I might have to give Shankly up. Please Advise

[Jake H.'s mom]

I have to agree with everyone else. What is the reason your wife can't find time to walk a dog? Is she suffering from post-partum depression? I raised three children. At one point I had a newborn, 11 month old, and a 21/2 year-old and still made time to meet my other responsibilities like walk my dog. She has as much a responsibility to Shankley as she does to your child. I don't mean to sound harsh but it sounds like your wife has some maturing to do.

 

[Dodgn_AK]

I think the advice offered to Mike has all been very good and constructive, BUT after reading all of these posts I feel like Mike's wife is being attacked. She is a new mom and probably feeling very overwhelmed. They are doing the right thing by reassessing whether or not they can give Shankly the life she deserves. So, my advice to Mike is: there were some wonderful options listed on this long list, consider some of them. Good luck.

 

[Peggy G]

Mike, I think many of us are on pins and needles hoping to hear from you. I keep hoping that you have not replied because you are at work or something and havent logged on to see the responses since your last post.

I hope one of the replies holds the answer to your dilemma or at least stuck a cord with you so that you feel you can get through this time without resorting to the worst possible sinario (sp).

I also hope you read something along the way that made you realize that if you really want whats best for Shankly --it is to keep him--even if it means that he has to deal with a little "down time". If that is truly what you are worried about-- there is no need to worry because he will get over that... but it will take him much longer to get over losing you --no matter how wonderful a new family may (or may not) be.

If you are reading these posts, please reply. Everyone really does care.

 

[monty'smum]

I just have to say that you are a complete family and even if your wife cannot find the time to walk Shankly through the day then perhaps you can before work and after work.

My husband left me when my baby was 3 months old, I had my dear Owain and two cats and a house to sell. We came through it and no one suffered.

Only a couple of weeks ago my parents had a call from their last boxers breeder. She works with Uk rescue and has to find homes for two boxers, mother and son. The owner has recently been widowed and left with 3 children under 5 and is devestated because she cannot cope with exercising the boxers. Now that to me is a real case for help.

 

[hyost]

Mike-I feel real sorry for your wife right now. To me, it didn't sound like she wants to give her up, but she feels bad that she can't give her enough attention. I think your wifes heart is in the right place. I do think that she will truley miss her if you did give her up. I hope your wife can stick it out longer and I think she will find it will get easier and that your child will have a wonderful friend! Good luck in whatever your decision is.

 

[Boxer_21]

Mike -

I hope I don't sound like I'm preaching here, but here's what I've been thinking since reading your post. When you and your wife got Shankly, did you have any idea that you'd be having children in the near future?? Were you planning on waiting until your dog passed on to have children?? I'm only asking because if you knew that kids were in your near future, you probably should've given it some more thought, or held off all together.

Anyway, saying what I think you should've done here is irrelevant because you went ahead and got this dog anyway. Now you're faced with one of the most difficult decisions, keeping Shankly or giving her away. I'm definitely not a supporter of people who treat pets like objects instead of living beings. However, if it's clear that Shankly will be simply existing as apposed to living a happy and healthy life, then the decision should be clear. If you and your wife honestly feel as though there is no way to keep her and to provide her with the love and attention that she needs... and deserves, then maybe it would be best to give her up.

On the other hand if you and your wife truly care and love this dog, then you would try your absolute hardest to find a different solution. A solution that will allow you to keep his dog. I firmly believe if there's a will, there's a way. If you and your wife are set on keeping her and loving her, you will be able to find a way.

One other thing that I would like to touch. You said that you were "upset" about the responses you got from people. Well, at the same time you've made many of us upset. By your statement of us needing to get our heads looked for comparing our pets to human babies. I understand and respect the fact that not everyone cares and loves their pets as much as I do. For you to say that I need to get my head looked at for loving my pets this much, when you don't even know me, is totally uncalled for. I would do anything to keep my pets healthy and happy. I do love them as if they were my "children" and for that I will make NO apologies to you, nor will I get my head looked at!!!

