Oh god...I cannot believe this is happening...

[Foam]

:(

It's Ozzy.
He's such a handful. Nobody in my family, including me, can give him the time and attention he needs. I'm too busy with sports, music, school, and other problems to find time to play with him like he needs to be played with.
My parents were out of town last weekend, and we boarded Ozzy at the vet's. Darlin had time to relax, and we all had so much work off of our hands. It was nice. Of course I missed him, but I didn't miss having to spend my relaxation time dealing with him.

So I think the time has come to find him a new home...
As hard as it is for me to say, I just want what is best for Ozzy. He needs a home where he can run around, play and not be bored all the time. Here, we can't give that to him, and it breaks my heart..
:(:(
I was crying thinking about it, I was crying talking about it, I was crying when I made my decision, and I'm crying as I type this. I can't belive it's happening...I never thought it would happen. I used to have all the time in the world, and now I don't. I can't deal with a puppy right now..

I still want to do agility, so my next dog (way way way long time away) will be an adult from the pound.

I don't know how I'm going to tell Ozzy's breeder. She is going to be as heartbroken as I am. I swore I would take care of him...and I feel like I'm letting her down by doing this. Is it really the right thing to do? Or am I just being selfish?
I'm so mad at myself! Ozzy and I had such a close relationship, and now it's never going to exell like I had dreamed about. He needs that dream, but I can't give it to him.....

I dont know how to conclude this...I just thought I would tell you all.

[Kfamr]

Sorry to hear this.

But I agree, if you guys are too buisy lately, then it's best that he finds a family that can give him his attention.

What about Darlin?


Do you have any relatives in the area that Oz knows and who would like to have him?

[Foam]

No but we do know some people who have two of his brothers who live on a ranch somewhere in Arizona. I still don't know though, I need to talk to his breeder...

[guster girl]

wow. I'm sorry you're having to make that decision. :(

[aly]

Please don't give him to a ranch. He has grown up as a family dog in your household. I hope you guys can find a responsible, LOVING home for him. I'm sure tons of people would love to have him. Your best bet at finding a great home would be through a rescue group, especially if there is one for his breed in your area.

[stacwase]

How old is Ozzy?

You know - dogs go through this stage. It doesn't last forever, I promise! Just when they get to the point where their people don't think they can handle them anymore, they're almost to that stage where they become easily-trainable and extremely likeable.

Just an example - we got Max when he was 2.5 years old. His owners just could't take the bolting anymore! They couldn't control him, though they loved him sincerely. He was a big German Shepherd/Rottweiler pup - all muscles and energy. So we got him from the pound and within 6 months he was through that stage. Now he is just the kind of dog we've always wanted.

When you think you can't handle them another moment, they're almost there.

Kind of like teenagers - they become unbearable shortly before they move out of the house, and they're not gone 6 months before they become decent people who are easier to get along with (just kidding all you teenyboppers out there).

[Pam]

I am wondering too how old Ozzy is. We had a smooth coated collie in obedience school and he was a real handful, but by the end of 10 weeks of classes the improvement was amazing! The instructor stressed that it only takes 15 min. a day of working with your dog until they start to "get it." It sounds like you pretty much have your mind made up so I'm not going to ask you to reconsider. You know your own situation. Many times a breeder will want the dog returned to them. This is a good place to start in your efforts to re-home Ozzy and it sounds like you have already considered that. (((Hugs))) to you as you go through this. I have never had to do this and I know if I ever had to give up one of my dogs it would just kill me! :(

[Amber]

Im sorry, but Foam, please think very hard about this.

I don't want you to regret giving up your ozzy boy. k?

I had to give up a cat I used to have, and to this day I'm still upset over it. :(

Im just afraid Ozzy is already attached to you and your family. If you did re-home him, could he get depressed about you not being with him? (((HUGS))) I hope the best for Ozzy.

What about Darlin? How is she?

