Saying goodbye to my dog. :(

Firemanswife11 · July 2014

So as you may know, we have decided to rehome our dog. At first, we were going to rehome both of our dogs but we decided to keep the one we've had longer because we aren't worried about her being around the baby.

We have had two female pit bulls for a few years and they have grown apart from each other, per our behaviorist who we spent a lot of money on trying to make things work. It had gotten to the point where my husband and I were spending time apart from each other so we could each give the dogs attention on other ends of the house. And with our schedules, we hardly ever see each other anyway. The dogs are not human aggressive whatsoever, but they just really don't like each other. We couldn't even take a shower without worrying if the dogs were going to try and kill each other. Even crating and rotating them wasn't working because the dog we are going to keep doesn't "do" crates. I know this is common in female-female homes so it's not so much as shock as it is incredibly sad for me.

They had a pretty bad fight about two months or so ago which I got in the middle of and ended up getting hurt. Thank God my husband was home, otherwise I'm worried I would have had a dead dog. It was then and there we decided we couldn't keep living in constant fear that the girls were going to kill each other over something stupid like a piece of ice on the ground that they both wanted --- yes, really.

Sooo... after turning down dozens of people, we finally found a family last night in which we don't really see any red flags to speak of. They have no other pets, the mom is an ER nurse and her two older sons (in their 20s) live with her. They don't have intentions of getting other pets and they don't have any kids running around. They're 100 percent committed to taking care of my girl and are complying with everything we've asked of them. They even said she's welcome to sleep in any of their beds just like she's done with us since day 1. The mom said she'll probably cry right along side me when we take Sophie to their home tonight. The older son got on the floor with her last night and was kissing her on the face and being so gentle with her.

My heart melted and broke at the same time.

I've literally never been so sick over anything in my life. This has been, quite honestly, the hardest thing I have ever had to do...and I almost feel a person has died. I know that sounds silly, but Sophie was MY dog. She was MY baby who got me through everything. She will always be my baby...my freaking dog soul mate. But this is what has to be done for everyone's safety, sanity and happiness. Yes, I'm one of THOSE people now and I swore I'd never be one.

I just wish it was easier.

Going to go drown in a box of Kleenex.

MrsSinner402 · July 2014

Rehoming animals is never easy. DH and I have gone through this in the past. Its hard as hell, but we keep telling ourselves she's happier where she's at now, and that it wouldn't be fair to us or to her to have kept her. You took every avenue you possibly could, and it just didnt work. Period. Try and think of how happy she will be, and how much love she will be smothered with.

Big hugs to you.

bumpuser10309732 · July 2014

Awe, your story made me cry. I'm so sorry you had to make that difficult decision. It doesn't sound silly because you are basically mourning the loss of your dog and your reaction is completely understandable. It sounds like its the right one for the dog and for your family and it also sounds like she's going to a really loving family. Maybe you can get updates on her to see how she's doing for the next couple of weeks! Hugs to you!

themiss · July 2014

Biggest hugs ever! I'm so sorry you're having to deal with this, I can't imagine giving away one of my dogs. You're doing the right thing, and you took a LOT of the correct steps to try and avoid this, from what you said.

lrobi13 · July 2014

Oh now I am crying with you. I can't imagine how difficult this journey has been for you and DH. But you did everything you could to make it work and it sounds like you took time to find your girl a new family that she will be happy and thrive in. I would almost have to bake that son some cookies for being so sweet to her!!

Hang in there and know that you acted out of love for both your dogs and this will be good for both the dogs and your little family.

Big creepy internet hugs!

[Deleted User] · July 2014

Hugs to you! I am so sorry you have to go through this, but very happy that you were able to find a great family for her.

Liss1481 · July 2014

I'm so sorry. There are certain dogs that just won't coexist together, and two female dogs are potentially the worst combination for this. It sounds like you've tried everything to keep them from fighting, and you're truly making the best decision for them and for you. I've had clients who have come home and found one of the dogs dead after a fight. You really are doing the best thing for her. Good luck, and I hope the new home works out well (sounds pretty perfect!)

