Can't hold it in anymore...

[enyawd72]

I've tried to keep positive...tried to occupy my mind with thoughts of the Avengers, focusing on work, etc. but last night as I lay in bed I finally broke down.

My little Peanut is gone. About two months ago my wife and I brought home the sweetest little boy in the whole world...a male Pomchi we named Peanut. He and I bonded at first sight, and I loved that little guy as much as any father loves a human child. As far as I'm concerned he was my son.

He followed me everywhere and never ever left my side. He snuggled close to me in bed every night. Everything seemed fine with him for the first month, then his health started to take a turn for the worse. He would eat sporadically and cry all the time. He actually had tears streaming down his face. We tried everything to comfort him but to no avail.

Turns out his attachment to me was so strong he was suffering from severe separation anxiety because my wife and I both work full time and he was home alone for nearly nine hours a day. Rather than watch his health deteriorate further and continue to put him through that every day, we decided it was best for him to return him to his previous family. They own multiple dogs and cats, including Peanut's mother, as well has having two kids and a stay at home mom.

Handing him back to his previous owners was the hardest thing I've had to do in my life. He just clung to me and didn't want to let go. He whimpered and cried as I walked away. I felt like I just abandoned him.
It's been a couple weeks now, and his memories of us have faded...he has lots of playmates and attention now and is never alone. He's healthy and happy...but I miss him terribly. I still love you Peanut.

[Nostalgiabuff]

man, that's hard. but what you did, you did for his best interests and out of love.

[Gorn Captain]

Man, that's hard. So sorry to hear this. It took a lot of courage for you and your family to make the decision, but in the end, it was right for the dog. I know, it doesn't take away the pain.
Dogs are pack animals, and for some of them, they just can't stand being separated.
Our previous dog (18 years back) felt so bad when we went to work, every day it destroyed the fence of its enclosure and practically destroyed the back door, trying to get in, to find us. When we wanted to leave for work, she dropped to the floor and we literally had to slide her over the floor, out the back door. And she had the company of our other dog, but still, she wanted us to be there.
Again, really sorry to hear this.

[Hedji]

Hang in there, my friend.

[MIB41]

Dwayne that is so beautiful, but incredibly noble at the same time. It's hard to let go of people or pets in our lives. And I know firsthand how much your animals are family. Losing them, for whatever the reason, is crushing because of their pure innocence and unyielding love that is offered without question. I feel for you buddy. But in an instance like this, I think that was probably the right move. I had a dog that I loved dearly when I was single living in a condo. But she paid heavily for me being away at work. She got through it, but in looking back now (and having two dogs these days) I realize she needed not only my company but one of her own. Our pets need that nurturing just as much as we do. I tip my hat to you for recognizing that and making her long term interests first. Please know she IS happy and if you want a pup again, just make sure he or she gets to come home with a brother/sister from that litter, (or another pup that will cater to that nurturing). Thanks for sharing.

[enyawd72]

Thanks guys, I appreciate it.

I know he's better off, and that's what's important, and I'll always have those memories of the time he was here.

[EmergencyIan]

Dwayne, as you know, you did the right thing for Peanut. But, I can't imagine how difficult it must have been and how heartbroken you must be. All my best to you and your wife.

- Ian

[Hector]

I know it was difficult, but necessary...for Peanut's dilemma of being left alone for long periods caused pain for all parties involved...some dogs just can't take that long of a separation.

So my heart goes out to you...but be happy that Peanut is full of buddies now, never alone anymore...that should bring you some relief.

Now, if you have the need to have another buddy...what I recommend...is to go to your local shelter...and foster different doggies...take them home for a couple a days, a weekend...see which one meshes with your lifestyles better, trust me, this is the way to go...plus, fostering helps the animal shelter itself, they appreciate people fostering tremendously.

I guarantee, you'll get the perfect companion that way...you could land that little buddy who would be the perfect fit...such as having no anxiety problems, not a barker (if you don't want a loud and noisy pet), well adjusted, etc...

Now, leaving them alone for nine hours is a bit long, but as you said, you guys have to work for a living...but if that's the case, and if you really want to have another buddy...I highly recommend two doggies, two buddies...a pair can play together, keep themselves occupied...it may seem to be more work having two dogs, but it's actually easier...you just spend more money on food, that's all. A pair of doggies can easily handle being alone for nine hours (also depending on the breed of course)...just research on breeds and cross breeds...some can adapt better than others. Toys dogs seems to be more needy and fragile, terriers are diggers, cattle dogs need lots of excessive, Bulldogs have breathing problems, and Great Danes eat and poop a ton (and don't live that long)...but there will be a dog just right for you...it's just a matter of searching and trying...and the best way for that is fostering.

