Help me make a huge decision Update!

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Help me make a huge decision Update!
Tweet Topic Started: Sep 27 2012, 01:38 PM (5,022 Views)
buryinghill2	Sep 27 2012, 01:38 PM Post #1
It'll be an adventure! We're going on an adventure! Posts: 2,085 Group: Members Member #255 Joined: January 8, 2007	I don't post here too often anymore, so I didn't tell anyone that I lost my best friend Cocoa about three weeks ago. She was taken before her time. I know that I don't want to go to long without a dog, and that dog will be a rescue. I know that Cocoa would want me to give a home to another dog. , My work schedule makes dog ownership difficult. I'm home four days a week, and spend all my time with my dog. That's the good part. The bad part, my three work days are LONG. I'm gone for 14.5 hours on those days. I cannot afford a dog sitter long term. I can have one for a few weeks while a new dog gets settled in, which is what i did with Cocoa for a few weeks when I got her. Cocoa used the dog door, was fine by herself for those long days. While I always worried about her while I was at work, she lived with that schedule for the six years I had her and never gave me a minutes trouble. My fence is not great, it's part picket and the remainder is wire, about four feet high. The reality is that if a dog wants to leave, it will leave my yard, but I know that if a dog really wants to leave, it will find a way to leave just about any fence. I found a dog that I have really fallen in love with at Danny and Ron's rescue in Sth. Carolina. This rescue group has a great reputation for placing the right dog with the right person. And I know Danny from my years in the horse business. She's a shepherd, they don't know how old. She looks to me to be maybe five or six. I'm in Ma, a long way from Sth. Carolina, but the group ships dogs up North once a week. I'm in a total dilemma as to what to do. She has been living with all the other dogs, so I know she has no dog aggression, which is hugely important to me. However, she has not been alone. Separation anxiety is pretty common in shepherds, but if they don't have it, they are amazingly good about staying around their homes, and don't generally have any desire to go anywhere. I saw her on video, she is super well behaved and walks beautifully on leash. I don't know if I am over thinking all this. In reality, I know more about this dog than I did about Cocoa when I brought her home. However, Cocoa came from a shelter that is ten minutes away from me. This rescue takes all their dogs back if they don't work out, but I can't imagine shipping a dog all the way back to Sth. Carolina. I guess if i was smart I would wait for a dog that I fell in love with to become available closer to home, but this dog has really captured my heart. I have no idea what to do. What do you guys think? Edited by buryinghill2, Oct 1 2012, 01:04 PM.



buryinghill2	Sep 27 2012, 01:53 PM Post #2
It'll be an adventure! We're going on an adventure! Posts: 2,085 Group: Members Member #255 Joined: January 8, 2007	This is her. Untitled by dgoed, on Flickr Edited by buryinghill2, Sep 27 2012, 01:55 PM.



jillincolorado	Sep 27 2012, 02:03 PM Post #3
You're BANNED! Posts: 10,301 Group: Members Member #96 Joined: January 6, 2007	Oh BH2...you've got to give me a minute to digest your loss of Cocoa. I'm heartbroken for you. I'm so sorry!!! I know she was much loved and so much a part of your life, that being said, I can not imagine you NOT having a dog!! I'm never one to wait things out and be practical so I'm in the "go for it" camp. She looks lovely!! Hugs to you my dear in your loss. I am truly sorry. Yours was a special bond and I hope your new girl can help to fill that void for you and have a great life at your place. Edited by jillincolorado, Sep 27 2012, 02:04 PM.



JanM	Sep 27 2012, 02:14 PM Post #4
Off visiting Candy Cave, be right back. Posts: 1,143 Group: Members Member #4,549 Joined: October 25, 2008	The one thing that worries me is the fence height. She looks like a wonderful dog though, and I've known big dogs that never went over a fence even though it would have been easy to do for them.



buryinghill2	Sep 27 2012, 02:17 PM Post #5
It'll be an adventure! We're going on an adventure! Posts: 2,085 Group: Members Member #255 Joined: January 8, 2007	We did have a special bond. Even my vet said she thought it was because the first year we were together was such a struggle with her health. At the risk of being melodramatic, I always felt that restoring her back to health was one of my greatest accomplishments in life. Her loss was sudden and completely unexpected. After three weeks, I think I am just coming out of my state of shock. Needless to say, I miss her terribly. I always thought my next dog would be a small dog, but living and hiking alone, I think a big dog is probably smarter. I know for sure that the best way to honor Cocoa is by bringing another rescue dog into my home. The question is, is this the one? Her name is Portrait, isn't that different and pretty?



buryinghill2	Sep 27 2012, 02:18 PM Post #6
It'll be an adventure! We're going on an adventure! Posts: 2,085 Group: Members Member #255 Joined: January 8, 2007	JanM Sep 27 2012, 02:14 PM The one thing that worries me is the fence height. She looks like a wonderful dog though, and I've known big dogs that never went over a fence even though it would have been easy to do for them. Exactly. Cocoa could have left at any time if she had really wanted too. The key is to find a dog that doesn't want to go anywhere.