NavyFlyer · July 2014

I am so so sorry you are having to do that :0( Bless you for taking the time to find a wonderful home, that is the best thing you could have done!!!!!!!! You are doing the best you can with this situation, both for your family and the pup. Hang in there!

TheOtherJacobsons · July 2014

I know how hard this decision was for you. You did the best thing for your family. I hope it gets better for you.

Sockgnome78 · July 2014

That is a hard decision to make. But you are doing what is right for her and your family. You took all the right steps.
Make sure to give her some good love today. Also I agree with PP about getting updates for a while.

pnwlover12 · July 2014

So sorry

I can't imagine how hard it is to do that.

Firemanswife11 · July 2014

Thank you guys so much for your kind words. It truly helps me know I'm doing the right thing. XO

BreandMikewedding · July 2014

I'm so sorry. That has to be so tough! My Dh and I have talked about this a little bit regarding our dogs because our one has started growling on occasion. We never leave the kids alone with the dogs but it stil worries us. When we got our female dog we wanted to get a second dog so they could play together. We adopted a male dog a week after we got the female dog and they hated each other! They would fight any time they were near each other. We finally took the male dog back to the shelter so he could find another home because they fought so bad. It was hard enough at that point. I can't imagine after several years.

GretchenWeiners7 · July 2014

I'm so sorry you had to make that choice. Good for you for finding her a great family and for doing what's best for yours. Lots of hugs your way!

ANGnJON · July 2014

Aw, OP I'm so sorry you're dealing with this! Reading the turmoil your facing has caused me to reach for the Kleenex too! I feel that you have tried really hard to make things work & that you're making the best decision for everyone, pups included! I know it's hard now but, in time you all will be happier! Best of luck with the transition! Hugs!

MuffinMom14 · July 2014

I have to say, I almost didn't even read this, because I get really fucking angry at people who just get rid of animals because, you know, "baby." But it sounds like you are in an impossible situation. I'm so sorry, and I know this isn't easy for you.

MrsL2B · July 2014

I'm so sorry you had to do this. It sounds like you went to a great effort to find the best home for your girl, and I hope she's happy there.

Saragoeswest · July 2014

This is so sad. I can't imagine feeling what you are feeling. I applaud you for doing this very brave thing and I'm sorry for all the hurt you are carrying right now.

TC0514 · July 2014

That is so so sad. I'm sorry. We are going to rehome our cat before baby is born and it's already making me sad. Luckily our dog is ok to stay but kitty has become aggressive even towards us so we can not risk that behavior with baby coming!! You are among the right decision! Sophie will be happy with her new owners!

BeckyH05 · July 2014

I'm in tears reading this. I can't imagine how difficult it must be for you. Although its not easy, it sounds like you made the best decision for Sophie. Hugs!

Firemanswife11 · July 2014

SPurp13 said:

I have to say, I almost didn't even read this, because I get really fucking angry at people who just get rid of animals because, you know, "baby." But it sounds like you are in an impossible situation. I'm so sorry, and I know this isn't easy for you.

I am one of those people too -- even though we are not going to get rid of our other pit, my mom keeps saying we need to because, "pit bull." (Unless Bella gives me a reason to re-home her, we sure as hell aren't. Even though she is a destructive tornado that likes to pee on my carpet! LOL.)

I never thought I would end up in this situation, which makes it all the more difficult. So I guess it's one of those situations where you never know what you will do unless you're faced with it. I truly hope you never have to go through this. Thanks for not being judgey pants on me.

SkyeRN · July 2014

I'm so SO sorry you had to do this! It sounds like you did absolutely everything you could to make it work, but neither of your dogs were safe and neither were you or your husband. And therefore, neither would your LO be safe. It seems like she is going to the best possible place she could go and she has you to thank for that. My thoughts and prayers are with you, I'm sure this is so hard for you to do. {{hugs}}

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