[chocolatepuppy]

foam - I agree with some of the others, think about this. I don't know how old you are but you mentioned school ,sports, music. Could one of these be given up?(not school) No matter what age you are you will have problems. And if you have several animals you will not know what relaxation is most of the time and if you truly want animals you won't care. Good luck in wantever you decide. :)

[Logan]

I don't know what to say, Foam. I wish you could just make a schedule and carve out some time, each day, as was suggested, for Ozzy and keep him with you. :( I can't imagine letting one go.

[GoldenRetrLuver]

Oh gosh. I'm sorry, Cayter. :(

Good Luck talking to Kristen...I'm sure she'll take him in for you. Doesn't her contract say she would take the dog back, that if for some reason you had to give him up? You're not being selfish at all. What would be being selfish, is having him, when you know you can't properly give him everything he needs.

Good Luck. :(:(

[DogLover9501]

Ohhh :( Im so sorry to hear this, but like others said, REALLY think about this, as when things calm down and you don't have as much to do, you might be really sorry.

I hope everything works out for the best:(

[Rio and Me]

It must be hard to think that is the only answer, i couldnt i would make time.
To me my animals are more inportant than any other activity, swimming/music/after school activities verses my dog, its not a hard choice for me.
Think about it because once he's gone hes gone, i've learned that the hard way with my horses.
Good luck and keep us posted
Ky

[guster girl]

Could you get him into one of those dog spa/daycare places? I agree if you don't have the time right now, he needs to have someone to give him attention while you're all busy. But, Ozzy seemed to be everything to you from your past posts. I agree, I don't think you're being selfish. But, just wanted to throw that idea out there for you, in case you hadn't thought about it. I wouldn't ask you to give up music or sports or anything, I think that's awesome that you're involved. But, the thing that struck me about you was your devotion to Ozzy and his agility and obedience. I'm really sorry to see you have to go through this, but, I'd hate to see you regret it......especially with a herding dog, they really are one person animals......they always seem to pick one person to give their heart to. Anyway, just wanted to say I'm sorry again and to voice that idea about the dog day care.

[K9soul]

Cayter, I'm extremely saddened to see this and pretty much at a loss for words. I don't want anything I say to seem judgemental in any way.. I am sure this is hard enough for you at the moment. I know you are thinking of Ozzy and his needs.

Some part of me hopes that you have not made a definite decision yet.. it sounds like Ozzy's being away for awhile gave you such a feeling of relief as far as his demands that it was strong enough to cause you to reach this decision. Believe it or not, I can relate to that somewhat. I remember how distressed I got to feeling when Cody was so old and couldn't get up and down steps, couldn't hold his bladder much, became deaf, and had some bit of senility in his behavior. The daily care of it not to mention the sadness of seeing his decline got very hard to deal with at times. It was mentally and physically taxing.

If you truly feel Ozzy's future will be one of being cooped up without the attention and time he needs, I'd suggest first and foremost contacting his breeder.

I truly wish you both the best.

[ChiRen]

I'm so sorry Foam. :(:(:(

I wish I had some way to help, but what I think has already been said.

I do hope you make the right decision...and I wish you the best of luck in making that decision.

**HUGS**

[chocolatepuppy]

K9soul-Had to reply to this. I don't know anything about the old dog you speak of and fortunately all my old dogs went somewhat quickly and we didn't have months of agony with them. I guess we're paying for it now with Mandy. I just gave her a bath (both dogs) and it took me till noon to muster up the courage and I've been up since six! She has a bad heart and one time after her bath she had a spell so now I'm terrified each time she gets a bath. But we made it! We're having an early birthday party for her today, she's 2 yrs 11 mo. She may not be here till three, who know's, her life expectancy is 2 to 3 yrs. Her care can be very draining what with keeping her somewhat restricted (like the bath I had to keep her guiet after instead of letting her go wild like dogs do after a bath) and we do have the other dog , well sometimes it can be a living h*ll! But no one could give me a million dollars for her! My husband said once we'll be rewarded for this someday and I said we already are with her and he said you're right.
I also don't want to be judgemental of this girl but I(and my husband) have given up many things and spent much money on Mandy and don't regret it one bit!
I pray she makes she makes the right decision for both of them,I'm just saying you have to make choices sometimes and mine is my babies.

