Update on Kirby/Woody...

[lizbud]

Jenn, I want to comment that I admire that you have been willing to reflect on the recent choices you made in regard to Woody and have admitted that you could have/should have made different or better ones. Instead of digging in your heels and becoming defensive, you have acknowledged what mistakes were made. That is impressive and goes a long way in my book. Your offer to refund donations is another extention of this. What's most important is the effort you made to find a very good home for Woody and to do that quickly so he could have a chance to bond with a forever family. You are also trying to assist Woody's new family in their own adjustment period to a new puppy. I think many people could learn not only from your mistakes but how you have subsequently handled the aftermath. Thumbs up.

I agree completely. I'm sure the little guy will love his new, more active
household.

[sparks19]

Well it's sad for you... but I am glad he is in a home with other dogs and a nice big yard and an older couple who can give him all the time in the world.

ON an off topic note... I saw you mention that one day you might want to adopt an older dog... you were thinking of going to philly...

I just wanted to let you know about a certain shelter. it really is not the best shelter and they don't have very good facilities as they just don't have the money ... but they are GOOd to their dogs. Belle came from there. It is the Susquehanna Stray Animal Shelter. I only mention them because MANY of their dogs are there for extended periods of time. Belle was there for 6-7 months and she is a wonderful dog. Some of the dogs there currently have been there since Belle was there. They are a no kill shelter and are really trying to do their best by their dogs. Just thought i would throw their name out there for you.

ETA: OH NO I just found out that shelter had to close it's doors

[bckrazy]

Awww, Woody. I mean... Fred. =(

I was really looking forward to watching him grow up on PT. He was like PT's baby Basset boy. I'm glad that you found him a more appropriate home, rather than neglect his needs. But, honestly, I am kind of surprised that you didn't ask for advice. (At least, as far as I know.) There are ways to manage puppyhood, even with a busy life. There are places and ways to socialize with other dogs, without owning another. But I suppose it comes down to whether it is worth the trouble, to the individual.

Puppies can be demanding. Puppies do go through rebellious stages. Puppies do need mental & physical stimulation. No matter the breed. I can't figure out how any of that could be a mystery, to anyone.

[jennielynn1970]

Awww, Woody. I mean... Fred. =(

But, honestly, I am kind of surprised that you didn't ask for advice. (At least, as far as I know.) There are ways to manage puppyhood, even with a busy life. There are places and ways to socialize with other dogs, without owning another. But I suppose it comes down to whether it is worth the trouble, to the individual.

Puppies can be demanding. Puppies do go through rebellious stages. Puppies do need mental & physical stimulation. No matter the breed. I can't figure out how any of that could be a mystery, to anyone.

It had nothing to do with whether it was worth the trouble. It had to do with working 12-14hr days and him being crated the entire time. There is no one available to take him out during the day, and doggie day care is not a financially feasible option. I tried to limit him to the kitchen, gating him in there, but that just seemed to negate the housebreaking that had been started.

Had I realized how much more he had to go with housebreaking, and that the crate training is really necessary, and if my part time job would be so erratic with it's days and times, and had it been June(when school is out and I don't have work every day) it would have been less problematic. Had I wanted to keep him crated and miserable for 12-14hrs a day, I could have sucked it up and done that. Would that have made him happy? No.

I grew up on a farm, and our dogs were NOT crate trained, so this was new to me, and I just can't justify doing it to a 3month old puppy for 12+ hrs a day without a break. If there was someone else there during the day, someone to break the monotony in the cage and let him out to run and all that, it would have been fine. I don't have that option.

So, being "worth the trouble" had nothing to do with it. Nor did the "oh, he's a puppy and challenging." I don't know how else to state what I've already stated without someone jumping to conclusions or stating a misconception.

[K9soul]

It had to do with working 12-14hr days and him being crated the entire time. There is no one available to take him out during the day, and doggie day care is not a financially feasible option.

I would personally advise you hold off on any dog, even an older one, if you regularly work such long hours and will continue to. Your kitties can keep each other company and use their litter boxes but a dog is more dependent on human companionship and interaction, and having to "hold it" for that long would be really hard on a dog of any age. If your work schedule becomes less lengthy perhaps an older dog would make a good fit. I'd personally prefer one of the medium or larger/laid back breeds or mixes for your situation. Of course puppies generally are never particularly laid back but often by 3 or 4 they have become more content to snooze away during the times you are gone.

[jennielynn1970]

I'm not rushing anything, believe me. Maybe next year? Maybe a few years? Right now, with the hours, it's just not manageable.

[bckrazy]

So, being "worth the trouble" had nothing to do with it. Nor did the "oh, he's a puppy and challenging." I don't know how else to state what I've already stated without someone jumping to conclusions or stating a misconception.

I don't think I was jumping to conclusions? I just thought it was common knowledge that a puppy needs a potty break every 3 or so hours. I wouldn't leave my adult dogs inside for 12-14 hours, without a potty break, so I agree with you on that.

I don't know, it's just puzzeling to me, why your work hours weren't considered before Woody was flown out. But I have nothing else to say, so I'll just drop it.

[jennielynn1970]

Actually my work hours were changing as the whole thing was developing. I took on a Homebound students, and the hours changed what she was getting per week, and then between her mom or her cancelling her appt., then me needed to switch somehting from the next day to another day, and just trying to be sane with it all, it ended up taking up more than the number of hours I get paid for because I have to conference with the mom and the teachers at school as well. 5 hours a week extra is fine. Add in another 8-10 with teachers adn parents, and travel time in between these places, it's a pain in the butt, especially when they don't tell you till last minute, or you get there adn the kid is still asleep at 4pm. It just got to be too much of a schedule hassle, but I need the money from that... it's a big help (like over $30/hr), and with my mortgage and the cat expenses, it's not wasted at all.

