I could really use a hug please.

[darkchild]

I am feeling very sad right now.

To make a long story as short as possible, about four months ago, a yellow lab showed up on our property during a rain storm and we could never find the owner. Lots of people dump animals out here where we live. It makes me so mad, because lots of them don't survive the predators that roam around here... ok, off topic.

Back to the story, my husband refuses to let her stay permanently, so we've been looking for a good home for her. A friend finally found someone who wants her and we are going to take her to them this weekend. I trust this friend, he lives right next door to this person, so he knows them and can vouch for them.

My problem is that I have bonded with her, big time. She has her head in my lap as I am typing this (she knows something is wrong). She is so friendly and loving, I am going to miss her terribly. I have a Queensland Heeler who is a great companion and he is my good friend too, but I will still miss her.

I'm glad we found a home for her, but I am still sad. :heartbrea

[Eternal Night]

:hugz: :hugz: :hugz: :hugz: :hugz: :hugz:
It's sad when that happens, but she'll remember you.
You saved her and have made her life better and for that you must feel proud.

[Annorah]

I really feel for you!

Rudyard Kipling really summed it up well in his poem:

“The Power of the Dog”

THERE is sorrow enough in the natural way
From men and women to fill our day;
And when we are certain of sorrow in store,
Why do we always arrange for more?
Brothers and Sisters, I bid you beware
Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.
Buy a pup and your money will buy
Love unflinching that cannot lie—
Perfect passion and worship fed
By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head.
Nevertheless it is hardly fair
To risk your heart for a dog to tear.

When the fourteen years which Nature permits
Are closing in asthma, or tumour, or fits,
And the vet’s unspoken prescription runs
To lethal chambers or loaded guns,
Then you will find—it’s your own affair—
But . . . you’ve given your heart to a dog to tear.

When the body that lived at your single will,
With its whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still!).
When the spirit that answered your every mood
Is gone—wherever it goes—for good,
You will discover how much you care,
And will give your heart to a dog to tear.

We’ve sorrow enough in the natural way,
When it comes to burying Christian clay.
Our loves are not given, but only lent,
At compound interest of cent per cent.
Though it is not always the case, I believe,
That the longer we’ve kept ’em, the more do we grieve.
For, when debts are payable, right or wrong,
A short-time loan is as bad as a long—
So why in—Heaven (before we are there)
Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?

Try not to be sad - you have made her healthy and happy and I am sure she will always remember you.

:hugz:

[darkchild]

Thanks for the positive thoughts you guys. I know it's for the best, I'm really glad that she found us, she was badly torn up and starving. I'm pretty sure she wouldn't have made it another few days without someone helping her. She was totally out of her element. I know she will have a good home, I'm trying to keep it in mind.

And that is a lovely poem. It sums it up very well.

[Bluewillow]

This brings back memories of a couple of the dogs I had when growing up that we had to part with for one reason or another. It can be very, very difficult to part with an animal once you've bonded, that's for sure!

I think you did a really wonderful thing by taking care of the dog and finding her a home, and it's only understandable that you are feeling the way you are. May you find the peace and strength you need to get through it, and remember that you have done her a great service. :hugz: :hugz: :hugz:

[BlueEyedWolf]

:hugz: :hugz: :hugz:

[darkchild]

Thank you. I think this situation takes me back to a painful situation that I dealt with as a child. I grew up on a ranch, and people dumped animals there all the time too. I would befriend these poor abandoned creatures and get them to trust me and come into my yard, where I would feed them and care for them. My mom was really great about letting me do this and so I felt a real sense of accomplishment and such a great feeling of caring for the poor animals. My Aunt came along one day and carted them all off to the pound when we were gone, because she disagreed with my mom letting me do this. My mom wasn't strong enough to stand up to her, so we never got them back. I was totally crushed and felt such horror because at that time all abandoned animals were euthanized within a few weeks. I'm still not over it. I felt like I had killed them because I was the one who took them in and had them in a place where they could be harmed.

I think I need a margarita...

[Cassie]

I felt like I had killed them because I was the one who took them in and had them in a place where they could be harmed.
I can understand your feelings and why they come to your mind now, but keep in mind you didn't kill them. You gave them love and made a portion of their lives much more pleasent.
And what you are doing for the yellow lab now is kind, right, brave and good.
:hugz:



I think I need a margarita...
Couldn't hurt! ;)

[Annorah]

Oh darkchild that is so tragic. However, you are not to blame for what happened.

You now have to find the strength to forgive yourself - you did a great job then but were let down by others and you have done a great job now which, I am sure, will have a wonderful ending (even though you have to endure the pain of parting).

:hugz: :hugz: :hugz: :hugz: :hugz: :hugz: :hugz: :hugz: :hugz: :hugz: :hugz: :hugz: :hugz:

[halfwaynowhere]

Hugs to you... being a rescuer myself, I know how hard it is to rehome an animal once you've bonded with it... Just know that you helped this dog, and you gave him a chance that nobody else did. He gave you lots of love in turn, and now he can share it with someone else. I know its hard, and I know it hurts. This time, you are in control, and you know that this dog is going to a great home, which should be some closure. Lots of love to you.

[darkchild]

Thanks Cassie and Annorah. Logically, of course, I know that I didn't kill them. It's hard to get that message to my child-self through all of the layers of pain and helplessness that I experienced back then. I'm working on it. It helps to know that there are caring people out there who understand. My hubby just gives me that blank stare like "what are you talking about?". He grew up on a ranch too and has the mindset that animals are just...animals. I don't believe that. They are so much more.

[darkchild]

Hugs to you... being a rescuer myself, I know how hard it is to rehome an animal once you've bonded with it... Just know that you helped this dog, and you gave him a chance that nobody else did. He gave you lots of love in turn, and now he can share it with someone else. I know its hard, and I know it hurts. This time, you are in control, and you know that this dog is going to a great home, which should be some closure. Lots of love to you.


I guess we were posting at the same time. Thanks for the kind words. I agree with you. She is going to a very good home and I am grateful that there are kind people out there who are willing to take her. I will miss her terribly, but I can keep her in my heart and just be glad for her.

[LadyAquamarina]

:hugz: :hugz: :hugz: :hugz: :hugz:

[Catiana]

:hugz: