beasleymom
Super Boxer
I know everyone was probably sick of hearing how wonderful things were going between Beasley and my new girl Cali. Things were really wonderful and about a week and a half ago something changed. And I mean significantly. Dog fights (and I'm not talking play mouthing and wrastlin') were almost a daily occurrence and last week I had to hose 'em down to break them up. As I was taking one in and leaving the other out, another fight broke out and I wound up in the middle of it. I got pretty banged up but not bit. The 'kids', on the other hand, were bloody messes and my house looks like "The Shining". 
My behaviorist and I were unable to draw any real conclusions as to what the final straw was, but my two dogs just couldn't live together safely and for whatever reason the grudges were there and no one wanted to relinquish any power. Beasley was there first and was tired of playing second fiddle and so he got his point across in one battle. Cali, being the younger, quicker, and probably stronger dog (and female to boot) was the one who'd egg Beasley on and would always push him out of the way so she could sit next to me on the couch. She'd handed down some serious whoop-ass on Beasley and it finally got to the point where he would just shake whenever she walked by. She wouldn't growl at him or anything, but her presence intimidated him. I'm not saying anyone was a saint in the situation. Each one of them had their fair share of butthead moments. For all I know, I wasn't creating the appropriate environment for two animals by not being a strong enough alpha.
After four absolutely agonizing days of having the house on 'lockdown' I made the decision to give Cali back to Boxer Rescue. I was scared to death that somehow I'd written her a death warrant but when I finally got to talk to the woman who faciliated her adoption she said she'd take her back in a heartbeat and give her time to heal from her wounds and then go through some long-term behavioral and health evalutions to make sure that she's placeable maybe as an only dog. Cali's in a familiar environment with other Boxer friends that she was able to live with before she came to live with Beasley and I and I know she'll be taken care of. The Rescue Coordinator has a very soft spot for Cali (and who wouldn't - she's just a delightful little girl who gives the absolutely best kisses) and wasn't going to make any sudden moves.
Having to let her go breaks my heart - but I have to consider Beasley's needs, too. Maybe he's OK with short term friends and the occasional slumber party, but long term I think he's better off being an only child. I know she's in a good, loving home and her chances of staying alive are very very good. The last thing I wanted was for her to be put down just because she and Beasley's relationship broke down.
I know some of you won't agree with what I had to do, but the safety & quality of life were of most importance for all of us - me, Beasley, and Cali.
Cali, honey, I miss your beautiful eyes and your happy wiggle. I miss your sighs and that look you give me when I get cheese out of the fridge. Ms. E. will take good care of you and find you the home you deserve. I'll be thinkin' about you...lovicon
My behaviorist and I were unable to draw any real conclusions as to what the final straw was, but my two dogs just couldn't live together safely and for whatever reason the grudges were there and no one wanted to relinquish any power. Beasley was there first and was tired of playing second fiddle and so he got his point across in one battle. Cali, being the younger, quicker, and probably stronger dog (and female to boot) was the one who'd egg Beasley on and would always push him out of the way so she could sit next to me on the couch. She'd handed down some serious whoop-ass on Beasley and it finally got to the point where he would just shake whenever she walked by. She wouldn't growl at him or anything, but her presence intimidated him. I'm not saying anyone was a saint in the situation. Each one of them had their fair share of butthead moments. For all I know, I wasn't creating the appropriate environment for two animals by not being a strong enough alpha.
After four absolutely agonizing days of having the house on 'lockdown' I made the decision to give Cali back to Boxer Rescue. I was scared to death that somehow I'd written her a death warrant but when I finally got to talk to the woman who faciliated her adoption she said she'd take her back in a heartbeat and give her time to heal from her wounds and then go through some long-term behavioral and health evalutions to make sure that she's placeable maybe as an only dog. Cali's in a familiar environment with other Boxer friends that she was able to live with before she came to live with Beasley and I and I know she'll be taken care of. The Rescue Coordinator has a very soft spot for Cali (and who wouldn't - she's just a delightful little girl who gives the absolutely best kisses) and wasn't going to make any sudden moves.
Having to let her go breaks my heart - but I have to consider Beasley's needs, too. Maybe he's OK with short term friends and the occasional slumber party, but long term I think he's better off being an only child. I know she's in a good, loving home and her chances of staying alive are very very good. The last thing I wanted was for her to be put down just because she and Beasley's relationship broke down.
I know some of you won't agree with what I had to do, but the safety & quality of life were of most importance for all of us - me, Beasley, and Cali.
Cali, honey, I miss your beautiful eyes and your happy wiggle. I miss your sighs and that look you give me when I get cheese out of the fridge. Ms. E. will take good care of you and find you the home you deserve. I'll be thinkin' about you...lovicon
