I took my posts down about Sheba’s new home because I thought they smacked of hypocrisy — like they were presenting me as the saint/martyr who painfully gave up her dog solely for the dog’s own good.
I hate hypocrisy in anyone, and especially hate it in myself.
The fact is, Ron and I tried for 3 years to be good dog parents to Sheba. We do very well with small lap dogs. But we always knew we weren’t providing Sheba with the exercise and stimulation she needs. And it was wearing us out in the process.
We finally reached the end of our ability to keep giving. We kept her for 3 years because we truly do love her and want the best for her. But the overriding consideration in our giving her up was our own well-being.
Ron is in his 70’s, I am in my late 60’s, and caring for Sheba was exhausting us.
Since she is in her new home, Ron and I are almost giddy with the freedom. We are so much more relaxed. The Casita feels huge. And little Sunny is happier than we have seen him in a long time. We have time to spend with him now, and he is petted and indulged and made to feel like a little king. He’s our baby boy again. 🙂
And Sheba — she is truly in doggie paradise.
I got a text today from the new owner and Sheba is sleeping with her daughter in bed now!
And I’ll repost the email I got from her the day after they adopted her:
Sheba was understandably confused when she got here and other than some hand treats, did not want to eat last night. We introduced her around and walked her all over the farm as well. She spent the night in the house although settled in an out of the way spot to sleep.
Today was much better for her and she played, ran, jumped, ate, drank, and was petted all day. She has barked at strange happenings appropriately and stopped as soon as she saw that we were there to investigate.
She loves the goats! But we have not allowed them free time in the same pen as yet. She longs to be at the stable with all the animals and activity with us and begs to go back when we get back to the house…lol.
I believe that she will settle in our little farm with no problems and that she will be happy here with us. I know she made each of us happy and we are very grateful to you for trusting us with her.
One more little tidbit…the puppy loves her and wants to play but she is not so sure about him as yet. To be safe with all of the animals (cats and chicken in particular) when she is with us in that part of the farm, we put a long line on her to be able to stop a chase if necessary, the pup has figured out that Sheba is attached to the line and he (about 9 weeks old) leads her around. In time, I believe those two will be the best of friends!
Have no concern for your sweet girl, she will be loved and well cared for.
I have experienced a couple of nights of deep depression at giving Sheba up. But the overriding sense of freedom and knowing that Sheba is in doggie heaven is my overriding emotion.
And that’s the whole truth — no hypocrisy! And I will be able to enjoy our new freedom even more since my sense of deception is off my chest! I thought about it and realized I had originally posted fact, but I had not presented truth. 🙂
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