[Amber]

Just had an idea

Since school is just about out, maybe you could spend the summer training him?

[lute]

OMG! foam that's terrible! please realy think about this before you give him to somebody. you may have been busy lately,but will you ALWAYS be this busy? i really hope you make the right choice. if you do choose to find him another home you have to be careful who he lives with. he could look like he's going to a great family,but they could turn out to be terrible!
he's a beautiful dog.i wish you both the best!

[Foam]

Thanks guys.

I could not sleep last night after posting this...I got up at midnight, and went into my mom's room and layed in bed with her until she woke up to me crying. We stayed up until about 2 in the morning talking, and making a decision about this, and some other issues.
It's not final yet, and my mom suggested we wait and see how summer goes. I think that's a good idea, and we're going to do just that.

He is almost 10 months old, for those of you who asked.

[heinz57_79]

Awww Foam... This whole thread has been breaking my heart, but I thought I'd toss in my 2 cents too. :) First off, hang in there! Second, Ozzy is still just a baby! So try not to give up hope so soon. When we first got Chloe, she was a rescue with severe separation anxiety. She shredded our carpet, chewed up 3 crates, and almost broke thru our French doors. I know that most people coming home to that would have had a fit and taken her back. We got her a behavioralist. It worked! Now she's a great dog, with only a few neurotic quirks. ;)

Charlie... God... Charlie... I always say Charlie has ADD. And I swear it's not far from the truth. He just turned 2 this year, and up until about 8 months ago, he was almost more than I could handle. He had been crate trained, but was still kennel shy and got violent whenever you closed the door. House trained, but refused to go outside. The cleaning bill from my last apartment was rediculous because of the monster! It took a lot of time (which I don't have a lot of, my work schedule sucks! 12 hours days most days i work) but he's finally starting to shape up into a respectable pooch. He's not as destructive as he used to be, I can actually trust him to be here when I'm not home.

I just thought I'd give you a couple of examples so you know you're not alone. I think the advice about summer is great. Put him in training (charlie failed his classes miserably), spend time with him. If it doesn't seem to be working the way you'd like, talk to your vet about a behaviouralist. He's a kid going thru his teen stage, so patience is definitely a virtue. :)

Hang in there, kiddo and keep us posted! All 12 of us over here are rooting for you! :D

[stacwase]

Oh - good! I'm really glad you decided to wait until the end of summer to make your decision.

Remember when we were thinking of rehoming Jake? I'm soooo glad we didn't do it. You know - we've thought about it so many times "Jake isn't affectionate." "Jake doesn't fit our lifestyle." "Jake would be better off with somebody older." "If we found Jake another home we could adopt another one." But he was our puppy! I'm so glad that we're going to keep him from puppyhood through old age.

I don't think you were wrong to consider it. Maybe at the end of the summer you'll still feel the same way you do now, but at least you will know in your heart that you looked at it from every angle before you decided.

Bless you, either way!

[My Peanuts]

Foam, you seem like a really nice person and I love seeing pics of Ozzy, so please don't be offended by what I have to say. Please next time you decide to get a dog remember that it is a life long commitment. Dogs are not objects that we can discard when they require our time. I hate saying that, but it's my true feeling on this subject. :( I'm sorry that you have to make this very hard decision.

[ParNone]

Hi Cayter,

Really sorry to hear about this. I wish I'd known about this 2 weeks ago. I just put down a deposit on a puppy or I'd seriously ask you about taking Ozzy. Although, I do think it's best that you give it a shot this summer, before you make that final decision.

You said he was a handful. Can I ask exactly what the issues are? Maybe we all can give you some advice to help. I know with Oz, he went through a stage around 10-14 months, where he was really rambunctious. Driving all of us nuts. I know Maddie yanked out quite a bit of his hair, during that time frame.

