We've had to give our rescue dog back

[tigerpug]

And I am absolutely devastated. We picked him up on Sunday morning, having spent such a long time planning, preparing and speaking to his fosterer. He was coming to live with us and our other rescue dog. Both dogs seemed to be wary of each other (despite the initial meetings going fine), which made him even more wary, to the point where he lunged and snapped at us last night. He was an absolute beauty, and so kind and loving, and i had totally fallen for him.

I feel so sad for him that things didn't work out. According to his fosterer his reaction was totally out of character, and i completely understand why he might have done it. With children in the house we knew he had to go, but id have given anything to keep him and work on the situation.

Crikey. Our adoptee bit nipped all three of us in his first year of being here. He is now a loving, gentle and loyal pet (as long as we both respect one another's boundaries).

Biting is a form of communication for a dog along with growling, barking, play bowing etc, and they always give a warning; although that warning may be minutely subtle to our eyes. Obviously, you must do what you think best for your DC, but get a book called Calming Signals by Turid Ragaas which interprets them for you.

Terrible grammar there ...that interprets the warning signals ....not your DC! I

Thank you all do much, even those who didn't agree with our decision. I do appreciate everyone has a different perspective. I have wobbled about our decision so much in the last few days, and even though he was with us for a short time i miss him, and feel like him and I bonded so much (he was a ladies man).

My husband was consoling me last night, and he said that we should try again in the new year (we only picked this time of year because he has 2.5 weeks off work and so thought it would be the best time for the dog to settle in with us all).

I do want another dog, and I can't imagine picking a pup over a rescue dog for a few reasons. BUT i honestly can't get my head around inviting another dog in and the same thing happening again, but to my children this time. Perhaps I need to get my confidence back up. It doesn't help that he as described as calm, loving, gentle etc. Even if we go for another rescue described like this, who has lived with children, how do i know he or she won't do the same thing.

I do know that we have a nice home for a dog, an enormous amounts of love and time to give. Its always going to be a gamble, but I don't think we will be out off another rescue. I do think I need to give myself some time to get over this though. Mainly because I just feel so sad and guilty for this poor dog who i lost a piece of my heart too.

Thanks everyone

Give it some time op. So many dogs are rehomed due to divorce etc. It nearly happened to me.

Dogs can be perfect but if their owner dies/become disabled for example then that perfect dog with perfect manners would go into rescue.

There are also the glut of teenage idiot dogs that owners 'dump'. having bought them as a cute pup off gumtree So they're not cute puppies and not calm adults. They're boisterous and in need of a stable home. They're not breed specific so no back up or support available.

Millions of good dogs out there! Chin up!

You did the right thing. You have to put your children first (said as someone who's parents didn't and my sister is permanently scarred).

None of us can comment on the OP decision however what it does show is why a good rescue is the best place to get a dog from.

The OP did not feel the dog was the right fit for her situation the dog has gone back to rescue and will reassessed and then rehomed to a situation that is right for the dog - no harm done to the dog at all.

The OP is still able to find a rescue dog that will flourish in her environment

poisonous - this is exactly why you should get a rescue dog - you can see the fully formed dog, you can see what the dog needs and wants and if that fits with you - if not the dog will go back to the rescue and be fully supported.

a novice dog owner getting a puppy can make all sorts of mistakes do not be convinced a puppy will not come without issues but they will develop over time and then you will have little options of what to do with the poor dog.