Impossible decision: any COTH magic available?

[SteppinEasy]

Let me say up-front that I'm not entirely sure what I'm looking for by posting this. Emotional support would be great, but part of me is also hoping that COTH has some magic lying around that it would be willing to send my way.

To make a long story short, I'm moving in two weeks and the older barn dogs I inherited when my parents died simply can't come with me. Because of financial concerns, I'm having to move into a friend's house, and while she is willing to let me bring my own dog, she's not willing to take on the farm dogs, too.

I've been looking for a home for these boys for over a year, but haven't had any takers because of their ages (10 and 9). They're healthy, neutered, happy, housebroken, and well-behaved. They have a lot of good years left.

BUT, if I can't find a home for them by the time I have to leave, I'm going to have to put them to sleep. They haven't been off the farm for anything other than vet care since they were babies, and I won't put them through the trauma of the pound, where it's likely they would be pts anyway.

Logically, I know it would be the right thing to do. The KIND thing to do. But emotionally, I'm struggling. I've cried for the past year over the fear that I've let my parents down by not being able to keep the farm...I can't imagine the guilt I'm going to feel if I have to end their beloved boys' lives.:(:(

I have them listed here with more information in the Giveaways forum: http://www.chronicleforums.com/Forum/showthread.php?p=4295237#post4295237

I've also contacted our local all-breed rescue as well as the local chapter of the Aussie rescue. Both are full and can't take either dog, although representatives have met both boys and said that in any other economic situation these guys would be easy to place because of their looks and dispositions.

[pintopiaffe]

I will be hoping and praying that CotH magic works and giveways finds a home...

But I also understand where you are at, and think that it is not the most unkind decision. Impossible, COMPLETELY. And not one any one of us would want to make. But not the most unkind. :cry:

My will stipulates my old girl be put down if one of two people can't take her/care for her. Which gets some folks up in arms. But at 22 she owes me NOTHING, and I owe her everything, and a quick and humane end is far better than some alternatives for an old broodie with a cracked pelvis and a wee bit of attitude (which *I* think is endearing, but maybe someone else, not so much... ) If she were hurt, or a person hurt trying to ride her or something... there are far worse ends. :sadsmile:

I had the same stipulation for my Special Dog, as I really couldn't expect very many people to put up with a sometimes incontinent, always *special* guy who was a little MR and a lot physically disabled. Blessedly, he died in my arms last November. :sadsmile:

I am so sorry you're in this position. :cry: Thoughts and prayers.

[Woodland]

There is a program in my area called "Seniors for Seniors" where they match up elderly dogs with elderly owners.. Please contact your local humane societies, vets, and elder advocates for information onthese programs - they are life saves for dogs and their adopters!

If you did not live so far away I would consider taking them - but KY even though it abuts IL - is an 8+ trip just to touch your boarder!

Best of luck!

[danceronice]

If it were a month and a half later than today, I'd consider a car trip. :( But I don't have the house yet and am still in MA...I'm planning on getting a dog, preferably one used to being outdoors, but really don't want the puppy hassle...

Please see my post in the Giveaway thread...I even have an excuse to head KY way once I'm moved as I have a friend in Louisville.

I have to be crazy but Puffy sounds like our old dog. I just wish the dates were more in sync....

[FatPalomino]

I posted on the giveaway post---
you can keep us a last resort for your dogs. We're all the way in Colorado, and in the process of moving.... but... if it's meant to me.

[SteppinEasy]

Thanks guys, I appreciate it. More than you can know.:)

Woodland, a situation like that would be absolutely ideal for Patches, especially! Do you know if it's a national organization? I've talked with every organization, vet, etc. in my area (rural Eastern KY, but I'm moving to Lexington) and no one's been much help. Patches would LOVE an elderly person more than anything. He spent months being deeply depressed after my mom died. Not that he wouldn't love anyone who would love him, but he's just used to the elderly.

[shakeytails]

SteppinEasy- I posted in your giveaway thread.

Danceronice- I'd be more than happy to take one or both of these dogs for a little while. Louisville is only about an hour's drive for me!

[vineyridge]

If all else fails, they can come join Daisy if we can get them here.