A tired dog is definitely a better behaved dog. It didn't take a huge time committment on my part, but I was pretty consistent about exercising Oz everyday. I'd head outside with him, armed with several balls and frisbees and then I'd just keep him running non-stop for about 5-10 mins chasing'em, until his tongue was hanging out. I didn't even need to barely move and I didn't care if he brought'em back or not. Only goal was to keep him running, until he was pooped. Then when we went back inside, he was nice and calm and ready to hang out on the bed with the rest of the crew. I usually did that in the morning, at lunch, right after work and once before bedtime. So that's only about 30-40 mins of the day. He also got time outs for pestering Murph and Maddie or if he got too rambunctious in the house in general. The house rule was and still is, if you wanna run around like a wild banshee, take it outside. Anyway, maybe if we know what the specific problems are, we can give you some tips.

Hope everything works out.
Les...

[ChrisH]

I am glad you've decided to wait and see how things go over the summertime. You may feel completely different.

If at the end of that time you do decide to give Ozzy up, please do not be hard on yourself. You would not be selfish, in fact I think it is an unselfish thing to do if you believe you cannot give him the life he needs and deserves.

For some time now it has been in my mind that my Bobby would be better off in a new home. I can't take him out walking like I used to, grooming is difficult... all sorts of things, but I am too selfish to let him go, he's my boy!

Good luck, I hope everything works out for the best, for both of you. :)

Chris

[guster girl]

You can also check out enrolling him in a man's best friend type of class. My ex husband's family did that, and, they were all better off for it, especially the dog (a sheltie). They have classes where you leave the dog at the school for x amount of weeks to be with the trainer. That could help Ozzy a lot, and, it would also give you some time to yourself to figure out if not having him in your life is really what's necessary. I'm glad to hear you are reconsidering. I think Ozzy will thank you for it. :) But, maybe something like that could be an idea, too. Then, even if you have to rehome him, he'd be a more obedient dog! Either way, keep us posted....

[lovemyshiba]

I was all set to reply and ask you if you had talked to ParNone, but I see she has already responded.

I think it's a good idea to wait and see how he is after summer. You're bound to have more time for him during the summer, without restrictions like school, and you can really work with him.
I have a friend who has an Australian Cattle Dog. Izzy is a handful, and he works a lot, but he does kinda what Par suggested on tiring her out. He throws her ball up and down the steps until she gets tired (inside), or throws balls and frisbees until she gets tired outside. He said it takes her at least 45 minutes before she's tired, but it's worth it, and he spends quality time with her.

I hope everything works out, and Ozzy is able to stay in the home he knows and loves.

[Foam]

Thanks guys.

I don't want to sound unappreciative (sp?) because I really appreciate your advice, bur I don't really know what else to say. :(

I stayed home from school today and spent time with him, and played and took him for a walk. I just need time like that everyday. :(

[chocolatepuppy]

Foam Glad you're reconsidering. My Lacey is almost 4 and I truly believe at least 1/2 the people who would have taken her from the shelter would have taken her back! Lord knows I've told her she was going back a million times.When we got her my husband and I had to sleep in shifts and I'm not kidding! Chew things up, she still will, steal things, she has to be watched at all times. I did take her to school and we just have to wear her out like a few other posters said. And I mean everyday.Hopefully by the time she's 8 she'll calm down:eek: But for all the bad there's so much good in her. And I'm not young and I work and have 3 other pets and fish. And I treasure those few moments I get to relax. Dogs that are properly cared for are a lot of work. Hope things work out for you.

[wolf_Q]

Having a young energetic dog can definitely be a handful. Nebo tested my patience MANY times when he was a pup. I had a few fleeting thoughts that maybe he wasn't the right dog for me, or I the right person for him...

I knew however that when I brought home a dog I brought home a lifetime commitment. We worked through our issues with training and time. Nebo still tests my patience sometimes. But I can handle it. Now that he is almost 2 years old he has matured SO much, he's a completely different dog than he was as a puppy.

