Ginger has gone on to a new home.

[Sirrahsim]

Please hear me out. My heart is very heavy as I type this.

Over the course of Ginger's last 7 months here with us, we have had many ups and downs but mostly downs. In the beginning, we were determined adnd confident that we could handle her and all of her puppy energy and mischief. As it turns out, we were wrong. Ginger is a VERY active dog that requires an enormous amount of time and attention. As a family with two small children and a heavy work schedule, we simply do not have what it takes to make this a happy and comfortable home for Ginger. We have consulted with a trainer and even she said that she has never seen a Golden that is as high needs as Ginger.

In addition to not having enough time to give her the attention and exercise that she needs, her issues with Boomer have not improved at all and seem to be getting worse by the day. For the most part they did not cross paths because Boomer is scared stiff of her, but every time Ginger does see him she immediately goes into prey mode. The hair on her back stands up and the teeth are bared.

On to the happier stuff.
Her new family is a member of our own family who have a HUGE yard and another dog who she gets along with wonderfully. Her new skin Mom is well versed in dog training and is definately more than qualified to handle a high needs dog like Ginger.
We know that this is the right decision for Ginger, even though it hurts like crazy.... Here are some pictures of Ginger and her new sister Betty Boop relaxing before she left for her new home.

[K9karen]

You'll get no criticism from me. I'm a firm believer that an owner knows their dog best, and knows what's best to make their dog happy. Who wants an unhappy dog? The goal is to live peacefully and happily together as a family.

Betty Boop is beautiful and Ginger looks thrilled already! I hope since Ginger is now with a member of your family, you'll be able to see her. There's no way for you to have known the future when you got Ginger, and every dog, as we know, as a distinct personality.

My bet is that Ginger will be ecstatic with a new playmate and a huge yard! Here's to a long, healthy and wonderful life for Ginger!

[shais_mom]

goldens are high energy puppies - that are puppies for awhile.
I'm sure she will be much happier in her new home.
It sounds too me she might be a good candidate for search and rescue work giving that she passes the health test.

[AdoreMyDogs]

I'm so sorry Missy, Paul, Tyler and Austin I totally understand, but I know how hard this was for you. It was very brave of you to realize Ginger might be happier somewhere else, and that you didn't have the time necessary for such a furry bundle of energy. She truly was an energetic dog. I'm glad she has a pup to play with, but most of all, I'm glad Boomer is safe.

I was so worried when you told me how crazy agressive she was towards Boomer, and that she obviously wanted to kill him. I was so worried about Boomer and how hard it would be for your boys if one of them happened to witness the horrendous event, had she ever gotten a hold of Boomer. That worried me a lot. Dogs who hate cats that much really should have a cat-free home. That is not your fault, none of this is your fault. You did everything you're supposed to do with her, you trained her, gave her direction, gave her love, good food, socialiation, and she still wanted to kill Boomer. I really think you did the right thing for yourselves and most of all, for Boomer.

I'm here for you if you ever need to talk. Again I'm so sorry

[Karen]

Oh, Missy, sending you great big hugs. I am sure this was a difficult decision for everyone, but it sounds like it was the right decision for Ginger and for your family. At some point, perhaps you can get a dog that is cat-friendly and can get along with Boomer, and not cause you so much worry. A prey drive is a powerful thing, and that worry would always have been there.

I know you love her, and wanted the best for her, and no one here will think any less of you for this decision. And at her new house, she'll have the advantage of a "big sister" who can not only help use up some of that energy, but who can *thump* her when she gets out of line, and teach her how to be a good dog as she grows.

[RockyRoad]

I`m so sorry to hear that things did not work out for you, for Boomer, or for sweet Ginger. However, I`m very glad to hear that she has a new home where you will still be able to be a part of her life. It sounds like she will be happy in her new home and that you have done the best thing for her. As Karen said, no one is going to think less of you for this. I for one would never dream of criticizing you for what you have done. It was a great, selfless thing. {{hugs}}

[Ginger's Mom]

It's good to hear that Ginger and Boomer both have homes that they can flourish in. And the extra good news is that we will still be able to see pictures of Ginger as she grows. Maybe we will even get some more pictures of that adorable Betty Boop this way, too.