[shais_mom]

But I suppose it comes down to whether it is worth the trouble, to the individual.

Puppies can be demanding. Puppies do go through rebellious stages. Puppies do need mental & physical stimulation. No matter the breed. I can't figure out how any of that could be a mystery, to anyone.

I don't think I was jumping to conclusions? I just thought it was common knowledge that a puppy needs a potty break every 3 or so hours. I wouldn't leave my adult dogs inside for 12-14 hours, without a potty break, so I agree with you on that.

I don't know, it's just puzzeling to me, why your work hours weren't considered before Woody was flown out. But I have nothing else to say, so I'll just drop it.

to bckrazy
actually I thought you were jumping to conclusions and actually rather rude when you said 'worth the trouble.'
to others (b/c I don't want bckrazy to think it is her I have in mind b/c it definately isn't)
Why is it ok on this board for some people to re-home their animals and go out and get others and its fine but ONE person finds a Frigging fabulous home for a puppy b/c she found out was going to be too much for her and its like she hung him out by his toenails???
There's other people on this flippin board that are heavy into rescue that keep finding homes for their animals (dogs or cats) and oh its ok b/c its all in the name of rescue. Or oh Its ok b/c they rescue cats or mice or birds or elephants? What's good for one person should be good for the other but it isn't on here.
I have had it with it this mentality on this board. But its ok for someone to rehome their pets b/c they can't afford them and within a year while still complaining about lack of funds - getting more animals?
I've said it before and I'll say it again -
until you walk a mile in someone's shoes you don't know what their life is like.

[Grace]

to bckrazy
actually I thought you were jumping to conclusions and actually rather rude when you said 'worth the trouble.'
to others (b/c I don't want bckrazy to think it is her I have in mind b/c it definately isn't)
Why is it ok on this board for some people to re-home their animals and go out and get others and its fine but ONE person finds a Frigging fabulous home for a puppy b/c she found out was going to be too much for her and its like she hung him out by his toenails???
There's other people on this flippin board that are heavy into rescue that keep finding homes for their animals (dogs or cats) and oh its ok b/c its all in the name of rescue. Or oh Its ok b/c they rescue cats or mice or birds or elephants? What's good for one person should be good for the other but it isn't on here.
I have had it with it this mentality on this board. But its ok for someone to rehome their pets b/c they can't afford them and within a year while still complaining about lack of funds - getting more animals?
I've said it before and I'll say it again -
until you walk a mile in someone's shoes you don't know what their life is like.

BRAVO !!

[shais_mom]

BRAVO !!

thank you!

[k9krazee]

I haven't said ANYTHING about the entire Kirby/Woody/Fred thing and I don't even know why I'm bothering now. But I thought it was a horrible idea from the start, and still think it was wrong to fly the pup halfway across the US only to re home him. I agree with everything Erica (bckrazy) had to say. I guess the bottom line is that he did get a good home and I do believe Jenn learned something from the whole ordeal, which makes me happy. But this whole thing could have been prevented from the start (jostling a helpless pup around, spending $, not to mention stress of getting him there, etc) if the situation would have been better analyzed and thought out before hand. Just my 2 cents. *shrugs*

[Kfamr]

I told some people that I wasn't going to comment in this thread but I do have to say one thing. Everyone will have differing opinions, some will take sides - however, that does NOT make anyone right or wrong and it certainly does not call for sarcasm or rolly eyes.


I wish you well, Woody/Kirby/Phred, and hopefully this whole ordeal is forgotten by you and smothered with love.

[CountryWolf07]

to bckrazy
actually I thought you were jumping to conclusions and actually rather rude when you said 'worth the trouble.'
to others (b/c I don't want bckrazy to think it is her I have in mind b/c it definately isn't)
Why is it ok on this board for some people to re-home their animals and go out and get others and its fine but ONE person finds a Frigging fabulous home for a puppy b/c she found out was going to be too much for her and its like she hung him out by his toenails???
There's other people on this flippin board that are heavy into rescue that keep finding homes for their animals (dogs or cats) and oh its ok b/c its all in the name of rescue. Or oh Its ok b/c they rescue cats or mice or birds or elephants? What's good for one person should be good for the other but it isn't on here.
I have had it with it this mentality on this board. But its ok for someone to rehome their pets b/c they can't afford them and within a year while still complaining about lack of funds - getting more animals?
I've said it before and I'll say it again -
until you walk a mile in someone's shoes you don't know what their life is like.

I AGREE! Honestly. Listen to the last sentence.

No offense.. but can I just say...

THANK YOU for stating it!

Geez, please, let this issue go. Kirby/Woody/Fred is in a GOOD HOME! Isn't that what we all want for a puppy/kitten/dog/cat... ANY type of animal that needs a loving home? The key word is "LOVING"..

This is why I don't post much often around here.... sorry. I've been bitten my head off about my post of Anna once, and that made me realize something, and that was only at least two years ago.

[shais_mom]

I AGREE! Honestly. Listen to the last sentence.

No offense.. but can I just say...

THANK YOU for stating it!

Geez, please, let this issue go. Kirby/Woody/Fred is in a GOOD HOME! Isn't that what we all want for a puppy/kitten/dog/cat... ANY type of animal that needs a loving home? The key word is "LOVING"..

This is why I don't post much often around here.... sorry. I've been bitten my head off about my post of Anna once, and that made me realize something, and that was only at least two years ago.

thank you Rachel!