[SteppinEasy]

Viney, I'm not sure they would be all that happy to see her, lol! Daisy's best friend, Teeko, on the other hand...;) Teeko is "officially" a neighbor's dog, but as far as I can tell, he never goes home and I'm the only one who feeds him. His vet (the owners do take him for shots once a year) has even told me she's worried about what's going to happen to him when I leave and has encouraged me to try and find him a home...like I need another problem. Sigh. I was planning on dumping him off at his owner's home when I leave and telling them they needed to take care of him from now on. That's assuming they still live there and didn't just abandon him at my place.

Is Daisy still doing well?

[BabyGreen]

Forgive me for asking, but how come you had to sell the farm?

[BuddyRoo]

Sounds like you've got some options. Will be jingling for you.

I'm sorry for the loss of your parents.

[RainyDayRide]

Forgive me for asking, but how come you had to sell the farm?

gee, that question seems more than a bit intrusive to me.

OP, good luck on finding the critters safe landing.

[SteppinEasy]

I'm not sure why it's even remotely relevant, Baby Green, but here's the story. My father died very unexpectedly several years ago, leaving it to me to take over the care of my elderly mother.

When my mother died last year after a long and terrible illness, I became unemployed and then was hit with medical bills that the best insurance money can buy DIDN'T pay. It ended up being over $300,000. While I'm not personally liable, thank God, it does mean I won't inherit anything from my parents. I simply can't afford to keep the farm.

I'm blessed to be starting a new job in a new town soon. I'm blessed that my wonderful instructor has made it possible for me to keep my senior but healthy horses by finding leases for them until I'm back on my feet. I'm blessed to not be homeless, which seemed like a distinct possibility at one time. The dogs are all that's left to worry about.

Thanks everyone, for the support, help and prayers, here and in the PMs. I really mean it when I say that you can't imagine how much I appreciate it. I am an only (living) child, so the past few years have been a nightmare; it's nice to know people still care about others.

[Summit Springs Farm]

Jingles for you and the pups, good luck with your new situation.

[3horsemom]

i just wanted to add my prayers for you and the dogs. good luck and godspeed to you all.

[Whitfield Farm Hanoverians]

How about the new owners of the farm keeping the dogs? Would that work?

[nashfad]

Have you found a place for them? They are Australian Shepherds, yes? Where in KY are you?

[SteppinEasy]

The new owner of the farm is a developer, not a farmer, unfortunately, so no chance of leaving them here.

Puff, the mutt, has found a home, but I'm still looking for Patches, the Aussie. He's black and white and absolutely adorable, but he really needs a mostly indoor home where he can curl up and be adored. He's quiet and very, very loving.

I'm about an hour east of Lexington right now, but will be commuting to Lexington until I move there permanently.

[danceronice]

Let's hear it for the commuter jobs....

I linked to the Giveaway thread from my LJ friends list--quite a few animal lovers on there and I'm hoping one needs a new dog...

[Zu Zu]

Jingles for Patches and you ~ and Puff in his new home.

[tx3dayeventer]

Sent you a PM from warm Texas concerning Patches

[Zu Zu]

Bumping this up ! Did Patches find his forever home yet? AO Always Optimistic !

[kookicat]

What a sucky situation. :(

I really hope this works out well for you!

[danceronice]

When last I heard from the OP, she was going to be talking to tx3dayeventer about Patches. Good vibes are being sent.

And yeah. Puff's going to come to MI if things go as planned. So everyone cross your fingers for my home inspection and the second seller's attorney to get all the papers in order so I can get this done and have a place to put him (and my cats, who'll be staying with Mom and Dad until then and will want a new home, and a doggy big brother whether they like it or not!)

[vineyridge]

Daisy has settled in quite nicely as a house dog. She's beginning to blossom, so I expect to see her real personality in just a few more weeks. I'm delighted with her. But I'm waiting for the explosion when her dominance and the Chessie's dominance meet at the hallway door.

Teeko could come here and lighten up the bitch pack, but we'd have to find a way to get him here.

[Zu Zu]

Jingles for Puff and Patches and all involved in this re-location. Good Luck ! AO ~ ~Always Optimistic!!!

[SteppinEasy]

I haven't heard from the person who was interested in Patches for awhile (no negative thoughts implied there--it took me forever to be able to post pics, so she might have found another dog in the meantime:)), so I'm assuming Patches is still looking for another home. PM me and I'd be happy to send pics of the cute little guy. Not sure if I'm allowed to post them here.

Viney, send me a PM or email and I'll send you a picture of Teeko. He's not neutered but that's an easy fix. He's a character.

