We've had to find Hunter a new home and everyone here is miserable. After waiting years to bring home a new family member and getting used to his romping about, we're gutted. It's far too quiet in the house today.
Why in the world would we give up such a gorgeous fellow?
Two acres. A boy to play with. Constant supervision. What could possibly go wrong? Two words, Black Locusts. Our property is dotted with these big Gothic looking trees and Hunter was forever picking up the twigs and bits of bark and eating them. The thing is, they're poisonous. We'd manage to trade the twigs for treats, or pull them out of his mouth but he'd still manage to swallow them. We quickly became concerned that our home was hazardous for the little thing. I couldn't live with myself if living here made him sick. So the very hard decision was made that perhaps we were not the perfect family for Hunter. I wish we were.
What makes it even harder was that Hunter was starting to get the hang of playing nicely with D over the past few days. The two were really starting to hit it off. Saying goodbye has been especially hard on the littlest Knickertwist. D was a very brave kidlet and said his "Goodbyes" and agreed that Hunter going to a safe home was the best thing we could do for him.
What a horrible lesson to learn at 8... that sometimes the very best thing to do feels like the absolute worst and sometimes it even breaks your heart :(
We've told his new family that if for any reason things don't work out he's to come directly back to us. I really hope he's happy and safe but part of me (the very selfish part) hopes he's a holy terror and they call tomorrow to bring him back.
What you had to do is indeed one of the hardest things in life. I am so sorry that things did not work out, but you did a kindness to a sweet animal who couldn't and probably wouldn't ever stop mouhting the sticks. I had no idea that those trees were poisonous but you have done the right thing. Boo Hoo with you cuz it is so very difficult. The Olde Bagg
ReplyDeleteWhat a gut wrenching decision to have to make, I'm so sorry that you had to give him away but I admire you for being able to make that decision so he can have a healthy life =(
ReplyDeleteMy heart aches for the Knickertwist household and the absolutely rotten decision that had to be made. But my spirit is lifted to see a family that loves one another enough to keep each other safe -- even when safety means separation.
ReplyDeleteSo sad to hear of the big bad decision! You made the right choice, but I hope you can find some way to have a pet in the future. Hunter was a handsome boy!
ReplyDeleteThanks guys. I feel like crap about all of this, like I failed everyone. I swore to give that puppy a good home and I let him down. Because of that, I hurt D in the worst way possible. Who takes away their kids puppy? I know it was for the best but I'm not feeling like a very good parent at the moment.
ReplyDeleteYou didn't fail, you're finding him a good home, one where he won't eat poison trees. It stinks when doing the right thing is also the hard thing, just remember you're doing it with a heart full of love. Hang in there. :)
ReplyDeleteHugsHugsHUGS.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry you & your family had to go through this. It's awful. You ARE a good parent, a wonderful mother. Not only to D, but also to Hunter. You did the hardest thing you had to do to keep him safe. You sacrificed much for his well being.
Sending you & your family lots of love & hugs.
XOXO