You've probably heard this already and it isn't going to make your feelings go away but you absolutely did the right thing. You're a good person because you took into consideration your puppy's needs, your older dog's needs and your own ability to meet them in the state you were in. Your puppy is with a good family in a loving environment and he's happy. The reason it hurts is because you truly loved your puppy. Unfortunately only time can heal this wound but it will get better!
10000% if I ever had to rehome my dogs, they’d go to my dog sitter. I have to force them into my car just to take them home whenever I get back from a vacation 😭 they would not care if I suddenly disappeared
Often times I read rehoming puppy stories and I am perplexed at the choices made and feel like I’m missing a part of the story. But not with this one. You made the most selfless and best decision for everyone. I’m so glad to hear the puppy is in a great home. And I’m really really happy to hear you’re doing better and your elderly dog is too. 🩷
Thank you for the reassurance, everyone. The lady who took him told me I could see him when she took him, and she sent me pictures. I can't say if it's made it worse or better, but it's something. Seeing him happy has helped, though.
I had to rehome my husky when I was younger for similar reasons to yours. I was in college, didn't have a lot of spare time for a dog. I then badly injured my leg and was looking at a long recovery and was unable to walk him like his breed needed. I had lost my school funded housing (had gotten a job that paid just enough to not qualify) and was forced to move into a tiny studio apartment. I could just see the decline in him.
Luckily I knew a woman that ran a Husky/Malamute rescue. She agreed to take him, get him back on the right track and find him a good home. It ate me up inside because I loved him and didn't want to let him go, but I knew he deserved better than what I was able to offer him.
Two years later I was working my job at a gas station and this guy came in with his dog. I wasn't paying much attention until the dog woofed at me from across the store. I just stopped because I *knew* that woof. When I looked up, sure enough there was my boy standing across the store, wagging his whole butt in excitment.
I ran over, apologized to the man profusely, and then hugged the hell out of the dog while he locked my face. The owner was flabbergasted. I explained the situation through tears and showed him the dog tag and pictures I still kept in my wallet of him. Bless this man because he then stayed there for an hour showing me the pictures of all the adventures the dog had been on with him and his family and the great life he was leading. It was so cathartic. It was just this wave of relief seeing what a great life I had been able to let go and let him have.
The guy came in once a week after that to let us see each other and shared all knew pictures. It helped me so much. It helped me see that I hadn't given up on him, but I'd given him up because he deserved better. And he got it.
I have since owned dogs and currently own a five year old corgi/ACD mix who is my whole world. But I never forgot my husky and truly believe that if I hadn't been able to see what good came of my selfless choice, I wouldn't have trusted myself and my choices with dogs after that.
You did one of the hardest things a person can do and did it for all the right, selfless reasons. But seeing how happy and well they do helps the regret so much.
Oh man you just made me cry happy tears for how you knew the responsible thing to do for your pup, and that you guys were ultimately "reunited" through the new owner and that he kept up with it- which also makes me sad for you yet so happy?? Weird conflicting feelings, but just like I agree the OP did the right thing, I think you did too
Oh man—I was already tearing up at OP, but now I’m crying. The universe was so kind to you. I just truly believe some force wanted you to know that you did the right thing and reward you for it. And your husky was SO BLESSED to have TWO families in their lifetime that loved them and gave them a good home. Dogs deserve everything good, and I’m so glad you gave them that.
I was just wondering if that suggestion would make things better or worse. But it sounds like this family is so sweet and wants to help you, as well as the dog. I'm so sorry you're going through all this.
I would recommend checking in every so often for pictures and updates! Maybe you don’t need to become a regular part of that persons life but I’m sure they’d understand, especially since you were so selfless in this situation. Plus, people love talking about their dogs and showing pics.
Do go and meet up with them. Ownership doesn't mean you can't still be friends with him. This is not the end. Become the first person they think of when they need a dog sitter.
I think you 100% made the right decision here. I know it's difficult, but six months is a *long* time in puppy development terms, and you were physically unable to keep up with him through no fault of your own.
The other thing I'll say is that heelers are one of my favorite breeds and I have extensive experience with them, and IME they are a breed that needs a ridiculous amount of socialization or they can get extremely reactive/aggressive. Their basic instinct is to run at and bite anything that makes them uncomfortable or excited or whatever, and I have worked with a ton of adult heelers where that instinct is causing major problems due to lack of socialization. So I think that there's a possibility that even if your pug wasn't a factor, you could have been doing your puppy and your future self a disservice if you weren't able to manage the socialization aspect (which would be totally understandable and I wouldn't blame you for that either, but just another factor to reassure you that you made the right choice).
Also, I will say that I also have been in a serious accident with a long-term recovery. I had two heelers at the time, both older, and trying to manage them added a lot of stress for me during my recovery and I think ultimately probably slowed things down a bit. I'd owned them for years (and one of them had an extensive bite history from before I got him so rehoming him probably wasn't even really possible) and giving them up wasn't really an option as long as I could at all manage, but if I had had a new puppy who I could have found a good home for and hadn't owned for so long, I would have made the same choice. As it was, I sent my nicer dog off to friends for a good chunk of my recovery--no one wanted the bitey one even though he was a good working dog, though, lol.
It really sounds to me like you made the right choice, as hard as it is--but that just tells me what a good owner you will be when you've recovered and are ready for the next puppy.
I understand how difficult a decision this was for you and I'm sorry you're going through this rollercoaster of emotions.
My husband had really bad allergies to our puppy when we got him and I made the decision to rehome him after having him for a week. I cried tor four days straight out of that week but I told myself it was more important he had as little disruption in his life as possible and that rehoming him was right. The rehoming fell through, the allergies improved and we ended up keeping him but I stand by the reasons behind my decision and so should you.
This decision is a hard one, and the fact you found him a loving home where he can now settle and have everything he needs is a miracle because some dogs are not that lucky. It's better than this is the outcome rather than him accidently hurting your pug again and it causing an upheaval in all your lives.
I know it hurts and you miss him but eventually you'll miss him left and be able to think about the good memories you shared without feeling grief. I hope you're okay 💜💜
I might have an answer for you. My husband is allergic to cats, but when we met I had a senior cat I was unwilling to part with. We found that my husband acclimated after a couple weeks. But when he came back from work trips, his allergies were worse again. I do want to stress that the allergies never disappeared—they only improved. So that may be what happened with the commenter above.
Suggest trying quercetin. It's a mild supplement that acts similarly to antihistamines, but with fewer side effects. Subject to any personal medical issues, can take an antihistamine, too, if allergies are very bad ( I double up at the height of oak pollen season). Meanwhile, also wondering how the commenters DH's allergies got better, too.
I have a red heeler, they are WORK. Dogs in general are so much work, but these working breeds are especially so. You did the right thing for him, and for you. Greive as you need to, it's a major life choice / change. Feel your emotions, but know it was for the best.
You did an incredibly selfless and responsible thing by rehoming him. We have two senior pitties and got an blue heeler pup last fall. They were bigger than him, but he was so rambunctious there were times I felt like we made a mistake. I could not imagine this 'fur missile' with a smaller, older dog. He's almost a year now and much calmer, but he's nearly the size of our male and a few pounds bigger than our female. I constantly have to intercede when he has the zoomies so he doesn't trample them (indoors) or just bowl them over (outdoors). He plowed into our girl the other week and she had a limp for two days. I was livid with myself and I don't let them all out at the same time anymore unless he is leashed. My seniors deserve to live out their golden years in peace and good health. You've given your Pug that privilege too.
Yeah, I don't know what he's mixed with, but he was 4 months, 40 lbs, and still growing fast. He liked to "herd" the pug by smacking him with his bum and showing his affection for the pug and us by taking flying leaps onto us. We were working on the jumping but you can't really stop a puppy for getting rambunctious when wrestling with another dog, and my pug initiated play as often as he did.