I do understand, I would never bring a cat into this house because Ginger has such a high prey drive. It is very scary.

[sasvermont]

I am an advocate of "rehoming" - for sure. Animals, if treated nicely, will thrive under what we think may be trying circumstances. Although there will be adjustments, most pets get with the program easily. It is a responsible thing to do.

After seven months, I am sure you know if it is working or not.

I am so glad you found a good home for her and will be able to keep up with her progress. The fact that she has a friend to play with 24/7 is a real plus.

Good job.

[Rachel]

I'm agree with the others. You have made a difficult decision yet in the end I do believe that Ginger will be much better off in her new home. Sometimes in our enthusiasm to have a dog, we don't consider all the ramifications of our situation and their temperment and needs. I speak from experience. I made that type of mistake more than once as a young adult. Actually you have done an excellent job in rectifying what turned out to be a mistake. In the end, Ginger has probably ended up better off with all that has transpired than if you never had her in the first place. You've done a good job in finding her a good home. That is the most important thing. You don't have to regret your decision.

[Alysser]

I'm sorry about Ginger, but overall I think you made the right decision. I have no doubt that she was very happy with you in the past 7 months. I don't really see a problem with rehoming a dog unless the person gets one right after or they dump it at a shelter. You found a great home for her, there is no need to feel bad about it. You can still visit her, can't you? I think it was for best. I wish Ginger good luck in her new home.

[Taz_Zoee]

I agree with everyone that you made the right decision. After all, you gave it your best for 7 months. Some people do not give that much of a chance. I know it is heartbreaking for you, but at least you will get to see her. And hopefully we will too. And Betty Boop is such a cutie, I'd love to see more of her.

[Freedom]

I can't say anything not already said. So ditto all the above.

Shais Mom wrote:
"goldens are high energy puppies - that are puppies for awhile."

Bear is a Golden here in my neighborhood. His family got him at 14 weeks. They are still waiting for his puppy energy to subside. Bear will turn 7 in September! His humom says he has smartened up a little but slow down? Not that she has seen!

You made a tough decision, which was in Ginger's best interest. That is one of the hardest things for pet owners to do.

[buttercup132]

Not to sound harsh but I can't say this really suprises me, even though I'm not active from the threads I've read I didn't think it would last. It would have been pretty easy to fix this if you were just constant with her on your part.
I can't stress enough that people need to RESEARCH the breed before getting them.

Anyways I'm glad she's in a home that will understand her and her needs.

[Daisy and Delilah]

I have no criticism either, Missy. It's the right decision for you and your family. You're a very sensible, smart, lady and you know what needs to be done. Ginger will be happy I'm sure. There is no reason on earth for anybody to down you for this. I know it was a hard decision to make and I'm sorry. {{{{{HUGS}}}}}

On another note: I've met many Goldens in my 57 years of life. Not one of them was identical to any other one. All Goldens are not alike, all Pitties are not alike, all Chis are not alike, etc. etc. etc.
A person can research until the cows come home and not know if the dog they bring home will be suitable for their particular situation. Bottom line; every dog is not always suitable for every person. Sometimes it just doesn't work out.
On a second note: There are two small children in this home. This is alot different than there being no children at all.
I'm pretty certain that there were many factors in making this decision. This dog has gone to a home that's better suited for her. What could be wrong with that?

buttercup: You're so sure that Missy could have done better.........do you know her pretty well? Your comments were totally uncalled for.

[buttercup132]

No I don't but there is a rather easy fix for this.
Get the dog in obidience and start NILIF with her.
Tether her to you that way she doesn't get into trouble and you don't constantly have to watch her. If your busy making dinner, cleaning etc. just ignore the dog and pretend she's not even tied to you.

I know not every dog is the same but all puppies are hyper wether it be alot or random spurts of it. And by researching Goldens you would see that alot of people say they are hyper until a certain age.