Desperately Seeking Advise

**TAJ** · 11-22-2006, 11:39 AM

Hugo, you have a very good point...I never even gave that any consideration. As for the background history on the rescued Dane, very little was provided, other than he was "Sweet", a 'real Gem" and great with other dogs and cats, but needed work in the obedience department. We really don't know if he was the alpha of the litter or had to fight for his food...no one knows!

We ended up bringing the Dane back to the foster home last Sunday...it was so hard and I was an emotional wreck. Even though we had him for only a week, I grew very attached to him. But I had to consider Maggie's health above anything else. it comforts me to know that he has gone to a foster home where someone will work on his "Issues". He will be well taken care of.

Maggie is starting to come around...She finally ate a full meal on Monday morning (after the dane was out of her house and her food dish put back in it's normal spot)...she is still a little unresponsive towards me, but I think she's still mad at me for bringing this beast into her house. They are creatures of habit!

We will consider rescueing another dog after Maggie passes on.

Thanks to all for your great advise and support....much appreciated! It made the decision to bring the dog back a little less difficult (I don't feel so guilty).

Have a great day!

**borzoimom** · 11-22-2006, 11:59 AM

I am sorry to hear that, but I do believe its for the best. Not only did you do what was right for you, but probably him too. Maybe he needs a no other dog type of him.

**pitc9** · 11-22-2006, 01:48 PM

I'm so sorry you had to take the Dane back... but it was for the best!

Hugs to you and please feel free to post pictures of Maggie!!

**Thandi** · 11-22-2006, 04:38 PM

I had to do the same with my rainbow Thandi, the rhodesian ridgeback. She had been with goldens as a youngster and so we adopted one, but with 10 hours I knew it was a huge mistake and took the golden back to the rescue people. After Thandi died we rescued first Mika, a boxer/lab/heinz and a year later Chloe, a shep/rottie/bc and they live soooo incredibly happily together. Sometimes the older dogs just can't give up half of their space. You did the right thing.

**TAJ** · 11-24-2006, 07:04 AM

Thandi, sorry you had to go through that as well...we think we're doing the right thing, a) by rescuing another dog, and b) thinking that the older dog needs a companion...but, sometimes things don't work out that way. Maggie's age and disposition would not allow any other dog in her space, inside or out. I brought so much stress into Maggie's life, and after one day, I felt so guilty for doing this to her. I also felt so obligated to Great Dane Rescue and to this dane to make the relationship work, knowing in my heart that it was a huge mistake. Now I can say "we tried..."

Thank you all for being so supportive...I'm so glad I found this site. Have a great Friday...!!!

Here's a picture of Maggie