Monday, February 04, 2008

Most Horrible Weekend Ever

We have had our dog Annie for five and a half years. Last Monday, she viciously attacked little Elly, and the attacks went on all week until Wednesday when we finally decided to board her so that we could all get a little rest.

Elly is ok; there were no injuries.

The biggest problem for us was that two years ago there was a vicious attack and Elly ended up with a gash on the top of her head that went all the way down to her skull and required an overnight stay in the animal hospital and five stitches.

Annie is a sweet, good-natured, beautiful, highly intelligent dog who is loyal, active, aboundingly healthy, great with people, cats, and kids. But it has become increasingly obvious that she and Elly cannot continue to live together. I hear this is a common issue when female dogs of the same age are housemates--but that hasn't made it any easier.

When we adopted Annie in 2002 at the age of two, we went through the Pet Adoption League, which specializes in the adoption of adult animals. They also have a policy that if, for whatever reason, things don't work out, they will take an animal back.

This morning, after owning Annie since October, 2002, we took her back. It has been a weekend of tears, keeping the dogs completely separated, changed plans, and more tears.

Paul requested a photo of him with the camera-shy Annie, and I wanted to post it here, with the request that is any of my local readers are in the market for an amazing dog to join their family, they check out Annie.

20 comments:

Bertha said...

Oh no, I am so sorry. I too had to give up a beloved pet when he made it clear that he was not accepting of our daughter, it was one of the hardest and most horrible things I ever had to do :(

xoxo

Kim U said...

I'm so sorry, that had to be horrible. Sending lots of good thoughts for Annie, and Elly too

craftyminx said...

That is a horrible weekend! I'm so sorry you had to let go of a dear friend.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry. I'll keep my fingers crossed a great family comes along and adopts her.

schrodinger said...

You poor things! My thoughts are with you and I hope that Annie finds another wonderful, loving home.

Kirsten said...

I'm so sorry. It must have been horrible for you to give her up.

Anonymous said...

Thinking of you. x

Mia said...

Awwww. So hard to do, but there doesn't seem to be much choice from what you've said.

Hang in there ::hug::

Sheepish Annie said...

Oh, Emma...I am just so very, very sorry. I know it was the right thing to do. But, it must have just been devastating. Annie is a great dog and I'm sure that she is grateful to you for hearing her and doing what was best for her. You are a good mom. Letting go, even when it's for the best, is just so very hard.

::hugs::

Marianne said...

...dang.
Emma, I am so sorry. I just hate hearing this, seriously hate it.
I'm hoping Annie gets adopted by a 'one dog family', but dude, this is sad. You did the right thing.
XOXOX

Macoco said...

I'm so sorry to hear this! My friend is in a similar situation with her cat, it's very sad.

Deb said...

I'm really sorry to hear your news. You guys are all in my thoughts and I hope for good things for Aniie.

Anonymous said...

I am terribly sorry to hear this. My thoughts are with you.

Tara said...

I'm so sorry, I know that had to be terrible for you but you did the right thing, even if it was a tough decision. I hope she'll find a good loving one-dog family.

Kara said...

I am so sorry. That is heartbreaking.

Marsha said...

Geez, I know that was a hard thing to do! I hate that it came to that for you, but it was the best and smartest thing for you to do. I'm just glad you had a place to take her back to. Here's hoping that she finds as good as a home as yours was.

Anonymous said...

That is so horrible for you to have gone through. It hurts my heart. I hope and pray she gets placed in a new loving home soon. Preferable one without other dogs.

sheep#100 said...

Ouch. For everyone.

Gigi said...

I'm so sorry you had to give up one of your family members to protect the other. So difficult! At least you know that by giving her back they will keep her until a great home is found. She'll be safe and happy even if she cannot be with you. Hugs.

Sanders said...

You've had a rough couple weeks! I'm so sorry about Annie! I can't imagine how hard that must have been.

Hang in there- hope you're hand is healing nicely.