behavior changes

[Logan]

Aly,
I chatted with a Texas friend after my last message, and gave her the link to this page so she could read your story. Her fear is that terriers are bred to chase smaller animals, and that is why you are having the problems. I've never really had terriers before. But her suggestion was that you contact the ASPCA in your area. She is involved in rescue in the Dallas area, but works with Golden Retrievers exclusively. I don't know where you are in Texas, so I couldn't be very specific with her.

If you need more advice, I'm sure she would be glad to help. Just e-mail me and I'll put you in touch with her if that would help.

Good Luck.
Logan

[aly]

Logan - I work at the SPCA in my area and have been getting advice from them. I don't want to take Harley there though. Even though its a nice place, the shelter environment is so stressful for dogs. I'm going to try to find someone by talking to the people who come in looking for dogs. I think this might be the best way. I have also just posted on some Texas Rescue mailing lists in case anyone reading them is looking for a dog.

I agree his chasing cats is probably just instinct because he gets along with Reece so well. I'm in the Austin area by the way. Thanks for the help. Let me know if your friend in Dallas comes across anyone wanting a dog like Harley. I'm willing to drive him and also work with the people on dominance issues and telling them all the training that works best for him.

Thanks.

[AdoreMyDogs]

Aly,

I am so sorry. I am simply heartbroken for you. I think you are doing the right thing, but how difficult it is. I had to rehome a dalmation that I had for 6 years many, many years ago because of serious problems and it's not easy that's for sure. My heart goes out to you. I don't know anyone from Texas but if I come up with any ideas I'll promptly send you email.

Again, I am so very sorry. I know how bad it hurts Just hang in there and remember us PetTalk folks are here for you. Take care and keep us posted.

-Leslie

[Angels3]

Aly, you did your best to make things work out. But the people are right who say that the terrier instinct to hunt smaller animals is too strong in this case.
It's not all that unusual for some dogs to be absolutely unable to share a home with a cat. On our OzDogRescue site, there is an icon placed against some of the dogs which means that the dog should go to a home where there are no cats.

[Sudilar]

So sorry for you. It is hard for you to give him up, but you did EVERYTHING you possibly could to keep him. It comes down to the life of your cat. You must do what has to be done. I hope you find a good home for him. Good luck!

[Stenograsaurus]

Oh, Aly, I am so sorry for you. You are absolutely right in your decision, as hard as it is to make. You are sacrificing to make sure your animals are happy and I think that makes you a great person. I had a cousin who had two dogs who would get a long for a while, then from out of nowhere the one would attack the other one. Then they'd get along for a while and he'd attack again. The attacks got worse. They were at a loss as to what to do and waited too long in making a decision. The one dog tore the other one up beyond repair and he had to be put down.
You did everything you could have possibly done to try to make these two get along. Sometimes things are just out of our control.
My heart goes out to you.

[carrie]

Some animals, just like people, just don't get on. You did your best and it obviously isn't going to work. For the sake of the animals you are doing the right thing. Good luck with finding a good home.

[jackiesdaisy1935]

Aly, I am so sorry you are in this situation.
I know how much you love Harley and want the best for him. I was in a similar situation, we were going to adopt a little Schnauzer from a girl who didn't want to keep her because she was pregnant and was afraid the dog would attack her child. They drove the little Schnauzer down from Los Angeles and we made the mistake of introducing them in our home and Perry (Schnauzer) without any warning attacked the little one. Well we kept trying to get them together and after him attacking her three or four times knew it was impossible. They did adopt her out to
their groomer who always loved her.
I was thinking maybe it would be better if Harley is very territorial to adopt him out to an older person who would give him all their attention, or a couple with no small children or a couple with no other dogs.
Good luck, I do believe you are doing the right thing for Harley and Shiloh.

[Pam]

Aly, I am so sorry you have had to make this hard decision. I know how much you love Harley and I feel like I sort of know him too after seeing his picture and reading about him. It is plain to see that he is a great dog and will do just fine if placed with the right person. In your capacity at the shelter you will maybe have the opportunity to play a part in helping that to come to pass. We are all behind you and wishing you the best. Please let us know what happens.

[wolflady]

Aly, so sorry to hear about Harley. In situations like this you have to do what's best for you and your current furbabies as well as for Harley. Like Jackiesdaisy said, sometimes, no matter how hard you try, some "kids" just won't get along. All of us here are behind you and hope you can find the very best home and situation for him. Good luck and let us know what happens!

[wolflady]

ugh!! I did it again!! I get names confused every now and then after reading all the posts! I was referring to Carrie's statement...but I agree with what everyone here has said. *hugs*
Karen

[aly]

I thought I would let everyone know the update on Harley.

Rachel gave me a wh fox terrier rescue contact and I emailed them a few days ago. They posted my email on the rescue list and that put me in contact with a wonderful woman who lives 2.5 hours away from me. The woman has a wh fox terrier of her own and has been involved in the rescue and placement of them for years. From everything she has told me, I am certain Harley will be well cared for. She wants him to stay with her for awhile so she can see his personality and place him accordingly. I am also writing up background info on Harley to give her. Its not confirmed yet, but I think next Friday will be the day I will take Harley to her I know this is what's best for Harley though and he will still be able to live a happy life.

Thank you all for your support. You guys are all so wonderful. I'm going through so much grief right now and it helps me to come here and read supportive messages.

[sammi]

I am happy that you might have found someone that can take Harley and find him a good home. I realize that you must be feeling all kinds of emotions at this time. But I think that you are making a wise choice because you love all 3 of your pets and want them to have a good life. If Harley gets adopeted out you should be able to check on how he is adjusting for awhile and give yourself some piece of mind. I hope all works out well and don't be too hard on yourself because you have done everything in your power to make this work. Who knows might be someone out their that needs Harley more than you do?

[Logan]

Oh Aly. that is wonderful news. I certainly hope it will all work out beautifully for you and Harley. Rachel, and thanks to you for helping out.
Happy Holidays to you all, whatever you celebrate.
Logan

[jackiesdaisy1935]

Aly, I'm so glad to hear the news. Harley will be starting on a new adventure to a new home, I'm sure he will never forget all the love and wonderful care you have given him.
I believe you have done the right thing for all and who knows, maybe you can keep in touch with the person who adopts him. We got Perry from a breeder in Los Angeles and I send photos of Perry every Christmas to her
and she loves it and knows that he is well cared for. Maybe it will work out that way for you too.