A few months ago we got the urge for a puppy, to keep Pete company – give him a companion. I searched the online resources and found this: I said, “Paul, that’s our puppy!” A few days later we met him, took him home and loved him. Now, neither of us have ever had a […]
Clearly it wasn’t working, and with small children around, you couldn’t risk it with a demonstrated-ly aggressive puppy. It is sad, true, for all involved, and tears are in my eyes too, but the animal control quarantine is out of your control, and as a RESPONSIBLE dog mom and plain old mom, you made the best plan for your family *and the dog* by making arrangements with the rescue to take him back. Didn’t abandon him like so many other dog owners. Didn’t beat him or neglect him out of frustration. You did it the right way. Good for you for taking the time to do it the right way like so many other pet owners don’t.December 5, 2011 – 9:01 pm
I’m crying my eyes out. Not for you. For your dogs. It makes me so sad when people who clearly shouldn’t have animals get them anyway. Why get another dog when you have thought about getting a new home for the dog you already have? Why get a dog from a shelter with a broken background when you have no time for him? I don’t get it. Animals have feelings. It’s because of YOU that poor Jasper were dragged buy the shelter looking scared and alone. He should have been in a better home to begin with. Sad, so sad…December 5, 2011 – 8:01 pm
I am so sorry. How sad. I pray for your family. May God heal your broken hearts and comfort you. May He bless you with the peace the surpasses understanding. I also pray the same things for Jasper as your family did.January 27, 2011 – 6:54 pm
I went through something very similar when my son was 3.5 and my daughter was 2– except we had our girl-pup, Zola, for seven years before. It was horrific. I totally feel your pain.
I had terrible dreams afterward, for almost a year. about Zola showing up on our doorstep and having to make decisions all over again.
Feel free to email if you need to talk to someone who has been through a similar thing– it’s just heartbreaking.January 27, 2011 – 1:37 pm
You did the right thing. I know it doesn’t feel like it, but you did. Avery was bitten on the forearm, by my best friends dog, the day before my c-section with Zoey. It was traumatizing, for me AND obviously for her too. The dog had never bitten before … but it only takes ONCE. He’ll be better off in a home without small children; maybe on some “land” with an older couple? Either way, your babies are safer, and that’s all that matters. I’ll say a prayer for him too. Keep your spirits up!January 27, 2011 – 1:17 pm
Arden,I’m so sorry. My prayers are with you and your family and Jasper. This put a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. You did the best thing though. I too have never had a puppy and am having a heck of a time with mine! But I don’t have babies to worry about. I wouldn’t be able to handle him if I did.January 27, 2011 – 12:09 pm
Ugh…made tears come to my eyes too. I rescue lots of animals too, and I know it’s so hard to say bye. And I know how you’re feeling for HIM too. Beautiful pictures of him too. So sorry!January 27, 2011 – 11:59 am
Oh Arden, I am so sorry you had to go through this. It’s one thing to do it as an adult, but to explain it to children is even harder. We had to do a similar thing with our cat when she became almost “possessed” like and would attack me to the point of injury and the day she attacked my young niece, the decision was made. It was one thing for her to attack me, but a small child that’s under your protection…it was the hardest decision to make – but in the end it had to be done. My prayers are with your family and Jasper during this time.January 27, 2011 – 11:59 am
Waaaah… I am all teary-eyed. I really wish that he could go live with Caesar the Dog Whisperer for a while. I think you did the right thing, Arden. Without the training and experience in handling a dog with this background, you really are putting your family and everyone around you at risk. Pit bulls, Rotties, Dobies, and German Shepherds are all wonderful dogs, in the right hands. But the reality is that they are like weapons; they have to be handled by people who have been trained, or they can be dangerous. With all that you have on your plate, this was not the best fit for you OR for Jasper. Praying that he will be OK during the time of quarantine and that he’ll be placed with someone who knows how to train and control him. He surely was loved while he was with you, and that will stay with him forever.January 27, 2011 – 11:53 am
Oh Arden, this made tears come to my eyes. As a dog lover, I know how hard this must have been. Dogs become part of the family, like a child and it is so hard when things like this happen. I will say a prayer for Jasper, that he receives some loving and effective training and rehabilitation and that he will find his forever home. XOXOJanuary 27, 2011 – 11:47 am
[…] had been contemplating this for over a year (even before Jasper was in our family, in fact one reason we got Jasper was to entertain Pete – as a […]September 13, 2011 – 12:42 pm
by Arden Prucha
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