My boy has had to go away and I am so, so sad.

[bloodywhitecat]

I gave my boy away tonight and I don't know when or if he'll be back. I cried once he'd gone, he has no idea what is happening. Poor lad has gone from a week in kennels to a strange house with new people. They seem lovely but he must be so confused. This was all organised by the charity we adopted him from when he was just 10 weeks old, he is now 2.

My husband has terminal cancer and on Saturday he had a really large stroke, we are hoping to get him discharged home as soon as possible and Alf (our hellhound) wouldn't cope well with a constant coming and going of people and I can't look after DH, the babies and Alf.

Oh god. That's so terribly sad. Sending love and strength.

So sorry op I'm in a similar position ( not because of illness) but it's heartbreaking isn't it. However I think you've probably done the best thing. Sending positive thoughts to you all

Sorry to hear about your husband. Your dog will be fine. Totally understand able decision on your part.

I cannot begin to imagine how tough this is for you. But I am sure that the rescue will have found the most wonderful foster family for him. And remember, dogs such as guide dogs move house between families several times. With kind humans, they will cope.

I hope you do get your DH spring from hospital soon.

And who's looking after you?

I think picking him up from kennels tonight and knowing what was happening was just the final straw today. Thank you all for understanding and yes @StarCourt it is just awful, sending love your way too.

Oh I am sorry, your last piece of normality going. Sending big hugs.

Sending you hugs

Alf will be fine. Sounds like he’s had a lot of love and, just like with little humans, a good start in life is half the battle. He’ll adapt and be much loved where he is I’m sure. It’ll be like a lovely holiday for him, and if has to be longer term he’ll be fine. As long as he gets love and attention that’ll be all he needs. You’ve done the right thing.

Every good wish to you and your family OP. What a tough time for you all.

What you have done is admirably unselfish. You have put your dog's best interests first and that is absolutely the right thing to do. So sorry about your DH.

Thank you @wetotter, DH's DD and my DD have really stepped up, even DS who has ASD and lives a three hour drive away came by to see me yesterday. They're good kids (well, they're adults really), DD is driving 90 minutes here and 90 minutes back again a couple of times a week so I can visit DH. I am hoping to break him free ASAP as his care has been questionable so far (basic things like letting him fall out of bed and constantly putting his bedside table on his righthand side, the side that doesn't work so he can't get drinks etc).

Thank you all, I wrangled with the decision because it felt like I was putting him last. He was my 'normal', all through this horrid journey he has been the reason to get out of the house every day, he is such a bouncy happy little soul, his mum is a Springer, his dad is a Kerry Blue so we call him a terrorist Springier.

Well you are putting him first, he will be well looked after and you must not worry about that.

Oh bloodywhitecat I have been on some of your other threads. You arre having such a shit time and your selfless love for others is apparent. You are doing the right thing for your dog but it is you that is suffering because of the decision.

All my best wishes to you all. I hope you and your DH can have some calm peaceful times

Couldn't you just have lent him, or got him fostered until you're ready to have him back?

I'm so sorry about your husband.
Is it a permanent decision with your dog, or can you change your mind and have him back home

Your dog will be fine and well looked after. Take care of yourself and your DH and try not to worry about the pup. There is only so far you can stretch yourself so prioritise the important stuff - you’ve found him somewhere safe and happy to live so try not to feel guilty.

@A1b2c3d4e5f6g7

I'm so sorry about your husband. Is it a permanent decision with your dog, or can you change your mind and have him back home

At the moment it is temporary until we know where we are with DH but he has gone until at least the new year. We are also hoping to do video calls but as DH is non verbal at the moment he finds that concept really hard so I am being sent videos instead. I don't know if DH really understands that we have a dog, he has forgotten so much, he doesn't know I have been to visit, doesn't know his DD's name and I am pretty sure he doesn't know mine either.

I am so sorry to read this. I hope in time you can have alf back to help you through.

It's a very tough decision to make, OP.
I had to make it due to me and my XH splitting up. (Two dogs plus a 3 and 8 year old didn't work.)
I'm sorry you find yourself in this position but I can totally understand why.
I know I did it from a place of love because I couldn't carry on as I was. It sounds like you made the decision for the same sort of reason as me, even if the circumstances are different.
The dogs I gave up went to a loving home and lived out the rest of their days being happy and well-cared for. (It was some years ago now - I've never forgotten them, and still have their tags from their collars in my jewellery box.)
It reads to me that you've done the same for your dog. Please don't beat yourself up about it. You've done your best, for you, your DH, your family and for your dog.
That's all anyone can do in your position.
I've seen you around on here, and know what you're going through.

I'm really sorry @bloodywhitecat. My Dad died of terminal cancer during lockdown. It's really horrible to watch someone you love go through that. I will say we were so happy to have family and have our dogs, and the respite of playing with the dogs and cuddles and going for walks etc really helped. Don't make any long term decisions you might regret now. And look after yourself, as hard as it is, make sure you have some time to yourself each day

Awh I'm so sorry OP for your DH and DDog. I hope DH is home soon.
Just to reassure you slightly I've been on the other side of this- we fostered a dog for a lady who went in to a nursing home. It was supposed to be temporary but then became permanent as the lady couldn't manage at home. Her dog stayed with us and has fitted in beautifully and is a much loved part of our family.
Sending you love ❤️

This will be worse for poor you, missing your dog at a time when you could do with the comfort dogs provide, than the dog who will be off to a good home instead of staying in one where attention would have had to be very thin on the ground. Focus on your family and yourself.

His foster mum has sent me photos and videos, Alf looks quite happy in his holiday home and they are happy with him as he has really taken to his foster dad. The couple lost foster dad's dog earlier this year and he has had no-one to cuddle until Alf arrived. Alf loves a man cuddle and is spending a lot of his evening time as a lap dog, he used to do this with DH until surgery made it too sore for DH to manage.

Sounds like he will have a lovely holiday whilst you concentrate on your husband x