 

[Nedra's_momma]

Mike,
I am so sorry if anything that I said offended you, although I really wouldn't understand why, since I gave you the "suggestions" that you had asked for... Or were they just not the suggestions that you wanted to hear?

Good luck to you

 

[Cherokee]

I read this post yesterday and decided not to reply because I felt everyone had already given good advice and I didn't want to repeat what was said.
The difference between reading it yesterday and today was the second post by you.
Like Boxer 21 said I too asked that same question when I read the post to my husband. I was wondering if you really thought about the decision you were making when you first got Shankley.
If you had then you would have realized that when you had children things would change but you would adapt and over come.
Anyway it pains me to read that you feel we need our heads checked because we love our boxers as if they were our children. i will be the first to admit my babies are my children. I think that if you take the time to come on here because you are concerned or just want others with the same feelings than you must feel very strongly about your boxer. at least that's what i thought.
Cherokee and Apache are a huge part of our lives here. Everyone who knows us knows that they are very important and many decisions that we make revolve around them. We pay extra rent so that they can be with us. We plan to move into a house so that they can have their own room. We plan to buy a second car (bigger) so that they will be more comfortable. We make dates, outings, visits, traveling all based on them
If this makes me crazy then that's how I want to be. None of what I mentioned above even comes close to all that they do for me. They love me so much and they would never leave me. They comfort me and make me feel so important. They cuddle with me and play and even sing to me (woo woo). My family is wonderful and they all do all of the above as well but to Cherokee and apache well it's different. I am their world there isn't a bigger honor than to be someones whole entire world. I have a little boy who's 5 and he sees them as his brother and sister and I wouldn't have it any other way. I will not apologize for loving them as much as I do. I will not even take what you said seriously for you abviously can't even begin to imagine what it feels like. i say this because you are so quick to solve your solution by getting rid of Shankley.
If you've been on here long enough you should have known that people were going to give you honest opinions and suggestions. You should have not had your wife read the replies knowing how sensitive she is right now. So please don't blame everyone here for your mistakes.
I really hope that for Shankleys sake she gets a new FOREVER home. I'm sorry but I don't know what else to say. Please re read all the posts and you will see that everyone here is just concerned for Shankley. Shankley can not speak for herself it's good to know that there are people out there that will speak for her in her best interest.

BW members I think you are all wonderful.

 

[jdee]

Mike's Post

Here are a few poems I came across..
I whole heartedly agree with the majority on this topic, but no need to keep repeating the same info, it was apparent to me by this gentlemen's second post that his mind was made up already, but I guess he wanted some positive reinforcement form us Boxer Lovers, which he didn't get. One question for him:
WOULD YOU GIVE UP YOUR KID??
Oh, I forgot, he thinks we need our heads examined if we think of our boxers as human beings. Sometimes Humans shouldn't be mentioned in the same sentence as Boxers (Dogs), with the things we do in today's society. We should be honored that we are given the chance to have a boxer in our household.
By the way HAPPY BELATED 2ND BIRTHDAY GIRL, some present you are getting or maybe it truly is a blessing in disguise!!!
Sorry so long guys / girls!!

A FAITHFUL DOG

A Faithful Dog Will Play With You

And Laugh With You -Or Cry-

He'll Gladly Starve To Stay With You

Nor Ever Reason Why,

And When You're Feeling Out Of Sorts

Somehow He'll Understand

He'll Watch You With His Shining Eyes

And Try To Lick Your Hand.

His Blind, Implicit Faith In You

Is Matched By His Great Love -

The Kind That All Of Us Should Have

In The Master, Up Above.

When Everything Is Said And Done

I Guess This Isn't Odd

For When You Spell "Dog" Backwards

You Get The Name Of God.

author unknown

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A STUMP FOR A TAIL

You can't buy loyalty, they say

I bought it though, the other day; You can't buy friendship, tried and true,

Well just the same, I bought that too .I made my bid, and on the spot

Bought love and faith and a whole job lot Of happiness, so all in all

The purchase price was pretty small .I bought a single trusting heart,

That gave devotion from the start.