[danceronice]

Mentioned in the other thread, Puff and I will be traveling from Kentucky to southwest Michigan and I could give Patches a lift to a new home in that direction at the same time...

[fivehorses]

I hope Viney can and will take teeko...sounds like he will become an abondened dog if Viney doesn't take him.
what about patches, and when is the date you have to move these dogs?

Can we get transport for them?
Who here on coth is in touch with transporters?

[SteppinEasy]

I have to be moved by Sept. 19 at the absolute latest, but I'm hoping to move before then. I'm contacting shakeytails to see if fostering for a few weeks is still an option.

Teeko would have a great home with vineyridge; she kindly took my white GSDx when she was in KY for Rolex and that has turned out really well. Teeko and Daisy would LOVE to be reunited. If a way can be made to get him there, that would be the perfect solution.

Unfortunately, Patches would NOT love to be reunited with Daisy. He needs a more sedate home with less rambunctious companions. He's not ancient-acting by any means, but he gets irritated with constant rough play.;)

[monstrpony]

See my post in the givaways forum--I have two other dogs, but they are not youngsters and I think I could fit another into the heirarchy.

[tx3dayeventer]

Steppin-

I have emailed you back a few times.

My mom would LOVE to take Patches, we just need to find a way to get him to Texas.

I was on vacation last week when I got your email with the pictures, my stupid iPhone would not open them.

[vineyridge]

Elizabeth, if Teeko's owners (or former owners) approve, is there any way we could meet half way? I've picked up a dog from Ohio at the rest stop south of Elizabethtown on I-65, and we bonded over ribs at the Mammoth Cave campground. :) This was years ago, and Eddie Mouse died of cancer five or six years ago.

I really don't care what he looks like if he needs a home and gets along well with other dogs. Although adding another one to the truck riding crew will crowd us mightily. Gotta get that monitor out of the back seat. :D

[shakeytails]

Elizabeth, if Teeko's owners (or former owners) approve, is there any way we could meet half way? I've picked up a dog from Ohio at the rest stop south of Elizabethtown on I-65, and we bonded over ribs at the Mammoth Cave campground. :) This was years ago, and Eddie Mouse died of cancer five or six years ago.

I e-mailed Steppin'Easy- hopefully she can get the dogs to my DH this afternoon (He's working near Lexington) and they'll be at my place tonight. The nice thing about my location is that I'm close to both I-65 and the Western Kentucky Parkway. I'm just a half hour from that particular rest stop near E-town if I take a couple of back roads.

[vineyridge]

Well, I'm in for sure. Shakeytails, it will be next weekend before I can make the road trip, if that's okay with you. I'll need to cook for the bonding. Oops, just remembered that this coming weekend is Labor Day, and I'm not getting on the highways on the end of summer holiday. Too many beer drinkers driving, or so I fear.

I could take Patches on a leg of his trip toward Texas at the same time if someone could do another leg from Memphis or east Arkansas or North Louisiana. I don't know where in Texas tx3dayeventer is, but I can help with some more transportation west of here. The two possible interstates are I-40 to I-30 toward Dallas and I-20.

I just looked at a map, and it looks as if Texarkana would be a good meeting place if Tx3dayeventer can make the drive there for a dog transfer. It appears to be about half way for both of us--300 miles each. Of course, if we have anyone in between who could do a leg, that would be wonderful.

[scrtwh]

How wonderful ... Stepping Easy, so sorry for the situation that you have found yourself in. No one should have to make these kind of choices ...

[tx3dayeventer]

I am down in San Antonio. Just moved back and start my new job next week. Texarkana is about 7.5 hours from me, right at 460 miles (the KHP in Lexington is right at 19 hours from me).

I saw on the Giveaway forum that there was an older couple that RVd (was it Boomer's parents??) that are in West Virginia that could get him from Kentucky. Or Monstrpony in NC. If that is easier for everyone then that would work for us. If no one closer to Patches than us will take him we can totally work out a transport train :D

I dont want to be selfish and make lots of work for other people if there is someone closer that wants him.

Is this coming out right??? We would LOVE to have him but feel horrible putting out tons of people when there are closer options that would be equally as good as our place. I dont want Steppin to feel obliged to send him to me just because I was the first to offer him a home. If there is a great home closer to him now, please let him go there. :yes: But if one is not found we will work out a transport train for him to Texas.

