I might have to give Shankly up. Please Advise

[Sube Ru's mom]

GRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

Okay i am going to bite my tongue, i will not write what i really feel, even though i know most people that are familiar with me know my feelings on issues such as this.

Mike-

Originally posted by Mikejo
Guys I've got to say that after reading all your replies I'm really pissed off. Apart from the odd few you have all got on your high horses and dished out completly useless advice

Was this because we told you our opinions and you didnt like what was said? THis is a throw away society and it upsets many member of BW when a fellow BW can just throw away a dog, especially because of the number 1 reason- we had a baby and we dont have time

Originally posted by Mikejo
As for some of you comparing dogs on an equal level with human babies then I'm sorry but you really do need you heads looking at. Thanks for you comments but in future I'll not bother.

For this comment, i hope you do give shankly up. I agree dogs and kids are not equal, Dogs give you unconditional love, never talk back, never divorce their parents, never make you stress over their decisions, and worship the ground you walk on no matter what you do. you are correct- dogs and children are not equal.

I dont agree with your choice- obviously, but i think there are some very good suggestions. but i like Buddy's mom feel that if you guys feel NOW that you dont have to time, love and devotion for shankly then it is best to give her up. Shankly deserves the best, she has given you only the best and rather then her be a dog that gets thrown outside, occasionally gets fed, and has to scrounge around for stuff, she needs to go to rescue.

I like Matt S hope that the next time you THINK about getting a dog, you consider this post. Dogs give unconditional love and loyalty we should strive to be worthy of such devotion.

 

[Matt S]

Mike,
I'm sorry if you feel that we have all dished out useless advice.
However I did take your advice & have read through your original post again & all the other posts that followed.
I must say I'm disappointed that you didn't see the many suggestions that were put forward.
The vast majority of people did have something constructive to say. Whether it was a dog walking service, crating Shankly for part of the day, some improved playing conditions in the backyard or having a neighbouring child earn some extra pocket money helping out with Shankly, & there were quite a number of people, including myself, who felt that if you had decided that Shankly no longer belonged in your household for whatever reason that she would be better off put into a rescue situation.
This issue is one that comes up quite often in BW & it is such an emotional topic that it is natural for people to feel so very strongly about it, I know I certainly do.
The fact that you posted at all shows that you do care for Shankly.
I'm sure that if you do re-read the responses you will see that they generally do offer some sort of constructive comment.
This is a very hot topic & one with no easy fix.
I hope that you can come to a decision that sits well with you & your family & what's more is the best thing for Shankly's future.

 

[vaboxer]

Oh Heather...I knew you wouldnt be able to stay away

As for this issue...I think the family has shown us that they do not have the time nor motivation for this animal. I, like many, believe someone else in this world will have that time and motivation...and Shankly would very much be better off with another family.

You WERE given PLENTY of options in this thread. Example: having a neighborhood kid walk the dog...your wife walking the dog...doggie daycare. We tried to give you options, I am sorry you did not like them :(

When my father babysits his grandchildren (my dogs)...he always sits them down and talks to them about how one day they will have a new brother or sister to watch over. My dad actually cries when he thinks that Hook may not be around for that! I feel good thinking of my dogs as my children...and I believe I will feel just as good about that when my skin children come into the picture.

I wish you all the luck in bringing up your new skin baby!

 

[KC]

You've got to decide now whether or not to keep your boxer. If your wife isn't going to find a way to make the time, then the doggie is better with someone who has searched high and low for a rescue just like her. But, your boxer will be better off to have to share the attention with the baby for now than to be sent away with strangers. But, think on this - there is never a perfect, convenient time to own a dog. There is always something in life that upsets our schedules: birth, moving, illness, death, etc. If you and your wife are not willing to do all in your power (following some of the excellent solutions given above, for example) to make your dog's life a part of your own, then I hope you never get another because something will ALWAYS come up in that dog's life that will make your care of it difficult or challenging at times - and there are enough in rescue now as it is. Your dog will be your child's best friend, comforter, protector, and foot warmer as the baby gets older and will actually reduce the stress on your wife if you only stand by her now when she most needs your love and reassurance that you love her despite the new addition of a baby into the family.

