosed Dewey has moved on to a new and fantastic home. It was a damned if I did, damned if I didn't situation that I agonized about for weeks. Dewey was never supposed to be my dog. He came into the house as Adam's dog, because Adam got it into his head that he wanted to do dog sports, which was a terrible plan and one that fizzled in a matter of days, leaving Dewey stranded between owners. Eric was dealing with Piper's assorted issues and working on his final year of college and knew that he had no time for another dog. I should've realized the same thing, and then some. I'm starting college, volunteering my ass off to try to get into a competitive BSW program, planning a wedding, and raising a teenage Collie who did not read the Collie manual and believes herself to be a Border Collie, or a Lab puppy, or some kind of astoundingly energetic, high maintenance dog. I probably had even less time than he did for another dog. But you've seen Dewey's freckle nose, and I don't overstate things when I say that he is the best, and easiest puppy I've dealt with. I wanted a second/third (second for myself, third for us) like I wanted a hole in the head, but he was here and I felt obliged to try to make it work rather than rehoming him.


Well, that was far from a realistic plan. That was severely wishful thinking. That was "If I believe really hard that he should be here, I will somehow find time to adequately raise, love, train, socialize, and exercise an additional dog when the one I have is absolutely all I can handle sometimes." I went back and forth about it, stressed about it, cried about it for weeks before realizing that the situation was fair to no one. Not fair to Dewey, who wasn't getting everything he deserved; not fair to Violet, who was splitting her training and going-out time that she desperately needs in half while I waffled between guilt and more guilt; and not really fair to me, who got a puppy dropped in my lap that I never asked for or even claimed to be prepared for, as much as I did love him. I was losing sleep over it.


So last week, Dewey, now Dexter, went to live with a family that I believe is absolutely ideal for him. A very cool lady and a great photographer named Allyson, her husband, and their incredibly sweet, polite, well-mannered kids (five of them - I hope that my measly two or three kids I'll one day have are half that under-control). She's been great about texting, e-mailing, Facebooking, picture sending, blog-following, and I hope to continue to stay in touch with her. She's sent pictures, and he looks happy as heck. It was an extremely difficult decision, but I honestly could not feel better about this family. And, of course, if he doesn't fit into their family for any reason I will take him back in a second...but he seems to be fitting in beautifully.


A picture from Allyson.

It was a truly crappy decision to have to make, but it was the right one for everyone involved.

9 comments:

  1. A tough choice, but you did what you thought was right. Don't ever let anyone second guess you. I have told quite a few people that there are no decisions that I have made, that given what I knew at the time that I wouldn't repeat.

    I pray that that this will forever be the crappiest decision you ever have to make. Because if it is, you will be truly blessed.

    Dog Dad, Essex & Sherman

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  2. Thanks, Essex and Sherman's dad. Your kind words truly mean a lot. I put myself through the wringer with this decision, but when it was all said and done I feel as good about it as I possibly can. There couldn't really have been a better outcome, other than rewinding to the very beginning so the poor guy never had to be bounced around at all.

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  3. Don't beat yourself up over this choice... If it is a better way of life for all, meaning each dog will get the attention they need, then it is the right choice.

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  4. That was the line of thinking that ended up making the decision. Thanks, Tara.

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  5. Bless your heart it was stressful and painful to decide this, but thank goodness for people like you who put that much thought into a dog's feelings and needs. And for saying you'd take him back if things don't work out. Sounds like he's very happy and that picture is adorable! He's all set for Christmas :D

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  6. Tough decision, but Dexter (Dewey) looks like he is happy in his forever home. What a sweetie!

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  7. Hi Brianne! I was just thinking about you today as Dexter and I were playing and thought...its time to send another picture! We love him still and thank you so much for finding us because he is just perfect for our family. :) We'll keep you in the loop and if you ever want to visit please do :)

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  8. Thanks, Allyson. Where is this picture you speak of?! :) I'm happy that you're happy with him - has Sir Pukesalot ceased puking?

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  9. Brianne, I just texted it to you. :) Sir Pukesalot has stopped puking since I raised his bowl. *knock on wood* Now I am in search of a better solution other than the holiday cookie tin that I currently have his bowl on ;) I'm hoping to find something after the holidays. As I type this Dexter and our cat Ernie are having their nightly chase down. :) They are hilarious!

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