I need a shoulder to cry on!?!?

what can I do? My dog is being given away tomorrow. I might be able to visit him, I'm not sure! What if he doesn't forgive me for leaving him? I love him to much. He'll hate me! I'm depressed! He has a serious skin condition and bites little kids. Since my 3 year old cousin comes over all the time, and we have to lock him in his crate. My parents think it is best to give him away. I can't take this! What do I do? I hate feeling like this, it's horrible! I'll miss him too much. I'm trying to stay strong, its just too hard. Please help, I'm sad!!!!!


~Lyss~

I need a shoulder to cry on!?!?
I am so, so sorry for all that you are going through. There is no way it can be easy. The skin condition might be treatable (talk to a vet), and have you ever thought of obedience classes? Check with your local animal shelters--They might know of some organization that provides classes for free or for a small fee. If it were me in this situation, I would exhaust ALL possible options before getting rid of my dog, because you don't want to look back and think, "I shoulda, woulda, coulda...". The beauty of dogs is that they are extremely forgiving. If getting rid of him is what you have to do, I don't think he'll hate you. Just MAKE SURE he goes to a loving home that is suited for his personality, so he doesn't keep getting bounced around. Take care, and I wish you the best.
Reply:Sorry to hear about that. The dog wont hate you. It will just move on with it's life. That is the great part about dogs, they live in the NOW and not the past (if that was the case, most dogs would never trust humans). Be happy that he will go to a good home. Ask them if you can see him every now and again and fill your puppy needs by spending some time at the local shelter. They have the shoulder you can cry on and will give you lots of love in return.
Reply:Your parents are right. Your dog doesn't like being locked up, and he'll really enjoy a place where he has more freedom. A dog has a very small brain. He enjoys things like eating, sleeping, interacting with people, and running around. To deprive him of those things is to make HIM sad.





Don't worry. My friend's dog was the same way, but he was way happier after they "transfered" him. I'm sure you'll be able to visit him. Dogs don't hold grudges, so he'll always be happy to see you.
Reply:I know that is very hard to have to give up a pet. It is like losing a child. In the end though, if it is best for your pet because you don't have the resources to train him and to treat his serious skin condition and since he has special needs, like a small-child-free environment , even though this is very painful you and your parents are doing what is best for everyone.


Hang in there and I hope you get to visit him but if you do not, ask your parents if the people who are adopting him can send you a photo of how they are spoiling him, just so you can see that he has a good home and when you look at the photo you can smile in your sadness, knowing this.
Reply:Something like this happened to me when I was a kid. I found a a stray border collie and brought him home. Becase of my mom's rules, and where we lived he had to be tied out in the backyard and he hated it. Any dog would.





He went to live my cousins out in the country and had a happy life for many years. They still say he was the best dog they ever had.





Your dog won't hate you. Dogs don't think like that. If the people who are adopting him can take care of his skin condition his behavior will probably improve. It sounds like your parents are tryng to do the best thing for all concerned.
Reply:Sorry to hear about your dilemma.





My dog has been through four homes, up until we adopted him (He's in his forever home now!). He's not mad, or bitter, just maybe a little more loving and grateful for having a stable home.





With that said, there will be other dogs in your life, and just take this as a lesson on how big of a responsibility a dog can be (they come with health issues too).
Reply:At least you can visit, he will adjust. Try a kitten or some other pet.