If you think these things are not for sale,

Buy a brown-eyed puppy with a stump for a tail.

author unknown

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

An exciting thought popped into my head today,

While I sat watching two young puppies at play.

How much we could learn if we only would look

At these creatures who have never read a book.

Jealousy, hatred, gossip and greed

Are rarely found in dogs, no matter the breed.

What do they know that we do not?

Obviously, though they're not telling, quite a lot.

Of course, two pups may squabble over a bone.

But soon you will find it left all alone,

While the former combatants snuggle close, sound asleep.

Secure in the knowledge that their treasure will keep.

Warmth and closeness mean so much more to them,

Even though the battle will probably begin again.

It is more playful than serious, this game of tug

And will end again with them both asleep, close on the rug

When two humans decide they want the same thing,

Whatever the object, they both will cling Grimly determined that each is right,

No matter how long, they continue to fight.

Let's look at those puppies, asleep at our feet.

Has either lost that treasure he tried so hard to keep?

Not really, as it lays just a few feet away

Not a treasure trove, just an object of play.

And the two little creatures? Are they content?

Completely and totally because their little souls are bent

Upon keeping this friend who plays this game with them,

And is still willing to snuggle again and again.

If only we could learn the great lesson here

Things are not precious, friendships are dear.

What good will this thing do us, this precious bone,

If we find ourselves left completely alone?

The next time I find myself wanting to fight,

I'll remember those puppies and, with all of my might,

I will try to give it up with a shrug

And hope to end up sound asleep, close on the rug.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What Dogs Do For Us:

Catch Frisbees.

Keep a lonely night from being truly lonely. Keep our homes safe.

Get us outside on beautiful fall days. Listen to our singing.

Treat us like celebrities when we come home.

Warm up our beds on cold nights. Star in our home videos.

Make our hearts more vigorous. Take us outdoors on snowy winter days.

Alert us to the arrival of the mail. Help us to live longer.

Make us smile. Agree with everything we say.

Warm our knees with their chins. Provide us use for old tennis balls.

Signal when a thunderstorm is coming. Pull sleds.

Help lower our blood pressure. Test how fast we can run.

Keep the squirrels from overtaking our yards.

Teach us the meaning of unconditional love. Take us out on rainy days.

Teach our children about responsibility.

-author unknown

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Treat me kindly

Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is
more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.
Do no break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your
hand between blows, your patients and understanding will more quickly
teach me the things you would have me do.
Speak to me often, for your voice as the world's sweetest music, as
you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footsteps
fall upon my ear.
When it is cold and wet, please take me inside, for I am now a
domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements. And I ask no
greater glory that the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the
hearth. Though had you no home, I would rather follow you though ice
and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all
the land, for you are my God and I am your worshiper.
Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should no
reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell when I suffer from thirst,
Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do you
bidding, to walk by your side, and to stand ready, willing and able to
protect you with my life should your life be in danger.
And, beloved master, should the great Master see fit to deprive me
of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me
gently in you arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of
eternal rest--- and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I
drew, my fate was ever in your hand.

 

[Floyd's Bruiser]

Don't give up just yet!!!!!!!!

I have a new baby also and I do work alot out of town. We came up with 2 solutions. I have a big yard so we purchased a runner for bruiser. Then we offered the boy accross the street a buisiness deal. He walks Bruiser in the morning before he goes to school and in the afternoon when he gets home. He also plays with him in the yard. In return he gets 20 dollars a week and is also part owner of Bruiser. [ his parents are ok with this] Basically he gets to dog sit when we have to go somewhere and Bruiser is allowed to spend the night with him on occasion. It seems to have worked out greatly. Good luck and don't give up your baby. It would be a heart breaker.