Loki

[linden_jay]

Some/many of you know that for the past... probably six months now, we've been having some problems with Loki, chief among them that his behavior towards our cats has become a massive issue. Even though we've had him since he was a puppy, the three of them (two cats, one dog) have never integrated well, which was all fine and whatever when he was fifteen to twenty pounds and a baby, but now that he's full-size and about sixty pounds, just isn't cool anymore.

He stalks them around the living room, stares at them all the time, follows them from place to place, and while he's not violent with them or aggressive, he just can't stop worrying at them, and when they go to jump over the gate to get to the back rooms, sometimes he'll snap at them as though he's trying to catch them.

We don't think he'd ever purposely harm them- he's a sweetheart with a gorgeous disposition, but we've become very afraid that he's going to accidently hurt one of them, or get them cornered somehow and instinct will kick in. We can't ever leave him alone with them, which means we've had to keep him in his crate at all times at night, and any time we've had to leave the house, and we spend half our time trying to get him to leave them alone, or chastizing him for pestering them. It's not fair anymore to him, to them, and we don't think we're doing him any favors.

As of about a month ago, we made the decision to contact the animal adoption agency that we got Loki from and explain the situation to them. They were very understanding about it- and about how both the AH and I cried through the initial phone calls we had with them, since this is not something we wanted, or something that was an easy decision. Loki was listed for adoption about three weeks ago, with the very specific instruction that he needed to go to a cat-free home, somewhere with a yard.

On Wednesday, we got a call. We met the people yesterday, and they met him, and today, they decided that they'd like to adopt him. They're very excited about it, very enthusiastic, and I think they'll be good for him. A better fit than we were.

They're picking him up later today.

I know that this is the right decision. For him, for the cats, for us. I know that it's the only decision, and that now is the time to do it, when he's still young enough that he can adapt to a new family. That doesn't mean that it isn't breaking my heart. I've wanted a dog for years- since I left my parent's place, and I finally got one, and he's beautiful and smart and a sweetheart... and I have to give him up. And I know I have to, and I've accepted that, but... *helpless hands*. I just wish it had been different.

Thank you so much to everyone who has talked to me while we've been struggling with him, and while we've struggled with the decision to do this. You've made something that is incredibly hard to do more manageable, and I appreciate it more than I can say.

Comments

[kristinholt.livejournal.com]

Awww, hun!

*squishes you*

[bkm5191.livejournal.com]

aww, you are a good person to but the animal over what you want though. *hugs you* one day you'll get the dog of your dreams and this dog gets a second chance as well *hugs you*

[bruisesonguitar.livejournal.com]

*hugs tight*

You made a very brave and right decision.

♥ ♥ ♥