Pamela

thanks - oh I feel so bad! I hope I am doing the right thing - I have had him 5 years! I wish I was still feeling the conviction strongly that this needed to be done - I just don't know anymore.

Chagall's mom

I know your heart is big and strong enough to do what's best for all. Give yourself a chance to see what you think of the new prospective owners. And focus on Teddy's future; he is still a young boy who needs and deserves lots of exercise.

Any new owner you select will I am certain be 1,000% a poodle devotee, so Teddy will have the best of care. It's only naturally you'd feel as though a chuck of your heart is being pulled away. But it is a remarkably kind-hearted and wonderful gift to give Teddy, for you to be willing to make the sacrifice to bear some very understandable sadness in order for him to have a more active lifestyle.

I know you love him, you must believe others will love him too. Hard as it may be to even think of at this moment, I believe in time you will be able to live contentedly with much peace of mind knowing Teddy is living the fullest life a spoo could. This is hard, so, so so hard, I realize. But letting go of those we love is a part of life; whether they relocate or leave for good.

The past five years of love and devotion you've given Teddy are a beautiful legacy, and one that will be continued by deserving new owners. Do not be discouraged by having complex feelings about this! It is heartbreaking to do, but doing the best for someone you love can be at times. I'm in your corner, all the way. Please keep us updated. GIANT CYBER HUG TO YOU!!

ETA: It might help you to speak with others who have rehomed their dogs. I may be able to help arrange for you to do that, if you wish.

__________________

Just be nice.
Cabryn Chagall, CGC

peppersb

I think you will know what to do when you meet the couple and see how they interact with Teddy. Also, I wonder if they would be willing to keep in touch with you, at least for the first few months? It might be easier for you if you knew that you would get some reports on how Teddy is doing in his new home.

As others have said, it really sounds like Teddy should be in a home that can give him more exercise. I really think you are doing the right thing and I hope that this couple can provide the perfect new home for Teddy. Let us know how it goes!

Pamela

I did ask them if they would keep in touch and send pictures. When they take him, if they take him it will be a trial basis. i have asked for pictures of their home and yard and how close to road etc.

caroline429

It has been my experience that most dogs are very adaptable and rehoming is harder on the original owner than the dog.

My first dog, 30 years ago, was a poodle mix. She was somewhere between 2 and 5 years of age and I was her fourth owner. She wasn't great with kids and was very yappy which is why I suspect she kept getting rehomed. I loved that little dog and she bonded with me immediately. She rarely left my side for the 15 years I was lucky enough to have her.

I got my first Rottweiler when she was two years old. She'd only ever known life with the breeder's family and their pack of dogs. The breeder is a good friend of mine and gave her to me. She was a wonderful dog, the most special dog I have ever owned.

With the exception of Cali, none of my dogs has come to me as a young puppy. Most had spent a year or more with their previous owner. All made the transition well. On average, it took them about 3 months or so to get totally used to their new home but after that, it was like they'd never lived anywhere else.

I was always very, very grateful that they'd been rehomed with me. Perhaps it would help to focus on the gratitude and happiness the potential adopters will feel if it works out. Dogs live in the present, they don't dwell on the past and if Teddy is loved and appreciated in his new home, I'm betting he'll be a happy boy.

Poodlelvr

I will be thinking about you this weekend. I hope all works out for you and Teddy. I can only imagine how hard this must be for you. I know how hard you are trying to do the right thing. Sometimes doing the right thing is not easy. Hugs to you.

Pamela

well they want to come on Sunday to see Teddy but now I have a new problem. I took him to the vet today because he had these tiny black flecks on his skin and he suspects sebaceous adenitis - which eventually will require soaking and bathing him 3-4 times a week which I will not be able to do with my back and these people are not going to want him now. I have to email them now to tell them. the vet did take a blood sample to see if its his thyroid and he wants to do a biopsy to make a definite diagnosis. it cost me $185 today and I can't even imagine what the biopsy will cost - I am not good financially and I don't know what I am going to do - he said if its this sebaceous adenitis its hereditary. These people are not going to want him now - I don't know what I will do if he is going to need a lot of vet visits - I just don't have the money - I am in debt already from the dogs care - boy it sure costs a lot to have a dog these days! Please don't think I dont' care about Teddy - I do - its not bothering him now - not even itching I just noticed it after the last two grooms - it could be from the shampoo - just dont know.

cindyreef

Im certainly no vet but I have quickly looked up this disease and there is no mention of little black flecks. Only of something similiar to dandruff and silvery, there is an odor and hair loss. Usually starts on the head. Tiny black spots could be anything from dirt to fleas. Dandruff and itching could be the groomers shampoo or the shampoo not rinsed out enough. My dog was so itchy when he came and the vet said to wait. Give him no shampoos for a while and be sure to rinse out very well.

Anyway google image it and see if it looks familiar....I hope its only something normal

a couple of good sites


sebaceous adenitis
Inflammatory Skin Disease in Dogs | petMD

__________________
Please God...... everyday, help me be the person my dog thinks I am.

Chagall's mom

I realize this is upsetting news, Pamela, but I want you to know reputable poodle rescues do rehome poodles with SA. IF Teddy does test positive for it, it's not necessarily a "deal breaker." If you can't afford the test and immediate care for him, rescue will most likely be willing to assist you. As I understand it, SA has a wide range of symptoms, from none to serious pain and suffering. Please reach out to the poodle rescue contact I gave you via PM. There is help out there for you, and we'll work to find it.

No one doubts your devotion to Teddy, how could they? You have lots of supporters. It's very good and decent of you to be so open and honest with the couple who expressed interest in Teddy. Try to keep in mind you still have options. Don't give up. There is a way to get Teddy the care he needs.

__________________

Just be nice.
Cabryn Chagall, CGC

Pamela

I did research it and the pictures look something like it - he has no sores or dandruff or flakes or anything but it could be jsut the beginning of it - if it is this is can be horrible! since I noticed it a couple of days after grooming six weeks ago and then it went away - and I noticed it two days after grooming this time - I am inclined to think its the shampoo and the dryer - I don't dry them when I bathe them and I leave in the conditioner. I guess I have to do the biopsy if I want to know.