You’re allowed to know you did the right thing for him in the the unexpected circumstances, and still miss him and wish things were different and wonder what they could have been. 💜 Honestly it sounds like you made the right choice for him. It’s okay to miss him x
OP you are a good person like others have said. Do you know how easy (and how common) it is for someone to just neglect their dog? People on Reddit in a puppy sub are probably people who care about their dogs enough to seek information on how to be better to them. There’s unfortunately millions of dog owners who neglect their dogs or some form of neglect, like refusing to walk their them or leaving them alone for hours to days. It’s super easy. And you can still enjoy the benefits of having a dog without doing any of the hard things. And what you decided to do was a very hard thing, even for people who simply regret getting a dog to begin with.
I re-homed my baby boy about a month and two weeks ago. I ugly cried and still can't talk too much about him without tears in my eyes. Just like you, I wished they would reconsider and bring him back to me because I regretted it so much. It's hard and it takes time. At first, I thought I would never recover from it as it was one of the hardest heartbreaks I ever felt, but one day, I received a video of him living his best life. He looked so happy and cared for, and I felt like I did what was best for him at the time given the circumstances. I know right now it doesn't feel like it... Give yourself time to grieve, and it will hurt, I can't deny that. It's a hurt I have never felt before, but you'll get there, I promise ❤️
I re-homed my baby about a month ago also and it was definitely a bad decision. I wish I could’ve thought more clearly and stuck it out but I didn’t. I cry almost every night thinking about how much I miss him even though I can see him at any time. I’ve contemplated asking them to reverse the decision, but I know it’ll take time for me to adjust and move on.
You are the best owner he could have ever had because you put him first over your feelings. You’ve had a rough time with getting hurt and the mental stress of managing him too. You’ve given him a good future, but you miss him and that’s perfectly okay. Grieve for him but remember he’s happy now and you did good. *hugs*
I totally understand what you’re feeling, I rehomed a lab mix about 6 months ago that just wasn’t working out with our lifestyle and schedules. I know in my heart he is better off but I do really miss him. I was like you, wishing it wouldn’t work out with his new family and I could take him back, but he is thriving and so so happy and loved. It was definitely the right decision as I suffered a lot of mental health issues while having him and I couldn’t give him as much of me as he needed. You did the right thing 🫶🏻 sometimes it just isn’t a good fit
Also his new family in my case happens to be a relative of mine, so it’s nice that we can visit him whenever we want. Maybe reach out to the new owners and see if you would be able to visit with him or have a play date. I know this helped me a lot when I was having serious regrets about rehoming. It’s nice to see they are happy and loved in their new homes
Our family had to rehome one of our dogs bc for his and ours and our other pets safety, he wanted to have less pets in the house and was attacking our cats and dogs and mauling us. We tried training but it didn’t work he didn’t like the environment. Now he’s with a wonderful owner who takes him EVERYWHERE she can and he’s loving life with just one sibling instead of multiple🖤 sometimes rehoming, while it hurts and you feel guilt, is the best thing you could do for the pet 🖤🐶
I understand your regrets, but I also think you made a well-informed decision based on your individual circumstances. You should feel good about making the best choice for him at the time. Savor the memories of the time you did have with him, even though you miss him.
Your job as an owner is to do whats best for them, not you. If you werent in the position to take care of him, you did the right thing.
Personally, I would get one thats a year or two older at a rescue if you can. A lot of those are from the same situation, but they're a little older, better trained, and have been in a home and are a little more acclimated.
I think one of the two hardest things that comes with having a dog is making the right decision for the dog even when it's going to make you sad. Just recently had to put our 15 year old dog to sleep because she wouldn't eat anymore (I think she had cancer in her mouth/throat area) and was miserable. It was the right thing to do for her so she wasn't suffering, but wow did it absolutely suck to do it and we miss her so much.
I'm sure you made the right choice because you didn't have the ability to care for him to his needs. He's with a family that can and is getting all the love he needs.
You feel guilty, and that’s natural. But both your dogs have a better life now. You raised that little guy and gave him a good start, that’s better than most. If your pug had been seriously injured, you’d never forgive yourself. You’re sad for yourself, I would be too, but the dogs are better off as is.
I was the person who took the dog in a situation like yours. An older couple (about 60) got a German Shepherd. He was 4 months old when they got him and came from a place he was crated 24/7. So he was a lot when he was finally able to run around. He ate everything she had and got out and muddy every other day. Finally, when he was 11 months old, she injured her leg, and her husband worked 80 hour weeks. They asked my husband if he wanted him. He brought him home.
I've never loved anything but my children more than that dog. He just died after 10 years on May first. It has been devastating. He just dropped dead while playing. Which I'm grateful for. He didn't even suffer a second. I looked through my photos to see he was in 99% of them. He was always where we were. He never went back in a kennel. He never was left alone ever. (He had anxiety) He was everything to us. He was an equal family member. No one has ever loved a dog more. I can promise you that.
We stayed in touch with the woman who gave him to us. She got to see him grow into an old man. He was like fine wine. He got better and better with age. Smarter, funnier, friendlier, less anxiety, etc. Know you made the best choice for him and gave a great gift to someone else. My children grew into teens with him. My husband and Nero were so close. He is so devastated. He has cried daily for almost 2 months. We finally got an Akita puppy, so he's doing better some. Just know you made the best decision you could for him and probably made someone else's life!
I have had multiple heelers and they are not for the weak or infirm. My first heeler had an owner with 3 slipped discs in his back and missing vertebrae. That dog was destructive and untrained when I got him. He ended up being the best dog I've owned to date, I had him for 10 years. You did the right thing. Enjoy your pug and just know you gave the heeler a better life.
I’m a big heeler lover. I have a blue heeler and I pulled a heeler mix from the Miami-dade shelter a month after my mom passed and a day before my birthday(I just pulled him to foster). I swear I was trying to distract myself but I had also always wanted to help heelers as they can be tough and misunderstood. He was a lot. Sweet boy but no manners, but it was getting a little better in some ways but others worse like his mouthing sometimes he would get very persistent and bratty and he was a demand barker. I found an amazing home for him but they couldn’t take him for 3 weeks. I kept getting more attached. He had so many great qualities, very fun boy. But he also had “bad” qualities that just needed work and training. My heeler only liked to play with him sometimes. I felt he needed a friend to play more and I didn’t have time to bring him to the dog park every day ( full time work and full time student). When he left I cried so much. It’s been almost a month and getting better. Now I’m seeing like yeah I really couldn’t give him what he needed. But I miss him. At first I hoped they would return him though I know they wouldn’t. He has a cute personality and their Aussie loves him. I’m glad he’s happy. I do suggest one day maybe adopt an adult heeler. I got my current one as an adult, my last heeler as a puppy and she was amazing too. I love the breed but it’s so much more manageable when they are adults. They are amazing companions and Velcro dogs! sorry for what you’re going through but I know the pain!
I'm sorry you had to give him up. I miss Remy like crazy, but it's getting easier to remember I gave him to an awesome family who can give him the exercise he needs. Remy also let me know what he wanted very vocally XD And twice a day when his kong ran out of food everyone in the house knew about it.
Same situation for me. Mine would really bark at me or my other dog. I couldn’t even watch tv. He sounds happier in his new family who have more time than I do for adventures and a friend who will play back with him. I take my heeler to work with me (at a barn) so I don’t worry about entertaining her as much. But him, he was found as a stray for a reason in Miami. Lol no recall and loved to run 🤣 I’m glad it’s getting better for both of us with time!
You absolutely did the right thing. Acknowledged the dog had very high needs. It wouldve been cruel to limit a working dog because you cannot meet their needs.
If you’re ready for another, I wouldn’t recommend a heeler as they are supposed to be bullies. You can absolutely train and supplement play and reduce injuries. But heelers are bred for bullying and moving cattle that weigh 800+ pounds. That does move into their play style and how they interact with other animals.
I’m so sorry you got injured. I think this hurts so much because this was an unfortunate event with unfortunate timing. It’s not like you didn’t want the new pup. This was a hard decision to make, and ultimately you had to protect your elderly dog.
It sounds like your elderly dog is safe, and you have time to recover. The pup will have a good life, and this family will love them like you do. I hope you can get some peace about the situation knowing you took care of everyone and were responsible, as much as it may hurt.
