Riley, our golden retriever...

[missmadel]

went to a new home yesterday. We have been realizing that we got too enthusiatstic about our ability to raise so many dogs. I have been doing ALL of the work and it got to be overwhelming. Riley's dominance issues certainly didn't help issues either. I have been coping well enough but not really getting the enjoyment out of the dogs that I thought I should. Well, yesterday a man who works for my husband came to the house and everything clicked between him and Riley. He had recently lost his basset hound and was ready for a new friend. He has a huge yard and 3 kids for Riley to play with. He said he even wants to take Riley to work with him every day. I really think it was meant to be. The man said it was like he won the lottery! We made it clear that if anything didn't go right he could give him right back to us. He spoke to my husband this morning and said so far Riley is doing wonderfully and his kids adore him. I'm sort of sad and miss Riley but I'm happy for him because I think he went to a really nice home where he can be top dog and get all of the attention he needs.

 

[AngusMcDubhsMom]

Well done. You did just great for Riley and all concerned. You may have eventually resented Riley because you were not getting the enjoyment you wanted from your dogs. Now he and your others will get the attention they need and deserve. You did a very selfless thing!

 

[hsemko]

It's really hard to make those kind of decisions and even harder to let go. I'm sure Riley will do just fine and will love his new family. Of course you will miss him but you need to remember you did it "for" him.

 

[ozzysma]

sometimes certain pets need different cercumstances than we are able to give them. if you are not enjoying them to the fullest then they are probably not having the best time either. it is great that you could recognise this. riley probably is in his perfect place now. hope it works out for all involved!!!

 

[eckybay]

*hugs* You did a good thing for Riley and kept his best interest in mind. You know where he's at and can check in on him from time to time, so it's not like he's completely out of your life. Sounds like his new home should be wonderful!

 

[nikkimd7]

to you and Riley's new family.It was a VERY hard decision to make, but it sounds like you did the right thing!

 

[missmadel]

Thanks for all of your support. It means a lot to me. Sometimes I feel like if I can't handle everything I'm dealt and make it perfect I'm a failure. I do feel good about letting go of Riley though. I wouldn't have given him to just anyone either. He had a good home here. The only way I could have let him go anywhere was if it would be of benefit to him. Riley's new dad also said it won't be the last we see of Riley either. He plans to have Riley with him all of the time and stop by to say hi every now and then.

 

[TerriW]

That is so wonderful. The best part is, you get to keep seeing him! And you know that if somehow the re-home fails, you get first say on where Riley goes next.

PS, any time you want to PM and talk about how overwhelmed you are, feel free. I hear ya!!

 

[Pam G]

Re-homing Riley seems like it was the best option for everyone. Reily sounds like he is doing well in his new home and I'm sure that eases your mind.

 

[missmadel]

Last night was hard. I was so worried. I kept thinking of him and wondering what he was doing and how he was feeling. Riley seemed to really like the man but would he be sad at bed time and want to go home? It was a huge relief to hear from the man this morning and find that Riley settled right in and slept comfortably with his family all night. It convinced me even more that I did the right thing.

 

[KS Newf]

This sounds like a wonderful situation for all of you. You will be able to keep track of Riley and it sounds like so far he is very happy!!

 

[Sue M.]

It sounds like everything is better for everyone, people and furkids alike. It's a tough call but some dogs are better being a one dog family. Some of them like to have the exclusive attention that comes with being the only dog in the household.

It's great you'll be able to see him and know he's being taken care of and I'm sure that man is eternally grateful as well.

But I know it brings a saddness and an undescribable feeling in your gut that you let him go. That's the same feeling that every person who fosters dogs feels when they take the dog to the new forever home and it is the hard part! But you know that he is in a good place and feel that it is better for him and what that is... can be defined as selflessness!