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<< Jamie, if you don't mind my asking, how did you end up with these two
anyway? >>
I bought them from a breeder. I had bought Torden, loved him, and
wanted another. I got Heidi, and when we found out about her problems we
thought
she was a fluke, so I gave it another shot with Brecken. They were all
purchased as weanlings.
<< I know that I am probably in the minority but unless you can find someone
to take them who would give them a good home, I think you should feel some
responsibility to them because you took them in the first place. >>
Believe me, I do! That's why they're still here...I agonized over
Heidi; I had the chance to send her back (to be put down...), but she seemed
happy, and still does. I just could not do that to her. Now, the same goes
for
Brecken.
<< I rescue chows and when I take a chow, I keep that chow until I can find
a suitable home and if that doesn't happen, I keep it until it dies.
Sometimes that becomes stressful or inconvenient for me. I have a chow that I
took
that has glaucoma, is blind in one eye, had heartworm disease, had
periodontal disease, has required expensive veterinary and vet opthalmology
care and
still gets 3 kinds of eyedrops twice a day. On top of that, he decided after
about 6 months that he didn't like one of the other dogs and attacks him if
they get together. I could go on about some of his other character defects. I
didn't know what his problems were when I took him but knew he was likely to
have so! >>
I guess it's just hard for me because I wasn't expecting problems, as I
already had their comparatively healthy brother. Of course, now that I've
had them for so long, I've come to terms with it, in a way, but the stress can
be very, very difficult.
<< me problems. Unfortunately, I know that no one in their right mind
would take this dog but to me, he has redeeming qualities as well and he is
enjoying his life so I feel that I have a responsibility to him. >>
That's true of my two, as well. I honestly feel like someone would have
to be crazy to want to take them...and I wouldn't trust them with a crazy
person! LoL
<< Some people may say " well, you must not have anything else to do" In
fact, I am quite busy with 4 dogs, 3 horses- two of which I compete in
dressage and until recently was the only pediatric infectious diseases
specialist
between Tampa and Miami. I just have a soft spot for animals especially ones
with special needs. There are other people like me and you might find someone
who would give your two fjords a good home. Until then, I think you should
focus on their positive qualities and provide for them the best you can. I
don't think it is right to euthanize an animal just because they are not
perfect or have become inconvenient. I think if they are in pain or are so
unmanageable that they are dangerous then you might consider that as a
solution. >>
Agreed...which is why I have a feeling they're not going anywhere.
Jamie
In the Mountains SW of Denver, CO
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