Our door is open to him and we can figure something out. Just let me know.

[vineyridge]

If nothing else works out, maybe some of the Texas people who will be showing at the Horse Park would be willing to open a spot in their trucks or trailers for him. I know some will be at Kentucky Classique, per posts on the eventing forum.

[tx3dayeventer]

If nothing else works out, maybe some of the Texas people who will be showing at the Horse Park would be willing to open a spot in their trucks or trailers for him. I know some will be at Kentucky Classique, per posts on the eventing forum.

Only problem there is that it was this past weekend. :( We will work something out :yes:

[monstrpony]

Well, it looks like Patches is coming to me!!!!!

(where's the happy-dance smiley!?!)

Doing COTH magic is SO much fun!

It's only about 4-5 hrs between here and Lexington, Steppin and I can meet half-way or so, so it will be fairly easy on everyone and no relay needed. And I think he will fit in with my other two quite nicely!

[danceronice]

I *think*, according to shakey, the dogs should be in Elizabethtown now. I'm not picking up Puff for another few weeks as I'm still in the moving process (whoopee) and I think Steppin was at her limit for how long she could wait to move them. So pickup/meeting would be from there.

[tx3dayeventer]

Well, it looks like Patches is coming to me!!!!!

(where's the happy-dance smiley!?!)

Doing COTH magic is SO much fun!

It's only about 4-5 hrs between here and Lexington, Steppin and I can meet half-way or so, so it will be fairly easy on everyone and no relay needed. And I think he will fit in with my other two quite nicely!

WOOOOHOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Way less stressful on the little guy!!! I am SO excited for you! You will have to keep us updated on him!

I am so glad you are getting him! I am a touch sad that we wont be but my happiness for you overrides that! :D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

[vineyridge]

Congratulations, Monstrpony! If he's anywhere as nice as Daisy (and I was expecting a devil), you'll be in dog heaven. :yes:

[shakeytails]

Minor change in transport plans, so Puff and Teeko aren't here yet. Hopefully by the end of the week, though!

Congrats, Monstrpony! And DH will be happy that he only has to share his truck with two new dogs rather than three! When I first told him about the plans- he had to remind me about when he picked up Sunshine (full grown chow/goldenX) and she tried to sit on his lap the whole way home as he was trying to drive on twisty curvey back roads.

[danceronice]

UPDATE!

Thanks to shakeytails's generous fostering, Puff is now safely at his new home in Michigan. I stopped in Louisville on my way home from a dance competition, and shakeytails met me and my friend who was hosting me for the handoff. After a long, long car trip, he is now asleep at my feet after his first full day at home. He is totally buffaloed by my big kitty, who has gone from growling to just enjoying his newfound power over the dog. He's still a little nervous, and is working on this leash thing (I live much too close to the road to take him out without one until he knows the boundaries better) but he's such a sweetheart, my friend's husband wanted to keep him! (He offered to trade three cats, but I passed.) Steppin, I sent you a PM here, but I thought I'd bump this thread for the benefit of several readers, and to thank you for trusting me with him, and shakeytails for fostering for so long!

[Zu Zu]

What a grand ending to this story of re-homing ! Congratulations to everyone involved - GREAT JOB !!!! Loved the update ~ enjoy Mr. Puff !

[shakeytails]

I was just going to e-mail you for an update! Two of the three Corgis miss him- Jordan watches the door for a third dog to emerge, and Velma's pouting. I asked her "Where's Puff?" and she gave me a dirty look.

I'm so glad that you got home safely and that you like him. He's such a good dog and really no trouble at all. I'm hoping he settles in as easily with you as he did with us. To be honest, we really didn't want to give him up (as you probably figured out), but after meeting you and your friend our fears diminished. It's funny how people can get attached to a dog in such a short period of time.

Have you gotten him a big bag of cookies yet? The Puffster loooooves cookies!

[danceronice]

Right now he is still kind of "eh" on eating much of anything (so along with kibble he is getting browned hamburger with rice, which he does eat--when Molly comes this weekend he's going to have to learn to eat faster, though, or she will scarf the leftovers), and he did eat one cookie last night. At Laurie's the first night he chowed down on the pig's ear I brought, so I got a bag of pig's ear treats for him--SteppinEasy had said that was a favorite and considering how fast the first one went I'm going to have to make that a regular shopping trip thing.