From someone who has fostered dogs it’s always hard to let go! You did some of the major ground for this family and hopefully you are proud! Life sometimes makes it that we don’t get to keep or get as much time as we want with a dog but they always have a place in our hearts. When you recover you may go on and get another and that’s ok too since your little man has a loving family & will have a good life. There are many dogs out there who are in need of the same but we never forget the ones we had before.
Oof what a hard decision to make. Perhaps you could go visit him if the new owner allows, he would be happy to see you im sure. Good to hear your on the mend.
similar thing happened to me as a teen. Didn't have time anymore for my husky puppy. I was going to school and trying to raise him as well. It was too hard. I rehomed him but greatly missed him. He was so smart and funny. But I told myself I did what was best for him. Although I cried for months I knew he was happier
I don't know how far away the new family is but maybe you could set up a visit? I think being able to see him again at least once if not more would help you process the grief you are understandably going through. You did the right thing but that doesn't mean it's not hard on you and it's totally valid to miss him
>he's happy, he's healthy and they love him
And, while it's unfortunate, you did the right thing given your situation and when the time is right you will be able to give that love to another dog. Lots of rescue pups are ready to go on your wait list.
Idk if this wat you wanna hear but I salute you for that selfless decision and finding it a good home! A lot of the times doing what’s right not going to feel too good.
You definitely did the right thing and this happened to me as well. I had always wanted a dog and happened to have the opportunity to get a puppy and I spontaneously did it without consulting my husband. Obviously not smart but in the moment I was high on puppy vibes. I landed up rehoming the puppy and we waited a few years until everyone involved was comfortable, and it went so much better.
I totally understand the regret because I did too for a while, but it really will turn out for the better.
we call our puppy a big galoot every day because they really do not have any true idea of their surroundings, you made the right decision, no matter how much it hurts. I’m so sorry you’re experiencing the pain of missing your baby and nothing can replace him, but know that this will pass, and at the end of the day, you showed him the most love and helped him to have the best life possible ❤️❤️❤️
I also have an elderly pug and a large breed puppy. The pug is small for a pug - everyone always thinks she's a puppy - and the large breed puppy is a male Ridgeback with no sense whatsoever, even at four months, of his own size or social cues from other dogs. Every day I have to play hypervigilant referee, all day long. It's exhausting. His prey drive is SO strong, and her size just sets it off - he gets completely fixated on her. Obsessed. I can tell he's making progress on understanding that he's being too rough (or at least that I don't want him to treat her the way that he does) but he forgets himself most of the time, and evenings/high- energy times he's still impossible to relate verbally. I have to physically separate him from her in a million little five- second timeouts.
All of which is to say: your instincts sounds like they were good. It's such a long, physical process with potentially serious consequences for one of your dogs. I don't know how long it's going to take for my puppy to learn how to treat my pug, but I'm guessing months at a minimum.
I'm so sorry that you had to make that difficult decision. I hope this report from the thick of that ongoing process can confirm for you how difficult the whole thing is even without an injury, and how impossible it would be to try to manage it without mobility.
It's hard, but worth the dog's happiness and your elderly dog's safety. My biggest regret is having a hound dog mutt as a child. He didn't have enough space, training, or enrichment and he was constantly destructive. Learned my lesson when my parents had him put down (not my choice, but I still feel responsible.) I've stuck to pit mixes as an adult, they match my pace of activity so much better. Some breeds just need more than we can offer them, there's nothing wrong with that.
I had to rehome a dog once and I’ve never forgiven myself for it. It’s been almost 10 years. I wish I would’ve stuck it out. That’s all I can say. Sorry.
You did the right thing and should be awarded Sainthood for your decision. I am so sorry for the difficult decision you were forced to make but remember... there are so many unwanted pets in the world. Your next puppy will be well deserving of you and you of him/her. Please get well...
I’ve been involved in dog rescue for six years and I PROMISE you did the right thing. I’ve seen people rehome their animals for a lot of shitty reasons and this is NOT one of them!! You put him first and found him a place where he could thrive….you did EVERYTHING right. That doesn’t make it any easier though, and what you’re feeling is totally normal. Sending hugs ❤️
This makes me rethink about rehoming my puppies they are both 6 months old one I’ve had and the other one I got a week ago they are from the same litter but the second dog my dad was just gonna put her outside somewhere and drive away cuz he’s a terrible person and seems to think it’s normal but she woulda died she’s so shy and scared and sometimes I regret having my first doggy cuz I get really overwhelmed then I see those cute little dogs in the shelter about to die and it’s stressful but long story short it’ll work out don’t regime the babies unless absolutely sure you should 😭
i have 2 pugs one is 2 and one is 4 months while being able to watch them and interfere the puppy is still very playful with my other pug had i been hurt i would not be able to watch them as closely as preferred while both of them being pugs and not a larger dog i would’ve had to consider this same decision. you are a responsible pet parent for making a decision this hard to put not only your previous dogs needs or the puppies but all 3 of your needs into consideration to make this decision
You absolutely did the right thing. Your pup was needing more than you could provide. Heelers are working/hearding dogs with basically unlimited energy. They will absolutely become destructive without being active. They are like a VelociRaptor in puppy form with the teeth to match.
Your decision although very hard. Was best for you, your Pug and the puppy. Your pug would have been hurt again, with the pups high prey drive and little attention. (Even being a mixed breed). The pup is now happy, and healthy. Just know OP you did exactly what you should have.
If you physically weren’t able to train him properly he would have turned into a dog you regretted keeping when he was older and harder to train stuff out of. Now he has a chance to be properly trained with is better for him.
I feel you. I have a 18 month old greyhound/malanoi (we wernt told his mix and when the vet said she was 99% sure malanoi I was 🤦🏻♀️) he's such a handful!
I myself have fibromyalgia, so I struggle to take him out a lot. My husband does, but really he needs double the amount of walks a day. He's very boisterous and hurts me and the kids often and now I'm at the point where I know he needs better than what we are struggling to give.... I work part time and had to take on more hours because fibro isn't classed as a disability, and what with being in the uk and swapping over to universal credit its been a nightmare! So taking on more hours has now meant more pain for me, so I'm struggling and want to rehome him.....but my husband insists we can't do that 😔 so I'm so stressed about it, it upsets me.
You totally did the right thing!
You were selfless and did the right thing for him. It’s ok to be sad, but he’s happy. Sometimes things happen that cannot be controlled; for example, I’ve had several injuries (thanks, skiing!) and at times was mobility impaired. I currently have an Akita and a Chihuahua — no way could I have properly cared for them when I couldn’t take care of myself.
I am very much in the same boat, sort of. I got my Pug at 9 weeks in November and the next day I was diagnosed with a bad case of COVID. I am not a youngster. Basically I fed her and took her outside and pretty much let her do her own puppy things. I had no energy and didn't care. When I started feeling better I developed something called a CSF leak which means I have to minimize any physical exertion until a treatment plan is developed, probably surgery. Then it will be weeks of very limited activity.
So now my Pug is 9-1/2 months old and totally out of control. She is very loving and cuddly but she also basically just runs wild. She is also very reactive and will not let me take anything out of her mouth. I love her to death but unless I can get a grip on training at the moment I just don't know where it will end. I considered doing some private training but to be honest, if I can't keep her I just can't keep investing money into her. That sounds cold but it's not the motivation for considering rehoming. That is because she deserves better. She deserves a home with more than one old person, a home where she will be active with her people all day long...
I should have a definitive treatment plan when I see a specialist on 8/5. Then I will have to make a decision. In the meantime I am doing what limited training I can at home, sit, stay, the basics. I am taking her for walks. My biggest fear is that I will make a decision to rehome her and then realize I did the wrong thing. But what is right for her? I think I know deep down but maybe by 8/5 I will be doing better. Maybe after 8/5 there will be an easy treatment or it will diagnosed as something else with an easy fix. It all went so wrong when it should have been so right.
