As some may know, we have 2 Daschunds, Frank and Opie. Frank is 7 and Opie is 4. We have had them both since they were old enough to leave their Mom's and we love them dearly. When we got Frank it was just Steven and I. We had no kids, Frank was our kid. He went everywhere with us. Steven and I eventually got married and had Andrew and moved to a bigger house. Frank, not taking so well to the changes of a new addition and a move from the only place he knew, started to change. He got grouchy, mean and as I am sure it has happen to others, Frank's time with us became very minimal. Sure, he slept with us and curled up on our laps during a movie, but we did not have the time to go on walks ( which he likes) he never went anywhere with us and it was not often that we were able to play with him. In an effort to try and give Frank some attention, we decided on a companion for Frank. That is when Opie joined our family. It was instant! 2 pea's in a pod. However, having a buddy did not change franks opinion about us moving him and shifting our attention to Andrew. He was still mean and resentful almost.
So, over the years we just managed and did the best we could do. Not having time for 1 dog let alone 2. It was at the time of buying our house, and having to find a temporary home, that these dogs were not getting what they needed from us, their owners. We struggled with the situation of having them at a friends house while the house was being built. They were away from us for 9 months. We barely got to see them during that time, and mainly because it was so hard to part with them again and take them back.
The house was done last December and we brought them home. Frank settled back into his comfort some and resumed his temper. I am sure the face of having another baby played a role in that. Just one more thing to keep our attention away from them. Then Andrew started sports and school and the schedule just got more jam packed. We knew this was not fair to them, and because Opie destroys everything, we would come home to find our couch pillows chewed up, the stuffing all over the place, they would go to the bathroom all over the place and so on, we had no choice but to crate them when we were gone. This did not go over well with Frank.
Long story short. The conversation of finding a better home for them came up more times than I can count. The thought of parting with them always brought tears to my eyes, and we would blow it off with " we'll make it work". But how? How are we going to make the time? The schedule gets worse, our time home gets less. Recently, the conversation came up again, and we had to make a choice. It is not working for them. Sure they have a shelter food and water. But what about exercise? discipline ? ( more ) love? We were not managing it and the time was just not available to "make it work". With pain in my heart and tears in my eyes we both agreed that they deserve better than what they have from us. At that point things just kept coming up that showed us even more that they need to be in a better place. I took the step and I posted an add. Literally ALL day Wednesday the phone rang off the hook about them. Some people lived in apartments, had cats kids ect. They should be in a kid free home, so the attention could be on them. I basically performed interviews over the phone. Some things I did not even have to ask to make my decision. One guy called and said he had 2 but they were stolen from his yard. Yikes! There is no way I would let them go to him. If I am going to give, not sell, give these dogs to someone, it's going to be to someone who can give them more. Someone with a child is not going to be more. I basically took names and numbers and said I would call them if I felt their home was best suited for them once I was done interviewing. We truly want was is best for them and we want to hand them over knowing we can find peace and closure that they are going to be happier.
My heart aches, I cannot tell you the pain I am feeling right now. It hurts, I miss them already and they are still here til this evening. I woman is picking them up who will be taking them to live with her Aunt in Washington. She is disabled and is home all the time. She does not have any kids but her dogs *smiles* She has had doxie's since the 70's and has always had 2-3 at a time. She recently lost one to cancer, and the one she has now is 12 and will be undergoing surgery for cancer as well. I don't doubt for a moment that she is going to be able to give them what we can't and more. She even has heating pads for the dogs! Frank will be in hog heaven! I was a little sad to know they are moving to a different state, but at the same time, I think it will be good. They get to go to a whole new place and start fresh with a clean slate.
Needless to say, I am not in the best of spirits today. I can't believe I am handing over my boys.
I have so many things I need to be doing ( like touching up the paint in the laundry room ) but I just can't do it knowing we will be loosing 2 members of our family tonight.
Frank and Opie will always be remembered in our hearts. I love you my stinky boys!
BTW - I actually managed to finish this in one sitting