Since Puff is now a welcome house guest at Laurie's (her husband proclaimed him the best dog ever), next time I head to Louisville I'll let you know and you can visit! Or any time you're up in the SW MI/NW IN area, the door's always open! I love having guests. (The cats don't, but they can deal.)

[shakeytails]

Oh, I forgot to tell you. He's used to free choice food (I think SteppinEasy fed him that way too) so he may not eat a "meal". He started eating well here after a couple of days once he got used to the routine so don't stress too much about it.

[sunico]

COTH really IS magic!!! What a fabulous end to a thread that had me crying at the first post!!!

[danceronice]

Almost-a-year update!

Yes, thread necromancy here, but just an update. A year later and Puff is still happily ensconced with me. He now has a BHT Pembroke Corgi as a housemate, can go in the yard unleashed, is in love with the girl next door (who apparently gives the best butt-scritches ever.) He still isn't a fan of car trips, but loves going to visit 'Molly's house' (my parents' dog) where he can run on 120 acres. No one can believe he's as old as he is. Again, a big thank you to Steppin for trusting a complete stranger with her family's beloved pet, and to shakey for fostering to get him to his new home.

[Bells]

Such a great update! I love stories like this:)

[belleellis]

AH. I missed this the first time around but man it made me cry. What a beautiful thing in the end.
When my dad died we moved into a condo and had to rehome my 3 dogs (I was 13 years old). I still miss those dogs and wonder/hope they got good homes. Beautiful that ya'll opened your doors and shakeytails gets to keep track of them.

[Pennywell Bay]

You guys are the best. This is an awesome story!!

[IndysMom]

It's people like you that renew my belief in this country and the people who live there. Your place in heaven is rock solid.

[Long Spot]

Thanks for the bump, dancer. For one, I missed it the first time around. I love Coth stories like this one.

[baysngreys]

Dancer, thanks for the update.
I helped the little Aussie, Patches, with a ride on his way to his new home with Monstrpony last year. He was such nice company on the drive from KY to NC.

Unfortunately due to complications of old age, he has passed on since then, but spent his last few months being groomed and loved and spoiled.

I'll always remember talking to him on the ride home, reaching back to give him a reassuring pat and telling him how wonderful his new home would be.
The power of COTH is truly a blessed thing.

[danceronice]

Oh, I'm sad to hear that about Patches. Puff acts half his age much of the time. He also has 'his' chair (there are two, one is EXACTLY like the other, but that is not HIS CHAIR so he can't sit on it even if no one is there and I have to boot a cat off it for him.) He also is deeply concerned about kittens. He needs to make sure they're okay. Whether they want it or not.

Just hoped Steppin and shakey might see it, and figured we could use a reminder about COTH saves that work out!

[shakeytails]

I was just thinking about Puff yesterday. The picture ornament you sent me sits on top of my TV. I'd been meaning to ask you about him but didn't partly because I didn't want to bug you, and mostly because he's not a young dog I was afraid of bad news. I'm thrilled that he's doing well!

Another dog was the last thing I needed at the time, but something just made me want to help. After a couple of days with him both DH and I were really kinda hoping you'd change your mind. DH went from a slightly grouchy "How long are we going to have this dog?" to "Do we really have to give him up?" in about a week. I'm so happy that he's loved and spoiled rotten. Does he still ask for a cookie anytime someone comes in the house, like my Corgis taught him?

[danceronice]

Lol, my friend's husband (of the lady who was driving when we picked him up) did that in twenty MINUTES! Seriously, he went from "He's not gonna bug the cats, is he?" to "I'll trade you the other three cats for the dog." And you were so generous to help, and to drive all over Louisville trying to meet us!

And yes, and he's got MY Corgi doing it! Of course my Corgi is F-A-T fat and does not NEED cookies, or probably to be taught to beg. Someone did a stellar job on that before she wound up in the pound.

[danceronice]

I don't know whether I should put this here or the "it's not a rabbit" thread but Mr. "old dog" last night decided that he should bring me a possum! (Mercifully, a small juvenile that played dead very nicely.) What on EARTH he planned to do with it or how Puff managed to corner and grab it I do not know. I yelled at him to drop it, got a shovel, and tossed it into the woods. (Yes, we also now have the answer to "Can I bludgeon a possum to death?" And it's...well, no.)