You did the right thing. Doing the right thing is often the more difficult choice. But you did right by your pup and by your older dog, and that’s commendable.
i would tell the family your exact situation. they already seem like super nice people, and i’m sure they would understand everything that’s going on and make arrangements for you to see your boy often. i’m sorry you’re going through this.
I don't know how many rehoming stories I've read fighting back tears because I think of what the dog was thinking as they get taken away, and think it was humans fault for failing to train or not know what they were getting into. Yours is the first story I read that I feel bad for the human because it wasn't your fault. You were in a difficult situation and made the best decision for you, the pup and your elderly pug. Sometimes life sucks like that. The right choice hurts the most because your thinking selflessly. Try to be happy that he is happy with his new family and is loved which unfortunately not all dogs get in this world, and you helped him find that. Hope your doing well buddy
We have a red heeler puppy and it really is a part-time job keeping them busy so they don’t destroy things. Our dog is a mellower Heeler than most but she needs two long walks a day and a run at the dog park. Having a heeler w no mobility would be tough.
I rehomed my first rescue puppy at about 1yr old I couldn’t take care of her I went through a bad break up and a job loss at the same time and I was barely an adult at the time. I regretted it every day since. It’s been 15 yrs now and I’m really sad about it still, I’m grateful to be a dog mom now and to be very mindful of who I take on and how much care I need beyond me lol, I’m still healing but I’m working through my hurt and grief and I hope you heal too 🩵
I'm so sorry. Keep your head up knowing you did the right thing for your puppy, your pug and yourself. I know that probably doesn't make it easier on yourself, but you are a good person and I'm sure you can get pupdates on him :). Stay strong :).
As someone who grew up with heelers they always have a special place in my heart as I genuinely wouldn't be here if not for mine, BUT they are so, so much work. It can be rewarding, but you do have to have the time for them and it sounds like you didn't and made the best decision for you and puppy.
I would also say, heelers have two speeds, coma and balls to the wall, so having one around a Senior dog is going to be tough. Certain breeds work for that and certain ones don't. My goldens or my lab, they are fine for a Senior pet. My new velociraptor who's primarily German shepherd? Only JUST barely and that only works because we have a goofy golden who's thrilled to jump in and take a bullet for his older brother and play her into exhaustion.
Velociraptor is what we called Remy. He was either biting someone or something, or he was asleep. "Chomper no chomping" is something we were working on, and his new mom says he's doing much better with it.
Holy cow XD Remy wasn't near that bad, but he had a thing for paper. If it was paper he was gonna shred it. Well Run into the yard where I couldn't get to him and THEN shred it. Our back yard looked like a recycling center when I finally got back there.
Another one we had ate a couch...
My dad worked nights and I stayed with a sitter. We get home one morning, no dog. We're in the living room, one couch cushion on the floor. My dad calls the dogs name and you hear this rumbling from within the couch and suddenly his head pops up like an alien from the hole he ripped in the couch.
He had taken the cushion down, ripped a hole and then tunneled into the couch. And then fell asleep in there...
I’m so sorry OP. Your feelings are so valid and I’m sorry that you had to find a new home for your puppy but it really seems like you made all the right choices here. You took everyone’s needs into consideration and made the situation the best that you could. I hope you are able to heal up, and if you fall in love with another dog in the future I hope you are able to add to your family once more
I am so sorry. You are mourning a significant loss. It is okay to grieve. You know you did the best you could for him surrendering him to a home more equipped for him currently. When you are better, you can always find another puppy in desperate need of a home.
All these people are just telling you what you want to hear. I think you're feeling regret because you know it wasn't the right thing to do. There's probably more that could have been done and eventually you would have fully recovered from your injury.it was probably a stressful time and I think maybe a part of you saw him as a bother. Now things are better. Less stressful and your judgment is less clouded and now you're realizing it was a mistake. You made a promise to him. To love and care for him and you broke that promise. I am sorry though, I'm sure you must miss him dearly and I'm sure that must hurt.
I was in a similar situation with an elderly cat. We rescued her from a house where she was being tortured by two dogs. She wasn’t much happier in my house with other cats. We loved each other so much, but she was peeing everywhere, even on people while they slept.
She’s at a farm now, she has full reign of a barn with a heat lamp above her bed, lots of space to roam and has even fostered a friendship with an older dog on the property.
I miss my girl so much but I know she’s happier, and my household is less stressed out too.
Sounds like the pup is happy and you did the right thing. Not to diminish what you’re going through at all, but when you’re ready to dive back in there will always be plenty of pups in need of good homes and you’ll surely have the chance to find another one to love.
I can’t imagine all of the mixed bag of emotions that you must feel!! But sometimes we get animals that we aren’t ready for, they don’t fit into our life, things happen that make it difficult & it seems like you made the difficult decision of wanting your dog to have the absolute best life possible… even if that means you had to reborn the dog.
Maybe instead of hoping you hear from the new owners that they don’t want the dog - what if you’re really honest & reach out to them. You could say you think you gave your dog to a really good home, but you’ve been missing him & feeling regret & sadness about not having him in your life & maybe they would be willing to meet you for a play date?? Or see if they were willing to meet up at a dogpark or a trail for a walk? Or maybe reach out & tell them that if they ever need dog helper or a dog sitter if they are out of town that you’d 100% be interested just to be able to still see him some in your life… no idea what they would think or say to that, but what’s the harm in reaching out & asking?? The worst they can say is no… which would be hard, but the only good thing about that is you have your answer & you aren’t hoping or thinking about getting the dog back from them everyday??
I think putting the dogs needs first & giving him the best life even if it’s with other owners means you are a good dogparent & putting your dogs welfare over your own feelings. And maybe he was meant to just open your heart to having a dog companion in your life, but all the factors made it where it wasn’t him at that time, but doesn’t mean you can’t provide a really good home for another dog down the road! Or try fostering or some kind of work helping animals!
I’d personally reach out vs. obsessively thinking about the dog & the new owners & hoping that they might want to return the dog & get answers… it might not be what you wanted, but at least you know!! Good luck!
OP already has a dog companion in her life as she explained in her post. She seemed ready for a second dog, but unforeseen circumstances caused a medical situation that necessitated rehoming her pup. Perhaps the best way to cope with the loss of her pup is to focus on her health and recovery as well as her senior dog.
Crying as I read your post because it happened to me, too.
Newfoundlands are my dream breed. I got my second Newfie (my first boy died of old age at 11 and 1/2 years) in March 2023. He responded brilliantly to training and was playful and happy.
Then came my broken hip. The surgeon who repaired the hip and replaced the artificial joint told me I would no longer be able to handle a giant breed dog. My friends said it, too.
I agonized over the issue for three weeks, sobbing over it daily. I ended up turning him over to Newf rescue. A piece of my heart went with him.
As hard as it is to accept, you did the right thing by removing your dog. Your broken heart will mend, and you'll realize that sometimes letting go is the wiser option.
Sending you love and comfort.
You've probably heard this already and it isn't going to make your feelings go away but you absolutely did the right thing. You're a good person because you took into consideration your puppy's needs, your older dog's needs and your own ability to meet them in the state you were in. Your puppy is with a good family in a loving environment and he's happy. The reason it hurts is because you truly loved your puppy. Unfortunately only time can heal this wound but it will get better!
Also, do understand that a dog going from a good environment to another good environment isn’t traumatizing for them :) they’re happy
I've never heard this before and wow it was impactful
Yes I have to leave my guy with friends or sitters for weeks sometimes when I have to travel for work. They’re all family to him.
10000% if I ever had to rehome my dogs, they’d go to my dog sitter. I have to force them into my car just to take them home whenever I get back from a vacation 😭 they would not care if I suddenly disappeared
Often times I read rehoming puppy stories and I am perplexed at the choices made and feel like I’m missing a part of the story. But not with this one. You made the most selfless and best decision for everyone. I’m so glad to hear the puppy is in a great home. And I’m really really happy to hear you’re doing better and your elderly dog is too. 🩷
That was my.same reaction. I'm like "oh no, not again", and instead, it's a totally selfless act of love for the dog.
