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02-20-2010, 05:24 AM | #1 |
YT Addict Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Shelby Twp, MI
Posts: 278
| Please help - facing the hardest decision of my life This is going to be long, so please bare with me as I'm typing with tears and a heavy heart. I'm a flight attendant who is usually gone about half the month, so JoJo stays with family while I'm gone. The days I'm home he is glued to me 24/7. He loves me with all his heart and I love him 1,000 times more. When I first got him it was with the understanding that the days I was gone he would be looked after by my boyfriend whom I lived with, but we are no longer together. It's not easy being a single girl with this career and having a young dog, but I make it work. In the past year or so, tons of changes have been happening at my job due to a merger of 2 major airlines (mine being the one acquired), and we could possibly lose our union representation. There is rumor that should we lose our union, many of us may lose our jobs. Because of this, after a long and hard consideration, I decided to go back to school so that I'll have an education to fall back on to pursue other avenues, if I needed to. At first I was excited by the thought of going to school, and even decided to pursue a degree in nursing. As I was happily applying for financial aid, and excitedly applying for enrollment, it suddenly hit me. What's going to happen to JoJo while I'm away from home 1/2 the month for work AND going to school full-time? I can't believe it never occured to me before. I was too caught up in myself to think about his well-being and care. I know many people do it with a dog, but what does that do to their quality of life? It's not fair to them...nor would it be to JoJo. I can't believe my fingers are going to type this next sentence... But I'm now facing the most agonizing decision of giving my beloved JoJo away. It's hard to convey emotion via writing, but I am crying so hard right now it's hard to see straight. I love him with all my heart and all my soul. I don't have children yet, so he IS my baby. I kiss him over 100 times a day. I don't think an hour goes by that I don't tell him I love him. My heart aches when I don't see him for a couple days...heck, even a short run to the grocery store makes me miss him. So how would I ever EVER be able to give him away?? If I don't pursue my education, I could very well end up unemployed and broke and still be forced to give him up due to not being able to care for him financially. I'm so torn, agonized, distraught...and my heart is aching more than it's ever ached before. People tell me he's just a dog...I don't care...I love him more than anything in this world!! I keep praying to God to please help me make this decision and take some of this pain from my heart. I just don't know what to do! I'm feeling so incredibly guilty...guilty for taking this little guy into my heart and forcing myself into his...only to possibly rip myself from him and making him feel like I don't love him anymore. He is only 1 1/2 years old...he's still a baby. Oh God, I can't stop crying. What I do know, however, is that I feel this site is a blessing for me. Although I don't know what to do or how I'm going to do it, I do know one thing: Many of the people on this site are incredibly amazing. I've never seen such love for one's pets as much as I see here. Before I found YT, I wouldn't have been able to tell the difference between someone from here with a good reputation looking for a Yorkie and some random person looking for one on Craigslist. Nor would I have considered what type of care or environment a person could give a dog as much as I would today. With that being said... If I come to the decision of rehoming JoJo (I had to pause after typing that out...I'm just a wreck right now), I would like him to go to a YT member. I would like for him to keep his name, and I would like this person to keep me updated on him forever. But above all, I would require he goes to a loving, caring forever home where he would thrive and never be sad. I would not be looking for any rehoming fees, or costs of any sort...I would only require he goes to a GOOD home...and ONLY to a reputable member here. Would my requests be reasonable? Would I be asking too much? I don't know much of anything right now, I only know my heart is breaking in a million pieces and I'm so torn and hurting so much. I hope this post is not inappropriate in any way...I just need help deciding and determining what's best - not for me, but for JoJo. Keeping him would keep this joy that he brings me in my heart, but it would also mean a diminished quality of life for him if I enroll in school, and I just cannot do that to him. It wouldn't be fair to him! I'm begging for help...advice...anything. Please!
__________________ Mommy to JoJo, my heart and soul!!! |
Welcome Guest! | |
02-20-2010, 05:39 AM | #2 |
Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Where the deer and the antelope play
Posts: 7,069
| I can tell how difficult this is for you and and I am sorry you are having to make this decision. Is your family not willing to help you (long term) until you have more certanties about school or your job?
