Continuation of Sherri's Rehome Discussion!

I have been up since 5:30 am thinking about Sherri’s discussion about all of the recent rehoming discussions. She is right in that we have to come up with some way to deal with these discussions. As worried as I am about the dogs in question, I am equally as worried about the way these discussions divide our DK community. We have had discussions on being nice that didn’t end up so nicely and plenty of arguments as to how a discussion was handled and how it could have been handled better. Sometimes I agree. Sometimes I don’t, but yesterday hit a nerve because I felt like I was nice. I said please and thank you and still we were not nice enough. Even some of the comments about what we should have done, we did do, and still the poster got upset and closed the discussion and everyone is in agreement that the real loser is going to be that dog. The bottom line is however I think we handled it or didn't handle it, we didn't get through to that poster and so I do agree, we need a better way.

I am not here to re-hash that discussion, because honestly I am mad about it and in the long run, no one should care about that as much as we do about helping the next dog that appears in the next rehome discussion, and we all know there will be another dog soon. There is absolutely no way to control a discussion like the one yesterday or the others before that because unless we send out a script to all of our members telling them to please not respond emotionally or negatively to anyone trying to rehome their dog for any old reason, someone is going to respond passionately and get someone else mad. At first, the thing that upset me yesterday is that people who had not read the comments or offered any assistance to the poster were critical of those of us who did, but since those people are some of the ones I respect the most here on DK, I also know they care as much about these dogs as I do and even if we don't agree, they have a right to their opinion. Trust me, when I say that is a hard one for me :) I also know there is a wide range of people on DK with varying opinions and sometimes we have to put aside our personal feelings to get something done for a dog that needs our help. I also know that behind every comment is the need to help a dog.

It seemed to me that the majority of the responders to Sherri’s post felt like we hardly ever talk anyone out of rehoming their dogs once they post and we should just respond with the facts and keep emotions out of responses. With that said, I think the discussions are right to be on the front page, but I think we need a link or something to refer the person to the DRC or IDog and after that, I hope the discussion gets closed so no further comments can be made.

P.S. Please note: if you disagree with me I will close the discussion :)

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Permalink Reply by Sue & Lily Grace on August 25, 2012 at 2:18pm

Ricki and Cheryl, I am sorry for us all. It seems like when the tears dry something happens to make it seem like it was yesterday that I had to say goodbye. My new baby is a week old today. I so much miss putting my hands in that fur.

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Permalink Reply by Ricki and Tara (doodle) on August 25, 2012 at 4:17pm

Sue, I found that getting Tara made a huge difference in my grieving process. It moved me to a different level of healing but like I said that tender spot is still there. Plus when Tara came home as an 8 week old I was too busy and tired to think much about my former pup for quite a while!

One week old today! So tiny and sweet! I can't wait to see your new baby!

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Permalink Reply by Laurie, Fudge, and Vern on August 25, 2012 at 5:36pm

Sue, I am so sorry for your loss!! To me, this is about an unwanted and unloved dog. Cassie was none of those things and sometimes we have to make the hard choice to lessen their suffering. I wish we didn't. Cassie knew you loved her!

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Permalink Reply by Cheryl and Finnegan on August 25, 2012 at 11:11am

I'm sorry Sue. This takes me back too - to the day Teddy, my dear old beardie, passed. Deaf, I had taught him sign language. Blind, we walked with my hand on his head. He accepted his last day with a grace that I could not muster. But I've come to believe, strange as it may sound, that when I hug Finney or do something nice for him, Teddy feels it too -- even though Finnegan is his own wonderful self. I'm so glad your pup will be with you soon.

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Permalink Reply by Camilla and Darwin on August 25, 2012 at 1:16pm

I walked into the shelter today and immediately saw this dog, watching me. He reminds me so much of Darwin, and he was so calm and gentle and adorable. Apparently his owners gave him up because they moved into a no dogs allowed apartment. He came in so matted that it all came off in one clump, probably horribly painful for him. His entire back half had to be shaved. :-(

I took him outside and hung out with him for a while, just sad and wanting to take him home. Not only is he over the weight limit for my apartment (He was 75lbs or so), but we aren't allowed to have 2 dogs here either. I hope someone awesome adopts him.

I want to find the owners and punch them... I know that is terrible but it's true.