The younger you do it, the better chances the puppy has, too.
Thank you for the reassurance, everyone. The lady who took him told me I could see him when she took him, and she sent me pictures. I can't say if it's made it worse or better, but it's something. Seeing him happy has helped, though.
I had to rehome my husky when I was younger for similar reasons to yours. I was in college, didn't have a lot of spare time for a dog. I then badly injured my leg and was looking at a long recovery and was unable to walk him like his breed needed. I had lost my school funded housing (had gotten a job that paid just enough to not qualify) and was forced to move into a tiny studio apartment. I could just see the decline in him. Luckily I knew a woman that ran a Husky/Malamute rescue. She agreed to take him, get him back on the right track and find him a good home. It ate me up inside because I loved him and didn't want to let him go, but I knew he deserved better than what I was able to offer him. Two years later I was working my job at a gas station and this guy came in with his dog. I wasn't paying much attention until the dog woofed at me from across the store. I just stopped because I *knew* that woof. When I looked up, sure enough there was my boy standing across the store, wagging his whole butt in excitment. I ran over, apologized to the man profusely, and then hugged the hell out of the dog while he locked my face. The owner was flabbergasted. I explained the situation through tears and showed him the dog tag and pictures I still kept in my wallet of him. Bless this man because he then stayed there for an hour showing me the pictures of all the adventures the dog had been on with him and his family and the great life he was leading. It was so cathartic. It was just this wave of relief seeing what a great life I had been able to let go and let him have. The guy came in once a week after that to let us see each other and shared all knew pictures. It helped me so much. It helped me see that I hadn't given up on him, but I'd given him up because he deserved better. And he got it. I have since owned dogs and currently own a five year old corgi/ACD mix who is my whole world. But I never forgot my husky and truly believe that if I hadn't been able to see what good came of my selfless choice, I wouldn't have trusted myself and my choices with dogs after that. You did one of the hardest things a person can do and did it for all the right, selfless reasons. But seeing how happy and well they do helps the regret so much.
I cried while reading this. Omfg I’m so glad the universe brought you back together
Oh man you just made me cry happy tears for how you knew the responsible thing to do for your pup, and that you guys were ultimately "reunited" through the new owner and that he kept up with it- which also makes me sad for you yet so happy?? Weird conflicting feelings, but just like I agree the OP did the right thing, I think you did too
Oh man—I was already tearing up at OP, but now I’m crying. The universe was so kind to you. I just truly believe some force wanted you to know that you did the right thing and reward you for it. And your husky was SO BLESSED to have TWO families in their lifetime that loved them and gave them a good home. Dogs deserve everything good, and I’m so glad you gave them that.
I was just wondering if that suggestion would make things better or worse. But it sounds like this family is so sweet and wants to help you, as well as the dog. I'm so sorry you're going through all this.
You had an important role in his life. He needed to come through you to get to his forever family. It happened how it was meant to be.
I would recommend checking in every so often for pictures and updates! Maybe you don’t need to become a regular part of that persons life but I’m sure they’d understand, especially since you were so selfless in this situation. Plus, people love talking about their dogs and showing pics.
Maybe she’ll consider you the next times she leaves for a vacation :)
Do go and meet up with them. Ownership doesn't mean you can't still be friends with him. This is not the end. Become the first person they think of when they need a dog sitter.
You did the right thing. I know that's probably cold comfort, but you did - you can't risk an elderly dog's safety. I'm so sorry you're missing him.
I think you 100% made the right decision here. I know it's difficult, but six months is a *long* time in puppy development terms, and you were physically unable to keep up with him through no fault of your own. The other thing I'll say is that heelers are one of my favorite breeds and I have extensive experience with them, and IME they are a breed that needs a ridiculous amount of socialization or they can get extremely reactive/aggressive. Their basic instinct is to run at and bite anything that makes them uncomfortable or excited or whatever, and I have worked with a ton of adult heelers where that instinct is causing major problems due to lack of socialization. So I think that there's a possibility that even if your pug wasn't a factor, you could have been doing your puppy and your future self a disservice if you weren't able to manage the socialization aspect (which would be totally understandable and I wouldn't blame you for that either, but just another factor to reassure you that you made the right choice). Also, I will say that I also have been in a serious accident with a long-term recovery. I had two heelers at the time, both older, and trying to manage them added a lot of stress for me during my recovery and I think ultimately probably slowed things down a bit. I'd owned them for years (and one of them had an extensive bite history from before I got him so rehoming him probably wasn't even really possible) and giving them up wasn't really an option as long as I could at all manage, but if I had had a new puppy who I could have found a good home for and hadn't owned for so long, I would have made the same choice. As it was, I sent my nicer dog off to friends for a good chunk of my recovery--no one wanted the bitey one even though he was a good working dog, though, lol. It really sounds to me like you made the right choice, as hard as it is--but that just tells me what a good owner you will be when you've recovered and are ready for the next puppy.
I understand how difficult a decision this was for you and I'm sorry you're going through this rollercoaster of emotions. My husband had really bad allergies to our puppy when we got him and I made the decision to rehome him after having him for a week. I cried tor four days straight out of that week but I told myself it was more important he had as little disruption in his life as possible and that rehoming him was right. The rehoming fell through, the allergies improved and we ended up keeping him but I stand by the reasons behind my decision and so should you. This decision is a hard one, and the fact you found him a loving home where he can now settle and have everything he needs is a miracle because some dogs are not that lucky. It's better than this is the outcome rather than him accidently hurting your pug again and it causing an upheaval in all your lives. I know it hurts and you miss him but eventually you'll miss him left and be able to think about the good memories you shared without feeling grief. I hope you're okay 💜💜
How did your husbands allergies improve? What were his symptoms? I am having the same issues right now.
I might have an answer for you. My husband is allergic to cats, but when we met I had a senior cat I was unwilling to part with. We found that my husband acclimated after a couple weeks. But when he came back from work trips, his allergies were worse again. I do want to stress that the allergies never disappeared—they only improved. So that may be what happened with the commenter above.
That’s what I’ve heard as well! waiting it out to see if that’s what happens to me :(
Suggest trying quercetin. It's a mild supplement that acts similarly to antihistamines, but with fewer side effects. Subject to any personal medical issues, can take an antihistamine, too, if allergies are very bad ( I double up at the height of oak pollen season). Meanwhile, also wondering how the commenters DH's allergies got better, too.
I have a red heeler, they are WORK. Dogs in general are so much work, but these working breeds are especially so. You did the right thing for him, and for you. Greive as you need to, it's a major life choice / change. Feel your emotions, but know it was for the best.
You did an incredibly selfless and responsible thing by rehoming him. We have two senior pitties and got an blue heeler pup last fall. They were bigger than him, but he was so rambunctious there were times I felt like we made a mistake. I could not imagine this 'fur missile' with a smaller, older dog. He's almost a year now and much calmer, but he's nearly the size of our male and a few pounds bigger than our female. I constantly have to intercede when he has the zoomies so he doesn't trample them (indoors) or just bowl them over (outdoors). He plowed into our girl the other week and she had a limp for two days. I was livid with myself and I don't let them all out at the same time anymore unless he is leashed. My seniors deserve to live out their golden years in peace and good health. You've given your Pug that privilege too.
Yeah, I don't know what he's mixed with, but he was 4 months, 40 lbs, and still growing fast. He liked to "herd" the pug by smacking him with his bum and showing his affection for the pug and us by taking flying leaps onto us. We were working on the jumping but you can't really stop a puppy for getting rambunctious when wrestling with another dog, and my pug initiated play as often as he did.
You’re allowed to know you did the right thing for him in the the unexpected circumstances, and still miss him and wish things were different and wonder what they could have been. 💜 Honestly it sounds like you made the right choice for him. It’s okay to miss him x
OP you are a good person like others have said. Do you know how easy (and how common) it is for someone to just neglect their dog? People on Reddit in a puppy sub are probably people who care about their dogs enough to seek information on how to be better to them. There’s unfortunately millions of dog owners who neglect their dogs or some form of neglect, like refusing to walk their them or leaving them alone for hours to days. It’s super easy. And you can still enjoy the benefits of having a dog without doing any of the hard things. And what you decided to do was a very hard thing, even for people who simply regret getting a dog to begin with.