If you really think this is best for him, then I say you should definitely do it. He's a larger dog and a herding breed, he needs LOTS of attention, training, and exercise. This are things that should have been researched before bringing a dog of that breed home. If you don't feel you can provide that then by all means find him a new home. It does seem to me that you really love Ozzy though, and I'd hate to see you lose him. Really think about this before you do anything drastic. Like I said earlier dogs do change as they mature!

p.s. I've been trying to contact you about an unrelated subject, please empty your pm box

[shais_mom]

I am so sorry you are dealing with this.
I wish you the best tho, but I agree with Julie, (?) if you got him from a reputable breeder, which it sounds like you did, she would want him back to rehome him herself, and not have you do it.
Good luck.

[captain]

Foam,

I am glad you are waiting to see how things progress over summer.

My darling Dalmatians only really grew up after 2 years of age!!!

and remember, we will all be here to help you and give you advice.

[dukedogsmom]

I really don't know what to say but if it were me, I would more than happily give up a thing from school before I was separated from a dog I loved. You need to take time to really think before you do anything.

[anna_66]

I've been waiting to reply because I really haven't known what to say.

I agree with Val, I'd gladly give up some school activities to be with my dog/dogs more. But that is just me, everyone is different.

I do hope that you decide to keep him as I would hate to never be able to see such sweet pictures as this...
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid114/pafb4973a14494dd76244a457141bf864/f8d78db3.jpg

Please keep us updated on how things are going:)

[DogLover9501]

I agree with Anna and whoever else said that also, I have already given up some things because I wanted Jasper, and I got him and so I have to make time for everything he needs, and I would also glady give up any extra/after school things to spend time with the pups.

[Miss Meow]

I read this yesterday, but couldn't respond because I was upset.

I can see the hurt in your posts and know that you don't really want to re-home him, but you need to do what's best for the dog. He can't make his own decision, so whichever way you go has to be for his welfare and happiness.

He's still in that energetic and boisterous stage. I'm sure over the summer with some training and maturity he'll settle a bit. :)The sausages are nine months old, and Buffy is entering a new phase of whining and tantrums, which is driving me nuts. But time, perseverance and tiny signs of improvement make a huge difference.

If you want to keep him badly enough, I know you'll find a way of re-organising your time and priorities to meet his needs.

In the meantime, do you know anyone in the neighbourhood who can take him for a walk once or twice a week? I used to do that for a couple of neighbours' dogs when they were away. You might find a dog lover who isn't able to own pets who can help you out a bit.

Or the local newspaper might have ads for dog walkers, pet sitters and doggy day care.

Do you have any friends or family in rural areas with land? Maybe Ozzy could do some overnight stays and romp around to his heart's content for a couple of days at a time?

Hope this helps.

{{{hugs}}}

[ILoveMyAbbyGirl]

I know it's hard...we had to give up our Dakota because he was too big of a handful, and not well trained from his previous owners. He was huge, and we didn't have the room, time or patience to train him.

Abby went through the same stage, that's when she chewed up the carpet in three spots I think... :eek: But Oz is a gooooood boy, you have such a wonderful relationship. I agree, see what summer brings and go from there. :) Good luck.

[Dogz]

I am sorry to hear this, Cayter.


If you are going to be busy this summer also, don't take a chance for him to be bored again.

It is just a stage, and it will pass over soon, and he will be easier to have around.


I have to agree with Anna. I would give up activities to be with my pets. I am in band, but I would never choose that over my pets. Never. Not one of them.

Hugs to you, Ozzy, and Darlin.

Please keep us updated.

Also, if it doesn't work out, I am sure if your breeder is reputable, she will help you find a loving home for him.

[bluekat]

Awww Cayter I'm so sorry to hear about this:( I'm glad to hear that you're waiting until summer to see what happens. But you should really think long and hard about this. I had to give up a cat before, and now I really really regret it.:(
Hope you will do what's best...and keep us updated!

[RobiLee]

I agree with Val and Anna. I really hope you think this through. Oh, how I would hate to not be able to see those pictures of the 2 of you together.

