Sometimes, doing what you have to do, what is the best for all, is the most difficult thing in the world. Today, we had to take Marlon to the animal shelter.
Since we found him abandoned in July this year, living with him has been a constant struggle for him and for all our other pets – two dogs and four cats, some of them quite old. While in many ways he was a wonderful dog (as all dogs are in my heart), he has had increasing problems getting along with other animals, and as months passed he has been developing a very aggressive attitude. Of course, we tried everything in our hands to help him, because we know well that animals only get aggressive when they feel threatened, stressed or insecure, but nothing worked. Despite having the experience of raising several other dogs and cats, and despite the invaluable help of my best friend, who’s a vet and an animal therapist, his stress was clearly noticeable and not decreasing one bit – quite the opposite. We know nothing of his life before he was abandoned, and who knows what may have happened to him that made it so difficult for him to live in peace with other animals.
We knew we had to face this decision sooner or later, and as I said, we tried everything again and again – sometimes to help him, and sometimes (I guess) simply to delay the decision, because we loved him just the same. This morning, he tried to seriosuly attack our little Baba, as she refused to mate with him. This was the event that made the decision for us – the safety and well-being of our other pets cannot be put in danger, and we are only humans and cannot watch that dog 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to protect Baba. Baba is eight years old, not very sociable, and I don’t want to come back home to find a bloody mess if they’re not supervised at all times.
As people who rescue animals and have fostered many others, we knew of a no-kill shelter and of people who could find him a home that’s more fit for him than ours. With broken hearts, we took him there; the shelter staff where extremely kind to us, and told us they have all been through the same. You just can’t save them all.
It hurts just the same, no matter if it’s the right thing or not. Even if I know the shelter is a clean, happy place with a huge open area for the dogs to play, and that he will find a new home very soon, we feel defeated, exhausted and sad. Please forgive us if we’re a bit offline today.
~hugz~ You did what was best for all, true.
I’m sorry dear. Who knows what trauma he went through before you adopted him. Was he neutered to reduce his testosterone levels? At least hopefully you will still be able to visit him at times.
*hugs* I’m so so sorry! Yes it is hard, especially after you’ve taken him in and had him for months.
Thanks so much for you comments, they are very appreciated <3 .
I’m so sorry that you had to experience this but you know you did the best thing for all concerned. Perhaps your home was merely a way station for Marlon to rest and recover his health before finding his forever home. You did all that you can do, let the universe take care of the next phase of Marlon’s adventures…
Thanks so much Janet, that’s exactly our thought on this. I’m sure the Spirits will find him very happy owners very soon.
Dear Carolina…
How lucky Marion was to find a home with you for the months you cared for him. It is very painful when we have to face that our rescue animal is not going to bond and become part of our loving family. But, as you have said, there are other animals in your home whose lives were being negatively affected by Marion, and you need to protect all of your family members.
And again, how lucky Marion was to find a home with someone who can understand that his needs may be better served by another and that you took the time to seek out a safe shelter for him and bring him there. Too many people today consider animals, “disposable” accessories to their lives.
I truly believe in my heart that animals appear in our lives for a reason-sometimes we do not immediately understand why; sometimes we never understand the reason-it is just so. But what a gift you gave Marion of your home, your hearts, your attention-perhaps this is the first time he has known this in his life. Animals are smart-they remember. Marion will undoubtedly carry your kindness in his heart to his new location. And I am sure in months to come, when emotions soften and become less painful, you will find that his life with you has also bestowed a gift in your heart, as well.
Blessings, dear friend-
Louise
Thanks so much for your kind words, dear friend!