The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
His dog is a small terrior mix. She has been with him since she was a very tiny puppy. His former ex-wife found the dog 14 years ago at an animal shelter and brought it home for their children. When she divorced him several months later he took the puppy with him and the two camped out in the woods for several months. He has kept her for these past 14 years.
The dog is not housebroken. He treated her miserably. I am a dog lover and have my own dog. My dogs are always treated like my children. They are given proper medical care, proper housing, proper food, and constant love and attention. His dog was starved for attention and medical care (this should have been a huge sign to me). Anyway, for the past 2 years I have taken over her care, but at age 14 she is never going to be housebroken and that is something that I just didn't want to tolerate.
He is moving out of my house tomorrow. He told me that he would be camping out again. He said he has no apartment and his furniture is in storage. He said that he is moving to Washington DC and couldn't find an apartment that would take him and the dog. I don't believe that for a minute.
He took the dog today to an animal shelter. I know that I cannot solve every problem in the world. I know that this is his decision and it is his dog. I know that dogs are put to sleep every single day. It doesn't matter what I know... I am so upset over his choice.
I'm so sorry. I think that is so sad. Although, at least if she is put down she will no longer be in pain. She lived a long life. I know it hurts, and it is probably doubly hard because she is so innocent, an innocent victim that is placed in this situation. You gave her two years of your care, so she did have some love in her life. Bless you.
I once had a boyfriend who casually said he was going to take one of his cats to the animal shelter one Christmas and i stepped in. I wonder whether I would do that so compulsively now I am in al-anon. I am so into rescuing and I had to reach bottom on that in such a tremendous way in order to stop. Of course the rescuing did not include myself. I think the separation from any A is a difficult thing and I dread the day that is the case for me. I know the A will try to manipulate me with various animals when it does come to that. I am so so glad for you that you can come here and get support.
I am a rescuer I have 4 dogs and 4 cats, only 1 I paid for. I would take 1000 if I could afford it, but I also know there comes a time to say goodbye, before they begin to suffer. This dog was emotional scarred, a loved dog with right training can be taught about anything. Don't feel guilty you have to do what is best for you at this time. At this time I can take no more animals, no matter how much I would love to save them all.
Josey
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Julianne - It's best to move on. You cannot look back in anger in life. It's too short