Again, I'm sorry for you losing your little one...but feel at ease that Peanut is now a really happy camper 24/7.

[Hector]

...and yes, I'm talking from experience, as I'm fostering two little divas right now, lol.

[Hector]

Do you live in a house or apartment?

Do you have a yard?

[PNGwynne]

I'm very sorry to hear this, D--I could tell from your posts how deeply you cared for Peanut.

[toysrus]

Awe! I'm so so sorry!!

I been there & it sucks! Stay strong and vent away! I will keep you in my thoughts & Prayers

Rena

I've tried to keep positive...tried to occupy my mind with thoughts of the Avengers, focusing on work, etc. but last night as I lay in bed I finally broke down.

My little Peanut is gone. About two months ago my wife and I brought home the sweetest little boy in the whole world...a male Pomchi we named Peanut. He and I bonded at first sight, and I loved that little guy as much as any father loves a human child. As far as I'm concerned he was my son.

He followed me everywhere and never ever left my side. He snuggled close to me in bed every night. Everything seemed fine with him for the first month, then his health started to take a turn for the worse. He would eat sporadically and cry all the time. He actually had tears streaming down his face. We tried everything to comfort him but to no avail.

Turns out his attachment to me was so strong he was suffering from severe separation anxiety because my wife and I both work full time and he was home alone for nearly nine hours a day. Rather than watch his health deteriorate further and continue to put him through that every day, we decided it was best for him to return him to his previous family. They own multiple dogs and cats, including Peanut's mother, as well has having two kids and a stay at home mom.

Handing him back to his previous owners was the hardest thing I've had to do in my life. He just clung to me and didn't want to let go. He whimpered and cried as I walked away. I felt like I just abandoned him.
It's been a couple weeks now, and his memories of us have faded...he has lots of playmates and attention now and is never alone. He's healthy and happy...but I miss him terribly. I still love you Peanut.

[TrekStar]

That just stinks out loud, so very sorry, although 9 hours of being alone is just to much, you did the right thing, although
it hurts, but what's best for the dog is what's most important.

[mego73]

Do you get to check in on him now and again?

Oh, and did you ponder getting another dog to keep him company? Maybe that still can be done.

[thunderbolt]

I know it was difficult, but necessary...for Peanut's dilemma of being left alone for long periods caused pain for all parties involved...some dogs just can't take that long of a separation.

So my heart goes out to you...but be happy that Peanut is full of buddies now, never alone anymore...that should bring you some relief.

Now, if you have the need to have another buddy...what I recommend...is to go to your local shelter...and foster different doggies...take them home for a couple a days, a weekend...see which one meshes with your lifestyles better, trust me, this is the way to go...plus, fostering helps the animal shelter itself, they appreciate people fostering tremendously.

I guarantee, you'll get the perfect companion that way...you could land that little buddy who would be the perfect fit...such as having no anxiety problems, not a barker (if you don't want a loud and noisy pet), well adjusted, etc...

Now, leaving them alone for nine hours is a bit long, but as you said, you guys have to work for a living...but if that's the case, and if you really want to have another buddy...I highly recommend two doggies, two buddies...a pair can play together, keep themselves occupied...it may seem to be more work having two dogs, but it's actually easier...you just spend more money on food, that's all. A pair of doggies can easily handle being alone for nine hours (also depending on the breed of course)...just research on breeds and cross breeds...some can adapt better than others. Toys dogs seems to be more needy and fragile, terriers are diggers, cattle dogs need lots of excessive, Bulldogs have breathing problems, and Great Danes eat and poop a ton (and don't live that long)...but there will be a dog just right for you...it's just a matter of searching and trying...and the best way for that is fostering.

Again, I'm sorry for you losing your little one...but feel at ease that Peanut is now a really happy camper 24/7.

I agree 100% with Hec, after having dogs for over 20 years, we discovered early on that multiples are better. We tend to hover around 4, were at 5 until Punkin passed. They do a lot better in a pack, adding another to the group is really easy, and they tend to learn the ropes faster. If you are out, they have each other to keep company. It probably would have helped Peanut to have another dog around that didn't have the same issue for him to see and maybe learn that it wasn't so scary.