Boomer is back again. When I checked my email Saturday evening I found a note from Collie Rescue who had just found out that Boomer was being returned due to sudden changes in the health of his new parents. By Sunday afternoon he was back on familiar ground with us.
Since his original owner died last summer, he spent almost half a year with me. His sister went to a home that has been a great match. Boomie was coveted by a couple on the coast and went off with them for a trial run at being a surfer dog in Santa Cruz. They loved him but the cat was a deal breaker. To be truthful, Boomer catching the cat and shaking it, was a deal breaker. Back he came.
A few weeks later an older couple with grandchildren and family support felt he was the dog they had always dreamed of. He has been with them since late November. They love him, but! The family Patriarch is in failing health and tripped and fell over Boomer who was sleeping at the foot of their bed. They made the decision that a dog was too big a commitment in their lives as they are now.
When they took Boomer they promised to keep me informed how he was doing and send me photos of him in his new home. Nichts, Niet, Nada! Not one word, although the Rescue Group persisted in getting in touch with them. By Sunday evening they had suddenly found my contact info and asked that I tell them he was O.K.
I emailed back that he was fine, which was true. I thanked them for loving him for a short while and wished them well so that they would feel less guilty.
What I decide to say and what I think are not always one and the same.
When I got my German Shepherd, the Rescue worker told me that her previous owners had planned to 'leave her on the beach, so that someone would pick her up.' Their rationale was that she loved the beach so much, she'd be sure to be picked up by someone who had the same values.
ReplyDeleteI swear, some humans should not own a pet rock.
I think your kindness will be rewarded some day. The kindness in dealing with the people who decided to return Boomer and the kindness to provide a foster home for Boomer to come back to.
ReplyDeleteOh dear. How unfair for Boomer. While I do understand the adopters concerns, I just never, never ever thought of any of my animals as "throwaway at my convenience." All my cats are adopted and I have two adopted horses. They are my responsibility. Accomodations are made should I not be able to take care of them myself. Hopefully I won't trip over them any more than normal, but all that means is that I need to find a way to watch my step.
ReplyDelete'Nough said. Thank goodness you are there to take Boomer back in. While it's not the ideal solution for anyone, including Boomer, at least he has a place to go.
Here's hoping Boomer finds a "forever" home with people who can make the lifetime committment to him he so deserves.
Welcome home Boomer?
ReplyDeleteIt's a dogs life sometimes hen. Boomer is more comfortable in your company it would seem.
ReplyDeleteER, you've got a very kind heart. Not just for taking him back, but for recognizing when it's pointless and even unkind to say what you think. This is a true test of one's mettle!
ReplyDeleteDoesn't sound like you needed anything more on your plate just now, but there is a place in doggie heaven for you for sure. And horse heaven. And French artist heaven. And blogger heaven. Man, I don't envy you that decision when the time comes.
Poor Boomer! Past from pillar to post! I can sense your frustration - how can someone not realize what a huge commitment looking after an animal is before they make the decision to take them in? Do people really not have the capacity to think things through anymore?
ReplyDeleteI think Boomer's trying to tell you something. Do you think you'll keep him?
ReplyDelete... so... looks like you have a new dog then!? :-)
ReplyDeleteHow politic of you.
ReplyDeleteAnd Boomer's got the life of Riley...
(and no lie, my word verif: spayeds)
Always good to be on high moral ground in case of a fecal tsunami.
ReplyDeleteSilliyak, I don't know if I get points for high moral ground. It was a mixture of ingrained English manners, not burning bridges with people who donate to rescue organizations and the conclusion that they are idiots and I would be wasting my breath.
ReplyDeletePliers, You got it, in every sense!
Poor fella, how unsettling for him. At least he has the familiarity of you to return to. You don't think he's meant to stay with you?
ReplyDeletePoor Boomer. He's such a great looking dog. Each to his own I supose, but I could never imagine taking a dog then giving it up. Once I have a pet it is for life. Boomer is better off with you and somehow I think he should stay permanently with you too.
ReplyDeleteYou are a saint for taking in these lost souls.
Dave, My home is not ideal for Boomer. I have to keep him separate from my older dog, except when supervised. Sometimes he wants to play rough and she is fragile, so he spends hours in the garage when I am not here. I also have to walk him separately, faster, longer etc. The time commitment is more than doubled. I drive 30 miles round trip at lunch time daily to take Boomer out.
ReplyDeleteJoanna, I couldn't imagine letting him go to another unfamiliar foster home. He can stay here until he finds his forever home.
ReplyDeleteDi and Watercats, my answer to Dave will explain why I can't consider keeping Boomer. My first duty is to my old Diva.
ReplyDeleteSteve, You would think, as adults, people would know that turning a dream into a reality takes some work. I think they were clueless. (Most charitable interpretation).
ReplyDeleteDeborah, "French Artist Heaven"? Kicking and screaming and digging my heels in all the way. Perish the thought!
ReplyDeleteJimmy, at least he's not one of those roan spaniels with a Cavalier prefix. (Did I guess right?)
ReplyDelete@eloh, thanks for the thought.
ReplyDeleteJean, nothing I can add to that reasoning.
TechnoBabe, I often find myself before the question "How could I not?" It is between myself and I, no reward required.
Merry, there is no punishment severe enough for idiots like that and the scary thing is that they are permitted to reproduce. Hi to your dog who got a lucky break thanks to you.
ReplyDeletepoor Boomer; Benno says to tell him that he knows all about that sort of thing and that Boomer should keep his spirits up and his tail wagging. One day he'll find a home where he is both wanted and a realistic proposition.
ReplyDeleteIn the meantime, he has his kind and generous horse lady to look after him.
How about renaming him Boomerang?
Friko, Boomer might get another name entirely. He doesn't recognize that we might not need to go for our walk at 6am on a Saturday. Thank Benno for his kind thoughts.
ReplyDeletePoor Boomer. If I were closer, I'd take him.
ReplyDeleteMichelle, thanks for the offer. He will find his destiny one day.
ReplyDeleteI am keeping Boomer (and you) in my thoughts. I told my husband about him just in case he works with someone who loves Collies. You never know how things can work out.
ReplyDeleteIn reading more of Boomer's story I realize that he could not live with us...with three indoor and three outdoor cats. But I do think you are right that he will find his destiny and I think you are WONDERFUL for providing care and shelter for him until that day comes. Bless you for that.
Lydia, Thanks for thinking of us. Boomer's extra time with me is being well spent. I have been working hard desensitizing him to trucks. We call it treats for trucks.
ReplyDeleteThere is a quarry with a continual flow of heavy, thundering trucks nearby and we have to brave that stretch of road to get out of our little area and find room to walk every day. Boomie used to go crazy, lunging and barking and now he hears a truck and looks to me. I try to always be between him and the road and he will stay relaxed and accept treats as the trucks go by. I think I'm training some truck drivers too. Over time, they seem to slow down as they see me working with the dog. Truck Whisperer?