The Kip transfer is one of the most painful things I’ve ever done. He addicted me to Cardis, he has been a bright spot in my home and in my heart. I know that Jill and her parents will treasure him as I have — and give him more attention, though no one could love him more than I do. I know, intellectually, that I am making the best decision for Kip’s welfare, and I know this will avert potentially catastrophic issues at my house . . . but I can’t stop crying.
I just spoke with Jill. Her parents seem to love this wonderful little guy. Her Dad, the doctor, has done a little research and is now convinced that it makes no sense to turn a carnivore into a vegetarian. Smart man! Not only will Kip continue to be raw fed, but the Golden will be switching over as well. They’ve been having nails trimmed at the vets, so to ease the pain of feeding raw, I’m going to show them how to Dremel toe nails. The first “Dremeling” covers the cost of buying the cordless Dremel, and from then on the savings offset the extra cost of raw feeding.
I’ll take photos of Kip and Molly tomorrow evening when he goes for his sleepover, but unless he eats the couch (and he’s not the one that does that), this is probably a done deal. I could not put him in a better place, and this will let me focus on the baddog’s training.
I don’t blame you. I am nearly crying reading about your placement of Kip. However, it does sound like a WONDERFUL home. (((hug)))
What a wonderful home for Kip. Don’t be sad, you did the right thing and best of all – you will still get to see him from time to time!
Having placed several Cardis for varying reasons, I feel your pain. It’s never easy but you have to just keep reminding youself that it’s best for everyone. I cried for quite some time after placing Caleb with Keith and Jo. I knew in my heart that they were a perfect match, but having whelped and raised Caleb his whole life, it felt like giving away a child. But then I got the first update and when I heard how much they love him, it cemented my decision and I knew I had done right by him. *hugs* It will get easier.
I am feeling your pain, Penni. Hugs!
Penni…crying is OK. It’s OK because you will miss him, not because he won’t be in a wonderful home that loves him. No one will ever love him as much and AS you love him, but a close second is more than most dogs get in a lifetime.
And I think, to Kip, this “next” home is just a part of a life that he accepts on a daily basis. Dogs don’t have the word “future” in their vocabulary so he didn’t know what May 2009 held.
Now he’ll know and will be all the more happy because the list of those adoring him has grown. He’s the love ambassador, he’s a Cardi.
Oh, Penni, I know it hurts, but also, what a happy future for Kip, and for Chase and yourself also. Hugs to you all.
Penni,
There is nothing harder than losing a dog you love, even when it is for all the right reasons. Rationally, you know you did the right thing. Emotionally, it will take some time to heal. It is OK to grieve, but remember to celebrate too. Celebrate the wonderful life opportunity you’ve given Kip. There is no greater gift you could give him.
As a rescuer of many years, I see SO many dogs who would have been better off had their owners put the welfare of the animal ahead of their own emotions. It is the most difficult thing to do, but also the most critical!
Kudos and hugs to you!
Kathy
*hug*
What a wonderful thing you are doing. And what a hard thing you are doing. I hate the thought of any dog being picked on. Only time will heal this hurt.
I can only imagine how rough this must have been for you. Here’s a hug from our crew. (((HUG)))