I hate feeling helpless, and I felt helpless last night when I was reading a post in a FB group for Potcake/island dog owners.
To make a long story short, one person--let’s call them Person A--adopted a Potcake because they wanted a dog who could grow up with their two kids. Their pooch loved one kid but was iffy around the other. I know they reached out to a trainer, but I guess the dog nipped the iffy kid. I don’t think it was hard--it was just a warning nip, like Buttons would do to me if I was being a pain-in-the-ass as a kid--but it made Person A nervous and they came to the heartbreaking decision to rehome their dog because it wasn’t the right environment for them and it was giving them agita. All of which I understand and totally respect.
Idk, there was something about reaching out to a rescue or maybe the original owner, I was having a difficult time following the story--but I guess the dog was going to a boarding kennel for two weeks of training before going to a foster or whatever. A few hours later, Person A is upset because they got a call about how her dog is wigging the fuck out, wouldn’t let anyone near him, and how the dog has to go to another state instead of whatever the original plan was.
Last I heard I guess one of Person A’s friends called and spoke with the trainer and they said they told their staff to leave him alone and let him calm down, so that’s good? I got the sense the dog was just wigging out because it was an unfamiliar environment and the poor pooch is a nervous wreck. I’d freak out too if someone pulled me from my home and placed me in an unfamiliar environment with no explanation.
Anyway, seeing how upset and heartsick Person A was made me want to cry because I have BEEN THERE with Zoe. Obviously I haven’t rehomed her, but I’ve thought about it when things were really bad. I’ve had nervous breakdowns over her issues. It’s a constant struggle. I GET it.
And I just wish there was more I could do for Person A and their pup besides from offering understanding, empathy and a shoulder to cry on. And I can’t and I hate it.
I wish all of the “adopt, don’t shop” crazies who believe that “all you need is love” to help a dog and all of the rescues and shelters who don’t disclose a dog’s issues or previous history and who are just lookin’ to make a buck could read Person A’s post and feel their heartbreak.
I get not wanting to scare off potential adopters, but you gotta make the right match with the right owner. Person A wanted an easy-going family dog, a Potcake was NOT going to be that, ever.
Not being honest and being greedy AF and luring good-hearted people in with sob stories is only fucking over the dogs. Not everyone is like me and will rise to the challenge of owning a “project dog.” Hell, there have been days where I barely manage to deal with Zoe’s issues. It’s not easy and it’s a constant source of anxiety and stress for me.
So yea. I don’t know where I’m going with this rant. I just feel really bad for Person A and their dog and I wish there was more I could do to help.