I miss my boy

[noniks]

I had to rehome my precious boy yesterday.
DH working overseas for a year and I can't stand him being alone most of the day - he hates it and was very upset by it and I tried everything I could think of to no avail...I just couldn't cope with the stress he was feeling and the guilt I was feeling as a result.
He went to a lovely lady who has a breed specific rehoming charity - I am sure I did the right thing for him. He will be safe, loved and have company and a happy life,

But I am heartbroken - I can't believe I will never see him again. I miss him so much.

What have I done?

I feel like I've lost my right arm - everywhere I look I expect to see him - I can still see his hairs all over and can't bring myself to hoover them up.
It never dawned on me until I was walking away from him (with this lovely lady standing in front of him so he couldn't see me leave and I couldn't see him as I left) that I would never ever see him again.

It hurts so much - haven't slept and am terrified - irrationally of course - that he will be homed with someone who will hurt him - All ridiculous thoughts but I am in a right mess..... Will he be ok?

What have I done ?

What you've done nonicks is the right thing for your dog.

As you said he was stressed.
You looked for a home where his needs will be met. You are feeling because your needs won't be met by a wet doggy nose and a shared Jaffa Cake. .

It would've been worse for him in the situation you describe, if he hated being alone.

Noniks, I'm a rescue volunteer, and I can say quite categorically that you will not be judged by the rescue. If they have any feelings, they will be concentrating on getting the best outcome for the dog, and they will also admire and respect the fact you have put the dog's needs first. In my book, that makes you a very responsible and thoughtful owner.

Single breed rescues usually have keen, knowledgeable homes waiting that will have been carefully and thoroughly vetted. Most rescues do a follow up after adoption to check on progress and can offer lifelong support if for any reason (illness, bereavement etc) an adoption has to end.

Also, depending on your rescue's circumstances, it may be possible to receive news of your dog. Where a relinquishment has been made in these sorts of circumstances, it can quite often be the case that emails, photos etc can be passed on via the rescue. For instance, I do greyhounds, and occasionally where we've had surrendered racing dogs, the original owners have been kept updated on their dog's progress in their new career as pets. It makes a huge difference to the responsible owners who rehome via the rescue, and these days with email being so easy it's no bother. Also, many breed rescues hold regular events such as shows, BBQs, fun days etc where adopters get together, and these can often be a great way to catch up on a former dog's progress.