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It is with a broken heart that I have to tell you all that we had to take Maddie back to the Humane Society. We had some hair-raising and frightening experiences with the cats and realized that while she is an absolutely incredible and wonderful dog for people, she is not suitable for a home with cats.
I’m sure those of you who have had experience with mixed species homes know, there is a difference between dogs who are unsure of cats and dogs who don’t like cats. Sadly, Jim and I had to do what is best for the cats and take her back before there was too much of an attachment so she can find her forever home. She is a great dog and the Humane Society here does amazing work in placing dogs, so hopefully it will be a short wait.
I think the hardest part of being the person who has to make the decision is that no decision feels right, but one has to be made anyway. Jim and I really torn up about this and this is really hard to type, but thanks for listening.
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I am so sorry for you but as you said you have to do what is best for everyone and if Maddie is as sweet as she looked I’m sure she will find a wonderful new home and the cats will be much happier. When I was much younger we bought home a dog from The Animal WElfare League and tried to live with him but found that no matter what we did he chewed up EVERYTHING outside the hosue when left alone, and had to take him back.
Comment by Freedom January 17, 2007 @ 11:09 pmGive your cats a good lot of snuggly hugs to get yourself through this tough time!
I’m sorry Kris.
Comment by erica January 18, 2007 @ 3:08 amOh Kris, I’m so sorry. I think those of us who have the joy of sharing our lives with various animals also risk the heartbreak of things not working out. You did the right thing, however devastating it may be. Thank you for trying, thank you for having the strength to do what is best for the animals.
Comment by NightOwl January 18, 2007 @ 3:41 amWe all completely understand.
Big blog hugs to you.
Comment by Brooke January 18, 2007 @ 4:03 amI’m sorry it didn’t work out. When we got Noble, it was understood that if it didn’t work out, Bailey (our cat) came first. Unfortunately, we had tried to get another cat (before the dog) and she tortured Bailey (to the point where she’d try to attack Bailey when she was using the litterbox). We gave the new cat to my boss. I completely understand what you’re going through. Big hugs to both you and Jim.
Comment by Vivacious Vegan January 18, 2007 @ 4:25 amI know that was so hard for you to have to do. I’m sorry you went through that, but it was the best thing to do.
Comment by aTxVegn January 18, 2007 @ 4:38 amI’m sorry about Maddie.
I have heard that dogs’ attitude towards cats is formed when the dog is very young. If a young puppy grows up with cats, he or she sees them as friends. Otherwise, they look like prey to the dog.
These are tough decisions, but you had to think of the cats first.
Comment by Anonymous January 18, 2007 @ 10:16 amSorry to hear the pup isn’t working out. I know how hard of a decision that can be. We have no humane society in our county so we have fostered some animals for a group effort to care for strays here, but a good placement that works for owners and animals is important and sometimes you cannot know that until you bring them home and give it a try. It is so very hard to tell whether an animal is right for you by a short visit.
Comment by Dori January 18, 2007 @ 12:23 pmThat is really too bad, and a hard decision to make. As you said, it’s best to do it before you have grown attached. I’m sure Maddie will find a loving, feline-free home and everyone will be better off in the end. ::hugs::
Comment by laura jesser January 18, 2007 @ 3:29 pmKris, in November we adopted a cat from the Humane Society for my daughter Mia. We had to take Buddy back after five days because my daughter’s allergies were too severe. We were devastated as we are all cat lovers. I still think of that cat and my heart aches thinking of him. I feel for you but you have your wonderful cats to get you through this bad time.
Comment by Kellimezzo January 18, 2007 @ 6:38 pmI agree exactly with what laura jesser said.
Sounds like you made the right decision.
Everything will work out for the best for everyone.
Comment by kennyboy January 18, 2007 @ 7:18 pmOh dear,
I’m so sorry to hear about your difficult decision. But, I also really support you in your choice to make sure that your cats are safe and happy in their home. I agree that it’s very important to watch out for the furry friends we’ve already pledged to care for.
I hope that some day you’ll be able to bring a dog safely and lovingly into your home. Some places will test dogs with cats before you adopt them. We did that with our dog Stevie Wonder, and it was very successful. Also, you could maybe look for a dog who has been fostered in a home with cats.
In either case, I am sorry for your heartbreak.
Comment by springsandwells January 19, 2007 @ 5:44 amMy heart is broken with and for you! Animals are my life and I just feel so bad. Chin up, he will have a good home soon. *hugs*
Comment by Veg-a-Nut January 19, 2007 @ 5:45 amIt’ll be OK Kris, things happen. Your heart is in the right place.
Comment by Ruthie January 20, 2007 @ 3:54 amI am so sorry, but I completely understand. Our dog, now about a year and a half old, has grown up with our cats, but she still can’t be trusted to be around them. We have to keep them separated all the time, and it’s very difficult. If we’d known it was going to be this way, we would probably have found her a new home, but now it’s too late–she’s part of the family. You really did the right thing, as hard as it is.
Comment by SusanV January 20, 2007 @ 3:18 pmIm really sorry, that is a very bad new. but you do the right thing!
Comment by Johanna3 January 25, 2007 @ 1:32 am