One of the Hardest Things I've Had To Do
Today was a day I was not looking forward to. Today was the day we gave our dog, Alfred, back to the shelter where we got him.
We decided several months ago that our lifestyles was not good for a dog. Richard used to work from home, but now had a job outside the house. The MBA program was happening right after work. Our roommates who were willing to walk and care for the dog had moved out. The dog was suffering from a lack of care and attention. He was getting a walk at 6:30 in the morning, and another one at 5:30 at night. Even when we were home, we were distracted with other things (various jobs). He was being neglected.
On top of that, we were looking at our futures. It's possible that within a few years, I'll start a PhD program. If so, we will move to an even bigger city with no space for a dog at all.
All that led to the decision to give the dog away. We talked to some family members, but no one else was in a place where they could take him. We also have an agreement that we will give him back to the shelter where we got him (like Ellen).
We decided that we would wait until after Christmas to return him. In January, we called the shelter, and they asked us to hold him for a few more weeks while they were undergoing a renovation project. All this lasted until today.
Today, we had to drive him to the shelter and drop him and all his stuff off. It was not easy to do. There were tears on our part (I'm not sure what Alfred was thinking). We had to bring him into a kennel and keep him in there. When Richard and I went in to say goodbye, all the dogs were going nuts, and Alfred was distracted by them. Both of us cried (yes, emotion-less me cried).
Instead of going home to an empty house, we went to a friends. It was probably beneficial to not wallow in our guilt and pain. However, both of us miss him very much.
I think we both feel guilty, even though we know that this really is for the best. We're trying to process it together.
I'll leave with some images of our dog, Alfred.
We miss you already.
posted by Ross @ 9:37 PM
7 Comments:
This sucks.
But, good for you - for having the maturity and selflessness to understand what you needed to do. That's more than many in your situation can do.
Hi:
I feel so sorry for Alfred and also you. He was such a part of the family. and a real sweetheart, I'm crying with you. gram
Be sure and go see him, for the first few days.
we are sad too but we understand. we've had to make tough decisions like that..our thoughts and hugs are with you guys and he's such a good boy we know that another family will want him and love him
crys, steve, winter and sunday
ADVICE
Be sure and start an exercise program ,(walking) right away and keep at it. you don't want to get flabby.. G
~HUGS~ I know how hard this was for both of you--our thoughts and prayers are with you. We are all going to miss Alfred--he's such a sweetheart. I'm really hoping he'll win some other people's hearts right away and they'll fall madly in love with him and give him a good home.
You did the right thing--he is such a 'people' dog and he just wasn't getting the attention that he deserved. Keep imagining him with people who take him for long walks, play and talk to him all day--he'll be so happy!
Love you
Mom
I am so sorry guys.
I'm so sorry... :(
love and miss you guys,
Jessi :)
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