Don't give up on your boxer baby and don't give up on BW - we mean well.

 

[vasha]

Re: GRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

Heather - Very well said.

Mike -

You have brought up a very very emotional topic for us, and that is why some of our responses are so emotional. Many of our BW members work in rescue and see a situation much like yours daily.

I just rescued a puppy, and have NO idea of what her background was. She is the cutest thing ever and is very well behaved, and I don't understand how anyone could give up a sweet puppy like her.

Remember that BW Members are boxer lovers, we aren't doubting that you love Shankly, we are just heartbroken because she may not be able to stay with you gys.

Again, please review my earlier post for rescue options in your area.

Good luck with your decision.

a snuggles n kisses lovicon
kaiser hugs n slobbers
VaSHa

 

[bonnie]

KC and Vasha

Well Said!!

 

[McGehee1]

OK! I must say first off HORMONES!!! It hasn't been long enough for them to be back in check and your wife is I am sure very hormonal.

MY VERY FIRST THOUGHT WAS THAT OF THE ABOVE...With all the hormones flying still, of course she's going to feel overwhelmed at times.

That was my soft side...this is my other side...

I cannot believe, after all the great advice that you DID get (perhaps YOU, Mike, should re-read all the posts!) that you came back in to turn this around and lambaste the BW members for your problem. I have read your post at least 3 times now and still only GET that the major problem that can't be dealt with is that Shankley may not get walked every day when you're not local. SO WHAT??! Is that really cause to find her a new home? Does SHE really seem that depressed over not getting her daily walk? Any attention that you, the family that she adores, give her each day, be it a pat on the head each time she passes, some cuddle time in front of the tv when the baby's asleep, tossing a ball while you're cooking dinner, etc., is all she really needs to be happy! Sure, she'll benefit from the walk, which will also burn off some of her energy to your benefit. But, does she HAVE to have the walks?? No. I haven't heard yet if you have a fenced yard or access to a secure area to let her run a bit. I also haven't heard an answer to the many times I've heard the question asked, "Does your wife like the dog". In your post, it says that "you" love her so much. What about your wife? In my opinion, if you (and your wife) truly enjoy your dog as you say you do, then you'll find a way around this. If Shankley is a bone of contention between you and your wife anyway, then she always will be and maybe should find her a happy home where she's loved all the way around. No doubt, the baby will love her some day (soon), but that can't be a determining factor in the decision you need to make now. I know this is very blunt, but that's me. You came to this board looking for input and if you've spent any time here you know that people will and do speak their minds. This is mine.

Good luck in your decision. It is a tough one that only you as a family can make.

 

[cynthia rolfes]

giving up Shankley

This past Sunday I had to rush my female boxer, Mercedes, to the emergency vet hospital. She was outside playing and got stung by hornets. Her face swelled to the point that she couldn't open her eyes. We live a good fourty-five minutes from the only vet hospital that was open. On the way there, I was holding her, and praying with all my might, that the Lord let me keep her. I can't imagine what it is going to be like the day I have to give her back. I can guarantee you this, it will NOT be of my own free will.

I have two skin children, and I understand day to day life can be a real challenge. BUT, all the struggles make you a better person. My advice to you and your wife is to embrace the challenges sent your way. Please wait a month or two before you make such a big decision.
I can tell you this, having skin kids that are 19 and 13, boxers are a breeze! I would also like to mention, that as new parents..... this guilt you are feeling about the amount of time spent with children ( fur or skin), is soooo normal!
The best thing about love is....... the more you give, the more there is to go around.

Best wishes,
Cynthia Rolfes

 

[richnamy]

Great post Cynthia.... & not to get off-topic, but how is Mercedes?

 

[cynthia rolfes]

mercedes' condition

I am sorry!! Mercedes is doing just fine. The vet gave her two shots. One was an antihistamine, and the other was a steroid. He sent home some antihistamine pills for any future incidents. If it should ever happen again, I will give her an antihistamine pill and take her to the vet. An irregular heart beat or shock can be a side effect in alllergy situations. Her heart beat was fine, mine wasn't!
We surveyed our yard for the nest, and it is now toast!

Cynthia Rolfes
High Ridge, Missouri