FlashGordon	Sep 27 2012, 02:22 PM Post #7
You're BANNED! Posts: 6,855 Group: Members Member #2,251 Joined: December 3, 2007	buryinghill2 Sep 27 2012, 02:17 PM We did have a special bond. Even my vet said she thought it was because the first year we were together was such a struggle with her health. At the risk of being melodramatic, I always felt that restoring her back to health was one of my greatest accomplishments in life. Her loss was sudden and completely unexpected. After three weeks, I think I am just coming out of my state of shock. Needless to say, I miss her terribly. I always thought my next dog would be a small dog, but living and hiking alone, I think a big dog is probably smarter. I know for sure that the best way to honor Cocoa is by bringing another rescue dog into my home. The question is, is this the one? Her name is Portrait, isn't that different and pretty? That's not melodramatic at all. Big hugs to you, the loss of a special pet is so hard, especially when it happens prematurely. That girl has such kind eyes and a sweet expression... I can see what you fell in love with her! I say go with your gut instinct. That is usually right. Keep us posted and good luck with your decision.



buryinghill2	Sep 27 2012, 02:24 PM Post #8
It'll be an adventure! We're going on an adventure! Posts: 2,085 Group: Members Member #255 Joined: January 8, 2007	Everyone keeps saying go with your gut instinct but I don't have one!



jillincolorado	Sep 27 2012, 03:01 PM Post #9
You're BANNED! Posts: 10,301 Group: Members Member #96 Joined: January 6, 2007	Clearly this girl already speaks to you There's no telling if she's the "right" one, sometimes you just have to roll the dice and take and chance. Any way you can schedule extra time off in the first week you bring her home? You mentioned a pet sitter? I honestly think of both of you so often now that we've moved up to the mountains and our doggies have the run of the place. Love to BH1 from me when you talk to her. I miss her too.



buryinghill2	Sep 27 2012, 03:09 PM Post #10
It'll be an adventure! We're going on an adventure! Posts: 2,085 Group: Members Member #255 Joined: January 8, 2007	I would take some extra time the first week while she gets settled in. She has been living on the farm at the rescue with the other dogs and horses for a few months, plus the long ride, it will take a long time for her to settle into a new life. I can have the dog sitter come once on my work days for three or four weeks at the beginning, it just can't go on forever. At some point, she will have to spend those long days alone, and let herself in and out the dog door.



Big Day	Sep 27 2012, 03:18 PM Post #11
Magical Leopluridon Posts: 821 Group: Members Member #220 Joined: January 8, 2007	Go for it!! I think your gut is telling you, you are just second guessing yourself. And maybe, just maybe, Cocoa is helping you find a new buddy



Big Day	Sep 27 2012, 03:27 PM Post #12
Magical Leopluridon Posts: 821 Group: Members Member #220 Joined: January 8, 2007	One more thought...if we tried to logic out any of our animal choices, we would never take the leap. Just sayin' Sooooo JUMP!!



buryinghill2	Sep 27 2012, 03:29 PM Post #13
It'll be an adventure! We're going on an adventure! Posts: 2,085 Group: Members Member #255 Joined: January 8, 2007	Big Day Sep 27 2012, 03:27 PM One more thought...if we tried to logic out any of our animal choices, we would never take the leap. Just sayin' Sooooo JUMP!! Isn't that the truth?



JanM	Sep 27 2012, 05:16 PM Post #14
Off visiting Candy Cave, be right back. Posts: 1,143 Group: Members Member #4,549 Joined: October 25, 2008	I've known more small dog escape artists, than big dogs ones. A lot of the shepherds I've been around are content to stay in their own yards, and know where their own yard ends and where they should stay.



Witchy	Sep 27 2012, 05:52 PM Post #15
You're BANNED! Posts: 3,289 Group: Members Member #547 Joined: January 22, 2007	If she seems like the one for you. Go for it!!! You will figure out how to make it work. You did before and look how happy it made both you and Cocoa. I'm so sorry for your loss. It is heartbreaking to lose a beloved pet. It's the same as losing a family member.



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