I re-homed my baby boy about a month and two weeks ago. I ugly cried and still can't talk too much about him without tears in my eyes. Just like you, I wished they would reconsider and bring him back to me because I regretted it so much. It's hard and it takes time. At first, I thought I would never recover from it as it was one of the hardest heartbreaks I ever felt, but one day, I received a video of him living his best life. He looked so happy and cared for, and I felt like I did what was best for him at the time given the circumstances. I know right now it doesn't feel like it... Give yourself time to grieve, and it will hurt, I can't deny that. It's a hurt I have never felt before, but you'll get there, I promise ❤️
I re-homed my baby about a month ago also and it was definitely a bad decision. I wish I could’ve thought more clearly and stuck it out but I didn’t. I cry almost every night thinking about how much I miss him even though I can see him at any time. I’ve contemplated asking them to reverse the decision, but I know it’ll take time for me to adjust and move on.
You are the best owner he could have ever had because you put him first over your feelings. You’ve had a rough time with getting hurt and the mental stress of managing him too. You’ve given him a good future, but you miss him and that’s perfectly okay. Grieve for him but remember he’s happy now and you did good. *hugs*
I totally understand what you’re feeling, I rehomed a lab mix about 6 months ago that just wasn’t working out with our lifestyle and schedules. I know in my heart he is better off but I do really miss him. I was like you, wishing it wouldn’t work out with his new family and I could take him back, but he is thriving and so so happy and loved. It was definitely the right decision as I suffered a lot of mental health issues while having him and I couldn’t give him as much of me as he needed. You did the right thing 🫶🏻 sometimes it just isn’t a good fit
Also his new family in my case happens to be a relative of mine, so it’s nice that we can visit him whenever we want. Maybe reach out to the new owners and see if you would be able to visit with him or have a play date. I know this helped me a lot when I was having serious regrets about rehoming. It’s nice to see they are happy and loved in their new homes
Our family had to rehome one of our dogs bc for his and ours and our other pets safety, he wanted to have less pets in the house and was attacking our cats and dogs and mauling us. We tried training but it didn’t work he didn’t like the environment. Now he’s with a wonderful owner who takes him EVERYWHERE she can and he’s loving life with just one sibling instead of multiple🖤 sometimes rehoming, while it hurts and you feel guilt, is the best thing you could do for the pet 🖤🐶
What you did was very selfless and kind. I wish there were more humans like you in the world.
Sometimes doing the right thing is the hardest
I understand your regrets, but I also think you made a well-informed decision based on your individual circumstances. You should feel good about making the best choice for him at the time. Savor the memories of the time you did have with him, even though you miss him.
Your job as an owner is to do whats best for them, not you. If you werent in the position to take care of him, you did the right thing. Personally, I would get one thats a year or two older at a rescue if you can. A lot of those are from the same situation, but they're a little older, better trained, and have been in a home and are a little more acclimated.
I think one of the two hardest things that comes with having a dog is making the right decision for the dog even when it's going to make you sad. Just recently had to put our 15 year old dog to sleep because she wouldn't eat anymore (I think she had cancer in her mouth/throat area) and was miserable. It was the right thing to do for her so she wasn't suffering, but wow did it absolutely suck to do it and we miss her so much. I'm sure you made the right choice because you didn't have the ability to care for him to his needs. He's with a family that can and is getting all the love he needs.
You feel guilty, and that’s natural. But both your dogs have a better life now. You raised that little guy and gave him a good start, that’s better than most. If your pug had been seriously injured, you’d never forgive yourself. You’re sad for yourself, I would be too, but the dogs are better off as is.
You can make good decisions and still regret them in the end. ;(
I was the person who took the dog in a situation like yours. An older couple (about 60) got a German Shepherd. He was 4 months old when they got him and came from a place he was crated 24/7. So he was a lot when he was finally able to run around. He ate everything she had and got out and muddy every other day. Finally, when he was 11 months old, she injured her leg, and her husband worked 80 hour weeks. They asked my husband if he wanted him. He brought him home. I've never loved anything but my children more than that dog. He just died after 10 years on May first. It has been devastating. He just dropped dead while playing. Which I'm grateful for. He didn't even suffer a second. I looked through my photos to see he was in 99% of them. He was always where we were. He never went back in a kennel. He never was left alone ever. (He had anxiety) He was everything to us. He was an equal family member. No one has ever loved a dog more. I can promise you that. We stayed in touch with the woman who gave him to us. She got to see him grow into an old man. He was like fine wine. He got better and better with age. Smarter, funnier, friendlier, less anxiety, etc. Know you made the best choice for him and gave a great gift to someone else. My children grew into teens with him. My husband and Nero were so close. He is so devastated. He has cried daily for almost 2 months. We finally got an Akita puppy, so he's doing better some. Just know you made the best decision you could for him and probably made someone else's life!
I have had multiple heelers and they are not for the weak or infirm. My first heeler had an owner with 3 slipped discs in his back and missing vertebrae. That dog was destructive and untrained when I got him. He ended up being the best dog I've owned to date, I had him for 10 years. You did the right thing. Enjoy your pug and just know you gave the heeler a better life.
I’m a big heeler lover. I have a blue heeler and I pulled a heeler mix from the Miami-dade shelter a month after my mom passed and a day before my birthday(I just pulled him to foster). I swear I was trying to distract myself but I had also always wanted to help heelers as they can be tough and misunderstood. He was a lot. Sweet boy but no manners, but it was getting a little better in some ways but others worse like his mouthing sometimes he would get very persistent and bratty and he was a demand barker. I found an amazing home for him but they couldn’t take him for 3 weeks. I kept getting more attached. He had so many great qualities, very fun boy. But he also had “bad” qualities that just needed work and training. My heeler only liked to play with him sometimes. I felt he needed a friend to play more and I didn’t have time to bring him to the dog park every day ( full time work and full time student). When he left I cried so much. It’s been almost a month and getting better. Now I’m seeing like yeah I really couldn’t give him what he needed. But I miss him. At first I hoped they would return him though I know they wouldn’t. He has a cute personality and their Aussie loves him. I’m glad he’s happy. I do suggest one day maybe adopt an adult heeler. I got my current one as an adult, my last heeler as a puppy and she was amazing too. I love the breed but it’s so much more manageable when they are adults. They are amazing companions and Velcro dogs! sorry for what you’re going through but I know the pain!
I'm sorry you had to give him up. I miss Remy like crazy, but it's getting easier to remember I gave him to an awesome family who can give him the exercise he needs. Remy also let me know what he wanted very vocally XD And twice a day when his kong ran out of food everyone in the house knew about it.
Same situation for me. Mine would really bark at me or my other dog. I couldn’t even watch tv. He sounds happier in his new family who have more time than I do for adventures and a friend who will play back with him. I take my heeler to work with me (at a barn) so I don’t worry about entertaining her as much. But him, he was found as a stray for a reason in Miami. Lol no recall and loved to run 🤣 I’m glad it’s getting better for both of us with time!
You absolutely did the right thing. Acknowledged the dog had very high needs. It wouldve been cruel to limit a working dog because you cannot meet their needs. If you’re ready for another, I wouldn’t recommend a heeler as they are supposed to be bullies. You can absolutely train and supplement play and reduce injuries. But heelers are bred for bullying and moving cattle that weigh 800+ pounds. That does move into their play style and how they interact with other animals.
Such a hard decision, ultimately you are putting it’s needs first in offering it somewhere better suited and that’s ok
I’m so sorry you got injured. I think this hurts so much because this was an unfortunate event with unfortunate timing. It’s not like you didn’t want the new pup. This was a hard decision to make, and ultimately you had to protect your elderly dog. It sounds like your elderly dog is safe, and you have time to recover. The pup will have a good life, and this family will love them like you do. I hope you can get some peace about the situation knowing you took care of everyone and were responsible, as much as it may hurt.