I had to wait and post to this one also. This one if very hard for me. I love my girls so much and can't imagine ever feeling the way you are feeling that is why it is so hard for me. I understand you have to do what is best for you and for Ozzy.

Hugs to you both....Robin

[Tonya]

I know the pain that you are feeling. I went through that twice. When I had to put Rosco to sleep for his agressiveness, and when I rehomed Teddy because I couldn't handle him. It is such a difficult decision.

I really think that you should give Oz more time. Those type of dogs are soooo hyper and take so long to mature, but they do. Dusty was really wound up forever. There were times where I didn't even enjoy being around him because he was so high maintenance. I am happy to say that at 3 years old, Dusty finally mellowed out. He's a great dog now. I honestly thought he'd never calm down though.

I know that you love Oz and you will make the best decision for him. I stand behind you no matter what you do.

[[email protected]]

It is great that you are involved in so many activities, and by reading this it sounds you may be very young, when you mentioned school, maybe you are in college? I know when you have a lot on your plate so to speak, you can easily make less time for your beloved pets, but I can tell how much you love Ozzy and am sure you are agonizing with the decision to find a new home for him. But if you can get together with your family and allow them to help you in this decision , it may be of help to you, and sometimes second opinions can be a life saver when you are having to make hard decisions. My little April is one that i couldn't part with, unless like you, I found that I couldn't give her the attention she needs. But like some of the others here have said, maybe you won't always be too busy? And maybe there are other activities, besides the ones you hold most important, sports, music, school, like time you might spend on the phone or computer or television you might could use for quality time with your sweet Ozzy? That would be nice if you could come up with something other than separating yourself from him when he loves you so much too. Anyway, I just hope that you will think it over some more, and I am sure if you take time to search your alternatives you will come up for the very best plan for Ozzy.:)

[shais_mom]

I am glad you have decided to give it thru the summer. Several of us would give anything to have our beloved pets that have passed back with all their faults, and this just tears my heart out.
I know that it would be difficult for a young one like yourself to give up things that you enjoy and might shape how you turn out but have you and your parents given it any thought?

[[email protected]]

:) So glad you decided to take some time to think this over!!! You are doing the right thing for Ozzy!
I knew you would do what was best for him!

[guster girl]

So, has anyone heard anymore from Foam on how things are going?

[cloverfdx]

How are things going? I hope you can update us soon.

[GoldenRetrLuver]

Bump? :confused:

[dukedogsmom]

We would appreciate an update. Check your pm box!

[guster girl]

Is Foam even still around at all? Normally, I'd think no news is good news, but, this doesn't seem like a good thing that we aren't hearing ANYTHING at all. :( Is there no one here that talks to her outside of Pet Talk?

[GoldenRetrLuver]

Originally posted by guster girl
Is there no one here that talks to her outside of Pet Talk?

I do.

She's on an 'Away Message' on AIM, but I messaged her, and asked if she could give us an update soon...

Hopefully she'll reply here.

[Moose]

I really hope all is well with her...even if they do not keep Ozzy. :(

[Foam]

Hello all, thanks for worrying about me and all. :)

Sorry I havent been around much..it's summer so I'm always out n about with friends and stuff.

Ummm..things are going fairly well with Ozzy. He's been getting a little better and we've been talking about the whole issue frequently. Still haven't decided yet, but my guess would be that he's staying right where he is. I can't image of parting with him...It would just be to hard. But we're still waiting til mid summer...:)

Thanks again guys.

[cloverfdx]

Good to hear from you. :)

Thats good to hear that Ozzy is staying put for now.

There is no better time than summer for playing with and training a young dog. ;) Have fun.

[Moose]

Glad to hear things should work out just fine.

But remember, the summer is the perfect time to spends lots of time with him and really work out whatever needs to be worked out with him. :)

Hm...I don't think I've seen pictures of the Ozzster in quite awhile....;)

[GoldenRetrLuver]

Originally posted by Moose
But remember, the summer is the perfect time to spends lots of time with him and really work out whatever needs to be worked out with him. :)


Exactly...:)

Good to hear from you.