A sad goodbye and a new start
This summer my family adopted a rescue dog. We all fell in love with him. He was a spunky little guy. He really enjoyed going on walks, playing with toys and curling up on my lap. He was quirky and funny and had a sweet soul. But there was a sadness and and a fearfulness about him too. He was great with my older child and not good with the younger one. Whatever happened to him "pre-us" was too much for him to overcome.
This is my daughter taking him for a walk a few weeks ago. Later that day, she went to pet him and he bit her on the face. Five teeth marks just an inch below her eye.
There was blood, there were tears. But mostly a heaviness and a deep sadness. The dog had shown some flashes of aggression– afterall, he was found in an abandoned house with a litter mate.
What kind of people would do that? How did they treat him before they deserted him?
After seeing initial signs aggression last month, we worked with the no-kill shelter where we had adopted him from to retrain him. It worked for a few days. Then the biting incident. It was the second "big" incident.
My family was devestated. No matter how much we loved this dog, we simpy couldn't keep him. We have small children over here all the time and we were just plain lucky that the bite wasn't a little higher or deeper (she healed up fine in a week).
We had to return him to the no-kill shelter (a rescue and rehab place). They will find him a home without young children. He is such a sweet dog in so many ways and he's great with grown-ups and older kids.
His absence left a hole in my heart and the same for my husband and kids. Even now, it hurts to write about it. But sometimes you have to make tough choices. We clearly couldn't take a chance with our kids or anyone else's kids getting hurt. We would never forgive ourselves if we could have prevented something and didn't.
Yesterday we brought this little girl home. It's not that she can replace the dog we had to surrender. But she's giving us somewhere to put our love and attention. Since she's so little it's a whole new experience for us. She's eaten with gusto, played and now she's sleeping. She's a little sweetie and I think she is already helping us heal.
XO
She’s so adorable! I know it’s hard to let the other pup go, but with little kids you just can’t take chances. Good luck with your new puppy!
With you, I cannot possibly understand people who would so totally mistreat any animal. However, you absolutely made the right decision, the safety of your children is prime. And thankfully the organization will re-home her with adults. But let’s talk about your new little lady, what a beauty she is! What did you name her?
What a horrid situation, but you definitely made the right choice for all concerned, I’m sure he will be happy with his new family. Your new puppy is such a cute ball of fluff, so sweet.
Oh heavens she’s precious! What kind dog is she?
Oh Malia, I’m so sorry about your little friend, but you definitely made the right decision for your family!
Your new pup is adorable! I’m sure she’ll get lots of lovin’ and give lots too!
hugs & blessings
i have a soft spot for shelter dogs. i used to foster the worst cases to get them back to real love life and get them adopted… you did the right thing, although it breaks the heart, but blood twice in a row on a kid it’s not easy. i have a dog that doesn’t like small children (although he is great otherwise) and we have to lock him in the basement when we have little kids over.
and of course, xox welcome home, little fur-bal!!
Oh Malia. My heart breaks because we went through the same thing. But we know that out kiddos come first always but our hearts still need to grieve. And you LITERALLY did everything you could. I used to be a dog trainer and we actually rescued a dog who could only could go to a home with adults (before our kids). I worked with him for awhile and he finally started trusting people again. And funny thing, it was our smaller dog who we had since being a puppy that kind of became aggressive with the kids. But your new little member of a the family is going to enable you to love again. Look at that FACE!!!!! And not to sound condescending but I am so proud of you for how you beautifully handled the whole thing!
You made the right decision. Your kids should come first. I’m excited for your family, your new addition is a cutie pie!
I’m so sorry Malia. :( These animals become a member of the family and it’s so hard to accept when it’s not working. Take comfort in knowing that you did the right thing and your new family member is adorable! I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.
I’m so sorry to hear this. It’s so hard knowing dogs have been mistreated and how it really affects their lives forever. I can only imagine how you became attached to that little cutie and how awful it must have felt to say good bye. I’m going to hug my dogs now.
Thank god that shelters have these programs that find the right match, if not a perfect match they can make arrangements to find a better fit. God works in mysterious ways and this little guy was not meant for you.
With that said, Congratulations on your new little one. Please keep me in mind if you need anything for your new member of the family.
Oh… I totally understand the mixed feelings you must have. I’m sure it was hard to give up the dog but you have to keep your kids safe first. Good for you to try helping the dog and good for you to making sure it went to a “no kill” shelter! Enjoy your new pup… it’s just ADORABLE!
Oh my goondess! Malia, I am so sorry that happened to your princess. Better to be safe than sorry. Your new pup looks sweet! Congrats!
Oh, my heart breaks for you and that pup. Our dog (that we recently lost) was rescued and had all sort of issues…BUT we did NOT have kids and they were nto in the forseeable future, so we kept him. It took so much work and he was wonderful with the kids…but my decision would have been different if we had the kids already. Sometimes those little pups just need a new home. Your precious new addition is beyond CUTE and makes me want another doggie right now!
How sad for that poor dog. At the same time though, the fact that he bit Mia is unacceptable. You made the right decision!!
I’m so glad the shelter you returned him to is a no-kill shelter. Of course your children are your primary concern, but obviously your heart is big enough to consider that poor puppy and his fate. Thanks for having a great site..always a joy to read!
Oh that is so tough. I am very glad your daughter was not hurt any more than she already was. It was a wise choice on your part no matter how hard it was.
Your new one looks just adorable. I am sure you are all adjusting by now :)