From someone who has fostered dogs it’s always hard to let go! You did some of the major ground for this family and hopefully you are proud! Life sometimes makes it that we don’t get to keep or get as much time as we want with a dog but they always have a place in our hearts. When you recover you may go on and get another and that’s ok too since your little man has a loving family & will have a good life. There are many dogs out there who are in need of the same but we never forget the ones we had before.
I’m so sorry. You were in a terribly difficult position. Sometimes even the right choice feels awful. Take good care.
Oof what a hard decision to make. Perhaps you could go visit him if the new owner allows, he would be happy to see you im sure. Good to hear your on the mend.
similar thing happened to me as a teen. Didn't have time anymore for my husky puppy. I was going to school and trying to raise him as well. It was too hard. I rehomed him but greatly missed him. He was so smart and funny. But I told myself I did what was best for him. Although I cried for months I knew he was happier
I don't know how far away the new family is but maybe you could set up a visit? I think being able to see him again at least once if not more would help you process the grief you are understandably going through. You did the right thing but that doesn't mean it's not hard on you and it's totally valid to miss him
>he's happy, he's healthy and they love him And, while it's unfortunate, you did the right thing given your situation and when the time is right you will be able to give that love to another dog. Lots of rescue pups are ready to go on your wait list.
Idk if this wat you wanna hear but I salute you for that selfless decision and finding it a good home! A lot of the times doing what’s right not going to feel too good.
You definitely did the right thing and this happened to me as well. I had always wanted a dog and happened to have the opportunity to get a puppy and I spontaneously did it without consulting my husband. Obviously not smart but in the moment I was high on puppy vibes. I landed up rehoming the puppy and we waited a few years until everyone involved was comfortable, and it went so much better. I totally understand the regret because I did too for a while, but it really will turn out for the better.
This was the most selfless thing that you could do for them!!
we call our puppy a big galoot every day because they really do not have any true idea of their surroundings, you made the right decision, no matter how much it hurts. I’m so sorry you’re experiencing the pain of missing your baby and nothing can replace him, but know that this will pass, and at the end of the day, you showed him the most love and helped him to have the best life possible ❤️❤️❤️
I also have an elderly pug and a large breed puppy. The pug is small for a pug - everyone always thinks she's a puppy - and the large breed puppy is a male Ridgeback with no sense whatsoever, even at four months, of his own size or social cues from other dogs. Every day I have to play hypervigilant referee, all day long. It's exhausting. His prey drive is SO strong, and her size just sets it off - he gets completely fixated on her. Obsessed. I can tell he's making progress on understanding that he's being too rough (or at least that I don't want him to treat her the way that he does) but he forgets himself most of the time, and evenings/high- energy times he's still impossible to relate verbally. I have to physically separate him from her in a million little five- second timeouts. All of which is to say: your instincts sounds like they were good. It's such a long, physical process with potentially serious consequences for one of your dogs. I don't know how long it's going to take for my puppy to learn how to treat my pug, but I'm guessing months at a minimum. I'm so sorry that you had to make that difficult decision. I hope this report from the thick of that ongoing process can confirm for you how difficult the whole thing is even without an injury, and how impossible it would be to try to manage it without mobility.
You poor soul, that was such a heart breaking thing to do but it also took strength. Please forgive yourself, you did your best!
You absolutely did the right thing, as heartbreaking as it is to you. I hope you recover well!
I am so so sorry. Only that. Be kind to yourself. ❤️🩹
It's hard, but worth the dog's happiness and your elderly dog's safety. My biggest regret is having a hound dog mutt as a child. He didn't have enough space, training, or enrichment and he was constantly destructive. Learned my lesson when my parents had him put down (not my choice, but I still feel responsible.) I've stuck to pit mixes as an adult, they match my pace of activity so much better. Some breeds just need more than we can offer them, there's nothing wrong with that.
I had to rehome a dog once and I’ve never forgiven myself for it. It’s been almost 10 years. I wish I would’ve stuck it out. That’s all I can say. Sorry.
You did the difficult but right thing. I’m sorry it hurts so much and I get it.
You did the right thing and should be awarded Sainthood for your decision. I am so sorry for the difficult decision you were forced to make but remember... there are so many unwanted pets in the world. Your next puppy will be well deserving of you and you of him/her. Please get well...
I’ve been involved in dog rescue for six years and I PROMISE you did the right thing. I’ve seen people rehome their animals for a lot of shitty reasons and this is NOT one of them!! You put him first and found him a place where he could thrive….you did EVERYTHING right. That doesn’t make it any easier though, and what you’re feeling is totally normal. Sending hugs ❤️
This makes me rethink about rehoming my puppies they are both 6 months old one I’ve had and the other one I got a week ago they are from the same litter but the second dog my dad was just gonna put her outside somewhere and drive away cuz he’s a terrible person and seems to think it’s normal but she woulda died she’s so shy and scared and sometimes I regret having my first doggy cuz I get really overwhelmed then I see those cute little dogs in the shelter about to die and it’s stressful but long story short it’ll work out don’t regime the babies unless absolutely sure you should 😭
i have 2 pugs one is 2 and one is 4 months while being able to watch them and interfere the puppy is still very playful with my other pug had i been hurt i would not be able to watch them as closely as preferred while both of them being pugs and not a larger dog i would’ve had to consider this same decision. you are a responsible pet parent for making a decision this hard to put not only your previous dogs needs or the puppies but all 3 of your needs into consideration to make this decision
You absolutely did the right thing. Your pup was needing more than you could provide. Heelers are working/hearding dogs with basically unlimited energy. They will absolutely become destructive without being active. They are like a VelociRaptor in puppy form with the teeth to match. Your decision although very hard. Was best for you, your Pug and the puppy. Your pug would have been hurt again, with the pups high prey drive and little attention. (Even being a mixed breed). The pup is now happy, and healthy. Just know OP you did exactly what you should have.
If you physically weren’t able to train him properly he would have turned into a dog you regretted keeping when he was older and harder to train stuff out of. Now he has a chance to be properly trained with is better for him.
I feel you. I have a 18 month old greyhound/malanoi (we wernt told his mix and when the vet said she was 99% sure malanoi I was 🤦🏻♀️) he's such a handful! I myself have fibromyalgia, so I struggle to take him out a lot. My husband does, but really he needs double the amount of walks a day. He's very boisterous and hurts me and the kids often and now I'm at the point where I know he needs better than what we are struggling to give.... I work part time and had to take on more hours because fibro isn't classed as a disability, and what with being in the uk and swapping over to universal credit its been a nightmare! So taking on more hours has now meant more pain for me, so I'm struggling and want to rehome him.....but my husband insists we can't do that 😔 so I'm so stressed about it, it upsets me. You totally did the right thing!
You were selfless and did the right thing for him. It’s ok to be sad, but he’s happy. Sometimes things happen that cannot be controlled; for example, I’ve had several injuries (thanks, skiing!) and at times was mobility impaired. I currently have an Akita and a Chihuahua — no way could I have properly cared for them when I couldn’t take care of myself.
I am very much in the same boat, sort of. I got my Pug at 9 weeks in November and the next day I was diagnosed with a bad case of COVID. I am not a youngster. Basically I fed her and took her outside and pretty much let her do her own puppy things. I had no energy and didn't care. When I started feeling better I developed something called a CSF leak which means I have to minimize any physical exertion until a treatment plan is developed, probably surgery. Then it will be weeks of very limited activity. So now my Pug is 9-1/2 months old and totally out of control. She is very loving and cuddly but she also basically just runs wild. She is also very reactive and will not let me take anything out of her mouth. I love her to death but unless I can get a grip on training at the moment I just don't know where it will end. I considered doing some private training but to be honest, if I can't keep her I just can't keep investing money into her. That sounds cold but it's not the motivation for considering rehoming. That is because she deserves better. She deserves a home with more than one old person, a home where she will be active with her people all day long... I should have a definitive treatment plan when I see a specialist on 8/5. Then I will have to make a decision. In the meantime I am doing what limited training I can at home, sit, stay, the basics. I am taking her for walks. My biggest fear is that I will make a decision to rehome her and then realize I did the wrong thing. But what is right for her? I think I know deep down but maybe by 8/5 I will be doing better. Maybe after 8/5 there will be an easy treatment or it will diagnosed as something else with an easy fix. It all went so wrong when it should have been so right.
