Dog Community

Do I really want to give her away?

Posted : 7/19/2006 7:29:01 PM

I have told the story of Georgia many times on this forum and now I'm faced with a decision I'm not shure I want to do.

Gerogia was attacked in my own yard about 6 months ago by some GSDs that jumed the fence. She had to get staples down her back. After the attack she would not leave the house. I had her for 2 years and never did she pee or poop inside and sudenly she started to do that. During this time she was diogonsed as a hypothyroid dog and now needs to take meds every day. Georgia was just scared all the time and hid all day and night after the attack, nothing I did would bring her out of hiding and she was just not as playful. At the same time Gizmo had just gotten her surgery so she also needed extra attention. It was becomeing difficult for me to keep Georga in my home with everything goining on so I found an older couple who said they would take her in for me till I move to a new place. They live on a farm and did not mind careing for her temporairly as long as I pay for her food and eveything else she needs. I though that would be the best thing for her while I get everything else settled.

Now I am faced with her care takers asking me if they could keep her forever. She is just a sweat dog and I love her so much. I buy food for her every month and give it to her care takers when I visit, I buy the meds for her and whatever else she needs. This was only going to be a temporary arrangement but now she has seemed to fit in well at her temp home. I will be moving in a few months and can bring her back into my life then. She seems to love the farm life and is happier than I've ever seen her in a long time. I really want to give her the best but I don't want to feel like I just got rid of my dog. I don't know if I should just allow her care givers to keep her or if I should take her back?

marynh

Posted : 7/19/2006 8:07:14 PM

I'd say do what makes the dog happier I can only imagine how hard it would be on you - but you can smile knowing you have made your beloved dog's life happy.
And that of the 2 people who have grown to adore her.
Although I'd make sure they understood the support (food/medical expenses) will be theirs if you do agree to give Georgia to them.
I bet they'd let you visit whenever you can

brookcove

Posted : 7/19/2006 8:10:26 PM

I know it's difficult to face this decision - "A dog is for always" is drilled into our heads, isn't it! I know, I'm a rescuer but have been in a similiar position more than once.

If you trusted these folks enough to let them take care of Georgia, AND she's happy, AND now they want to make the relationship permament, go for it. Make sure you draw up a little form that simply says that they will be sure to contact you if any problem arises and allow you to help them resolve the situation. Maybe have them give you a token "adoption fee" (and buy them another bag of dog food of equal value) to make it all legal.

Good luck on this and keep us updated!

Xebby

Posted : 7/19/2006 9:03:03 PM

I feel so bad because she was a rescue to beguin with, I adopted her from a foster progam in hopes that she would live out the rest of her life with me. She was going to be put down when her foster mom got to her just seconds befor. She is very gental and would not hurt a fly, thats why the older couple do so well with her. A very family friendly dog. I'm shure the grandchilren of the couple just love her.

I'm also looking for anouther dog at the moment so I don't want her care givers to think I'm just making room for something else by giving her to them. I would not at all mind having 3 dogs. I want them to know that if they take her in it's because thats what is best for her. We made an agreement when they brought her into their home that I pay for any expenses while they give the care for free for however long it may be. I think she also has become very attaced to these people so taking her away might even make it hard on her. They say she has become a very loving part of their family so I would in no way want to take that away from them. I also don't know if she could take anouther move, living in a new home and all for her might even make things more confusing. It's so hard for me to give up such a wonderful dog but I really just want to do whats best for her.

lisa baker

Posted : 7/19/2006 9:24:56 PM

i suppose you could keep supplying her food and meds and just let them keep caring... i have seen that with horses never a dog but it may work. best of luck with your decision

Ruth

Posted : 7/19/2006 10:08:24 PM

I think you should try to let go of your own worries (does it make me a bad person to adopt a dog and not keep her forever? will other people judge me for this? etc.) for a little while, and focus on what will be best for the dog. I think that if you focus on her, just her, and while you are in that frame of mind, you decide to give her up, then you have done the best thing for her. And if you do what you truly believe is best for the dog, then there is nothing to feel bad about.

ron2

Posted : 7/19/2006 10:09:59 PM

I agree with what you posted. If this arrangement helps the dog be happier, it may be what is necessary, despite the pain that Xebby will feel.

I am somewhat reminded of when I had to make the decision to PTS my 17 year old cat. It was the right thing to do and it hurt me like hell.

agilebasenji

Posted : 7/19/2006 10:54:50 PM

Sounds like the loving thing to do would be to let her stay where she is. Is there any reason NOT to let her stay there. Other than your own guilt?

Xerxes

Posted : 7/20/2006 9:09:32 AM

Xebby,

She's settled in and is loving her new farm. She's got caring people with her, and a caring person who checks in on her often. Georgia is happy.

sharismom

Posted : 7/20/2006 9:29:26 AM

Ditto what everyone else said. She's got a great family and home where she's happy. It's not as if you gave up on her and dropped her at the shelter.

schleide

Posted : 7/20/2006 11:47:42 AM

It is nice to know that people like you take responsibility for their dog, for the life of the dog - making sure they do whatever is in the best interest of the dog - no matter the hardship to them. It sounds like you know that at this point, it is in Georgia's best interest to stay in the home she is in. How lucky for her that she has so many people looking out for her. However you work it out with these people, hopefully they will let you keep in touch in whatever way is best for all of you and you will be able to see Georgia grow old as part of a loving and nurturing family - and you will know that as much as it hurts that the family isn't yours, you can smile because it is hers now and she is happy.

Dana Elliott

Posted : 7/20/2006 12:32:06 PM

I agree - and can you stay in contact with Georgia's new owners? Maybe they can let you know how she's doing, send a photo, allow you to visit, maybe bring a toy once in awhile.

I believe that wherever the dogs is happiest is where it should be. It's hard to give up the dog, but on the otherhand sometimes it's not always bad if it's better for the dog. If she's used to it there, you wouldn't want to uproot her again, causing more confusion.

Xebby

Posted : 7/20/2006 1:34:25 PM

I have known these people as long as I can remember, they are friends of my family. I know they will care for her so I am going to let them keep her permently. I will work it out to where they will have all responsiblity over her and I can visit whever they allow. Also if need be I can take her to the vet and work with them on any health issues that may come up. I say this so much but I really just want to do what's best for her.

noblewoman

Posted : 7/20/2006 5:33:44 PM

Letting her stay where she is happy IS doing the best thing for her.
Love her enough to let her go.
Maybe you were never meant to be her permanent owner, maybe you were supposed to help her find the family she is with now.
And being able to get updates on her will be the perfect thing to help you heal from losing her.