Hello Friends:
Well, it pains me to say this and for some of you this might be an eye-opener of sorts, but I have come to the place where I have to let my dogs go...for the time being...maybe ;)
Many of you know I got out of a treatment center at the beginning of July and I have tried my best to hold it together but my issues have just sent me spiraling out of control. I wish I could stop the "madness" but I just can't do it on my own. And, unfortunately, I cannot take care of my dogs right now because I can barely take care of myself. That bears repeating...I cannot currently take care of my dogs because I can barely take care of myself.
So, that said, I am looking to find foster (and possibly permanent) homes for my dogs for a year or more (permanent, as it were), so that I can go into a residental center that unfortunately doesn't take dogs and yet gets me living around people who are striving for the same thing I am...a better and happier life.
Randy and Karina were wonderful enough to take my little chihuahua, Anshel, and I've heard it's turned out to be a wonderful union, which really lightens my heart a bit. Thank you so much, Randy and Karina!!!
That leaves six more dogs to go. I wish I had pics for all of them but I don't currently but will work on getting pictures taken. My six dogs include:
- INGMAR: White border collie/spitz mix. When I went into treatment, Karen and Alex generously opened their door...and their heart...to my favorite boy (don't tell the other dogs), and it turned out to be a blessing in disguise on many levels. I will say, though, that it is possible that where I am going residentially will allow me to have one dog and if I had to choose one, Ingmar would be it (we have been together for close to 13 years). Ingmar's pic is attached in a group photo (the other dogs have unfortunately passed away, and I miss them every day). Also attached is a pic of Karen and Ingmar when he stayed there with them in June.
- BAXTER: His pic is attached. I don't really know what kind of breed he is. Someone told me some kind of Mexican mix. I never have been concerned with my dogs as far as what breed they are; I was just happy to have them in my life. Baxter really gets along well with CELESTE and JOAQUIN and even ROCKY (mentioned below), so if someone has the space, they would be a good match. I have actually tried to find a home for BAXTER before and it has never worked out well, but I think it's because he went somewhere where he was by himself; I think he really needs a buddy. Don't we all !?!? ;)))
- TOOTSIE: She is my black lab (looks like JOAQUIN whose photo is attached). She is the sweetest pup around. She is so laid back and never gives me trouble. Take note, other dogs ;))) She probably would do well if she were the only dog or maybe another. She stays so much to herself, it's hard to tell. I think she is about 8-9 years old. Really super girl!
- JOAQUIN: My other black lab who is a male, as opposed to TOOTSIE, but does it really matter since they have all been fixed??? ;) His pic is attached. The thing about JOAQUIN is he is very protective of the pack and me, so meeting him here is never a good thing. But when JOAQUIN gets inside your heart, he won't be leaving anytime soon. Trust me on that one!!!
- ROCKY: Oh, Rocky, my three-legged Rottweiller/Ridgeback mix. He has a sad story to tell, basically one where his previous family left him in the backyard with a broken leg. Can you believe? Rocky IS big (probably creeping just over 100 pounds), but he falls into the "such a sweetheart" category. And with winter approaching, you would have yourself a wonderful "cuddle, spooning buddy." ;))) I have two pics attached for rocky, labelled as so.
- CELESTE: Celeste is my German Shepherd mix. Neighbors had her but she developed this horrible Staph infection that was eating at her bone that they refused to take her to the vet for. I did and paid for it and they in the end wanted me to take her, which I did. She's a bit stubborn and not the smartest dog in the punch, but many have been taken by her kindness and beautiful eyes.
Okay, I guess that's it. Like mentioned earlier, JOAQUIN, BAXTER and CELESTE and even ROCKY would make a wonderful quadruplet (or trio or duo [probably JOAQUIN and BAXTER would be the duo I would choose]) group. They seem to play together the most.
I know this is asking a lot but I know I have to do this. Don't get me wrong, this is the last thing I want to do, but this is per the instruction of my therapist and other concerned and loving people in my life. It's really my only chance at getting my life back together.
Please know that if you cannot help in this matter, I will hardly think less of you. This is just a shot in the dark, as it were, but I won't know if things will evolve the way I need them to until I send this e-mail out. It pains me, don't get me wrong, and it's the last thing I really want to do, but I have to put myself first now, which is something I never learned to do in my life, but it's come down to my survival on this planet to do it this way. I do fear losing my job but, more importantly, my life!!!
Please let me know if you can help in any way or know someone who can. Boarding these dogs is not an option, as I could not possibly afford boarding them for the year or even more that I would need to.
And please let me say as a side note that I have ALWAYS looked down on people who do what I am attempting to do. I have judged them the scum of the earth and yet, here I am, trying to find homes for my dogs. It's a note to self, and maybe to you, that we can't really know the gravity of the situation of what someone has to go through when they feel compelled to give up the one (or ones) who have kept them going up until now.
Thanks for listening and caring!
Timothy
Loading recent content...
Post Comments
Add Your Comment!
Log in to leave a comment or Create an account
I can only think more highly of you for making this selfless decision, and I don't think anyone would or should judge you for it. I've had to give up animals for personal reasons before, and I know it isn't easy. Taking the initiative to be proactive for their well being is something respecatable and unfortunately, not enough people in this world do this for their animals (which is how situations like Cisco's occur).
If we could take on more animals, we'd love to, but given the current situation, we're unable. Good luck with placing your dogs, and I will do my best to find good homes for them, too.
Thanks for the support, guys! It is not an easy time for me, but I'm holding my head somewhat erect...oh, that sounded inappropriate...just trying to laugh through life of late ;)))
Timothy,
Good for you for making the difficult decision to take care of yourself! Ultimately, none of us can look after others unless we first take care of ourselves. That said, I can't see myself taking in any more dogs than the 3 I have, along with our rescued cats. ...As I put the word out there to my friends, what do you know about how your dogs get along with cats? Best of everything to you, Timothy! Joy
Timothy- I am so glad you have decided to take the next step in your recovery. Most people are never strong enough to do what you are about to do. Many many good vibes in your directions for the speedy recovery. I am sorry for not being able to take any of your dogs. I can barely afford my one dog. :D I will, however, let as many folks know about your dogs and their need for a new home. Plz let me know if I can do anything else to help.
I failed to mention that this is in no way something that has to happen overnight. And when I said I can't take care of my dogs, I certainly didn't mean that they are languishing in my place with no food or water. I walk them every morning and feed them every day and fresh water is supplied and most of them sleep with me. So, I know they sound like they have a pretty good life but I think they deserve so much more, more than I give them right now. I have used my dogs as a "crutch" for a long time now, and it's time I learn to walk without crutches. I have every intention of getting my dogs back after I have made full recovery. I am judging myself so harshly for doing this, but I hope you guys will take to heart my pain and frustration that I have to rehome my dogs.
I tried loading the pics on here but was unsuccessful. If you, or anyone you know, is interested in getting a pic and/or further description of the dogs included, I will gladly forward them. I hate what I am doing, but my therapist said not everyone is as judgmental as I am. That stung. I hope that you won't be as judgmental as I am. I just don't think I'll make it unless I take the necessary steps of rehoming my dogs to ensure my own sobriety and safety and sanity.
» Comments RSS