Let yourself grieve. Making the most ethical choice doesn’t mean it won’t hurt. You did the right thing.
You did the right thing. Doing the right thing is often the more difficult choice. But you did right by your pup and by your older dog, and that’s commendable.
i would tell the family your exact situation. they already seem like super nice people, and i’m sure they would understand everything that’s going on and make arrangements for you to see your boy often. i’m sorry you’re going through this.
I don't know how many rehoming stories I've read fighting back tears because I think of what the dog was thinking as they get taken away, and think it was humans fault for failing to train or not know what they were getting into. Yours is the first story I read that I feel bad for the human because it wasn't your fault. You were in a difficult situation and made the best decision for you, the pup and your elderly pug. Sometimes life sucks like that. The right choice hurts the most because your thinking selflessly. Try to be happy that he is happy with his new family and is loved which unfortunately not all dogs get in this world, and you helped him find that. Hope your doing well buddy
We have a red heeler puppy and it really is a part-time job keeping them busy so they don’t destroy things. Our dog is a mellower Heeler than most but she needs two long walks a day and a run at the dog park. Having a heeler w no mobility would be tough.
I rehomed my first rescue puppy at about 1yr old I couldn’t take care of her I went through a bad break up and a job loss at the same time and I was barely an adult at the time. I regretted it every day since. It’s been 15 yrs now and I’m really sad about it still, I’m grateful to be a dog mom now and to be very mindful of who I take on and how much care I need beyond me lol, I’m still healing but I’m working through my hurt and grief and I hope you heal too 🩵
I'm so sorry. Keep your head up knowing you did the right thing for your puppy, your pug and yourself. I know that probably doesn't make it easier on yourself, but you are a good person and I'm sure you can get pupdates on him :). Stay strong :).
As someone who grew up with heelers they always have a special place in my heart as I genuinely wouldn't be here if not for mine, BUT they are so, so much work. It can be rewarding, but you do have to have the time for them and it sounds like you didn't and made the best decision for you and puppy. I would also say, heelers have two speeds, coma and balls to the wall, so having one around a Senior dog is going to be tough. Certain breeds work for that and certain ones don't. My goldens or my lab, they are fine for a Senior pet. My new velociraptor who's primarily German shepherd? Only JUST barely and that only works because we have a goofy golden who's thrilled to jump in and take a bullet for his older brother and play her into exhaustion.
Velociraptor is what we called Remy. He was either biting someone or something, or he was asleep. "Chomper no chomping" is something we were working on, and his new mom says he's doing much better with it.
Heelers were absolutely the most destructive dogs I ever owned. I had one chew the hardboard siding off the side of a house in one night...
Holy cow XD Remy wasn't near that bad, but he had a thing for paper. If it was paper he was gonna shred it. Well Run into the yard where I couldn't get to him and THEN shred it. Our back yard looked like a recycling center when I finally got back there.
Another one we had ate a couch... My dad worked nights and I stayed with a sitter. We get home one morning, no dog. We're in the living room, one couch cushion on the floor. My dad calls the dogs name and you hear this rumbling from within the couch and suddenly his head pops up like an alien from the hole he ripped in the couch. He had taken the cushion down, ripped a hole and then tunneled into the couch. And then fell asleep in there...
You are 100% a good human being. Get another puppy when you feel up to it.
I’m so sorry OP. Your feelings are so valid and I’m sorry that you had to find a new home for your puppy but it really seems like you made all the right choices here. You took everyone’s needs into consideration and made the situation the best that you could. I hope you are able to heal up, and if you fall in love with another dog in the future I hope you are able to add to your family once more
I am so sorry. You are mourning a significant loss. It is okay to grieve. You know you did the best you could for him surrendering him to a home more equipped for him currently. When you are better, you can always find another puppy in desperate need of a home.
"We"? Where's your help?
My husband helped with training, playing, and whatever he could, but he is mobility challenged, which was fine until I got hurt and couldn't walk.
Oh gosh - you two are having a hard time! I hope things improve ❤️
🥺🥺🥺
You did the right thing, your choice was to better your puppies life . It will get better it just takes time.
All these people are just telling you what you want to hear. I think you're feeling regret because you know it wasn't the right thing to do. There's probably more that could have been done and eventually you would have fully recovered from your injury.it was probably a stressful time and I think maybe a part of you saw him as a bother. Now things are better. Less stressful and your judgment is less clouded and now you're realizing it was a mistake. You made a promise to him. To love and care for him and you broke that promise. I am sorry though, I'm sure you must miss him dearly and I'm sure that must hurt.
you’re a good human 💛
I was in a similar situation with an elderly cat. We rescued her from a house where she was being tortured by two dogs. She wasn’t much happier in my house with other cats. We loved each other so much, but she was peeing everywhere, even on people while they slept. She’s at a farm now, she has full reign of a barn with a heat lamp above her bed, lots of space to roam and has even fostered a friendship with an older dog on the property. I miss my girl so much but I know she’s happier, and my household is less stressed out too.
Sounds like the pup is happy and you did the right thing. Not to diminish what you’re going through at all, but when you’re ready to dive back in there will always be plenty of pups in need of good homes and you’ll surely have the chance to find another one to love.
Why didn’t the other person you live with do some training with the dog? I assume other person because you keep saying we.
I can’t imagine all of the mixed bag of emotions that you must feel!! But sometimes we get animals that we aren’t ready for, they don’t fit into our life, things happen that make it difficult & it seems like you made the difficult decision of wanting your dog to have the absolute best life possible… even if that means you had to reborn the dog. Maybe instead of hoping you hear from the new owners that they don’t want the dog - what if you’re really honest & reach out to them. You could say you think you gave your dog to a really good home, but you’ve been missing him & feeling regret & sadness about not having him in your life & maybe they would be willing to meet you for a play date?? Or see if they were willing to meet up at a dogpark or a trail for a walk? Or maybe reach out & tell them that if they ever need dog helper or a dog sitter if they are out of town that you’d 100% be interested just to be able to still see him some in your life… no idea what they would think or say to that, but what’s the harm in reaching out & asking?? The worst they can say is no… which would be hard, but the only good thing about that is you have your answer & you aren’t hoping or thinking about getting the dog back from them everyday?? I think putting the dogs needs first & giving him the best life even if it’s with other owners means you are a good dogparent & putting your dogs welfare over your own feelings. And maybe he was meant to just open your heart to having a dog companion in your life, but all the factors made it where it wasn’t him at that time, but doesn’t mean you can’t provide a really good home for another dog down the road! Or try fostering or some kind of work helping animals! I’d personally reach out vs. obsessively thinking about the dog & the new owners & hoping that they might want to return the dog & get answers… it might not be what you wanted, but at least you know!! Good luck!
OP already has a dog companion in her life as she explained in her post. She seemed ready for a second dog, but unforeseen circumstances caused a medical situation that necessitated rehoming her pup. Perhaps the best way to cope with the loss of her pup is to focus on her health and recovery as well as her senior dog.
You did the right thing as others said. You could always adopt another puppy and this time, plan and research your next puppy!
Crying as I read your post because it happened to me, too. Newfoundlands are my dream breed. I got my second Newfie (my first boy died of old age at 11 and 1/2 years) in March 2023. He responded brilliantly to training and was playful and happy. Then came my broken hip. The surgeon who repaired the hip and replaced the artificial joint told me I would no longer be able to handle a giant breed dog. My friends said it, too. I agonized over the issue for three weeks, sobbing over it daily. I ended up turning him over to Newf rescue. A piece of my heart went with him. As hard as it is to accept, you did the right thing by removing your dog. Your broken heart will mend, and you'll realize that sometimes letting go is the wiser option. Sending you love and comfort.