__________________ Shelly and the girls Moka Mylee |
02-20-2010, 05:43 AM | #3 |
YT Addict Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Armada, Michigan
Posts: 387
| Some ideas would be to give him to a retired couple who don't travel and just want the companionship of JoJo but can't afford a Yorkie right now. Another would be with family that know how you feel about him and could give him the care you'd like to give. This would let you see him every so often, too. DO NOT give him to anyone in a CG ad. He might be sold 10 minutes after they got him. DO NOT give him to an older person who might not outlive him. One trauma is enough. I have a daughter, 26, who is in nursing and also works as a CNA at a hospital. She's gone 14 hours at a time on work days and then most of the day with classes or study sessions with other girls in the class. There is just no time for a Yorkie, or even a hamster. So I completely understand where you are sitting right now. That's why I have Reesie with me and when nursing classes are finished I dare my daughter to try to take her back. |
02-20-2010, 05:46 AM | #4 |
YT Addict Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Shelby Twp, MI
Posts: 278
| Thank you Cha Cha. My family adores JoJo, but unfortunately no one is in the position of taking him full-time. My dad did for a couple months while I was in the process of moving, but it was really hard on him as he's older and sick. Outside of my immediate family, others in my family aren't "dog" people. JoJo has been especially clingy to me this morning. I really hope he can't sense the pain in my heart.
__________________ Mommy to JoJo, my heart and soul!!! |
02-20-2010, 05:56 AM | #5 |
Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Delaware
Posts: 2,663
| Jojo is adorable and I am sure a bundle of joy. You said your family has been kind enough to take care of him while you are away. Is there anyway they would be able to extend their care-taking if you should decide to go back to school? How about offering them financial assistance while you're in school (if possible) and then that way when you are done with school, you can get him back. Years ago, when I first got my stray kitten, I lived in a apartment that didn't allow pets. I was faced with the agonizing decision of having to give her away. But I couldn't do it. I was in the process of looking for another apartment because I couldn't give my cat away. For me it worked out because the apartment manager let me keep her, of course I lost my deposit. I know how tough it is to go to school and work full-time. It is very time consuming. I would work from 7-4:00pm and then attend classes from 6-10pm. I didn't get home until sometimes 11:00 at night only too get up and do it all over again. I did this for almost 4 years. On weekends and nights off from class, I did homework. I can feel how much you love him through your post and if I lived closer I would take him in a heartbeat. |
02-20-2010, 06:23 AM | #6 |
Furbutts = LOVE Donating Member Moderator | Your post was truly from the heart . JoJo is just adorable. It is so clear how much you love him. I so wish there was a way to keep you together. Only you can decide if the right thing for JoJo is to find him a new, forever home. If that *is* the right thing, and if now is the time - then I admire you for not doing CraigsList - and instead, going through YT, and being as picky as *you* choose/need to be. Until the right home "feels" right...you wouldn't have to make a single move. You also can view peoples' posting history *right* here - you sure can learn a whoooole lot about folks here . Very helpful and insightful. You're making a decision that I can't imagine...my advice would be take it slowly. That said, if you've already made it - i.e., if you already know in your heart that he must be re-homed and that what's best for him -- then I really do think YT could potentially be a great place for you to find a match for this sweetpea.
__________________ ~ A friend told me I was delusional. I nearly fell off my unicorn. ~ °¨¨¨°ºOº°¨¨¨° Ann | Pfeiffer | Marcel Verdel Purcell | Wylie | Artie °¨¨¨°ºOº°¨¨¨° |
02-20-2010, 07:10 AM | #7 |
Izzy's Momma Too! Donating Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Stuart, Florida
Posts: 8,799
| Awww I'm so sorry that you're facing all of this I'd be willing to take him until you are more settled, then give him back to you, but I'm pretty far from you in Florida Maybe someone here that's closer would be willing to foster him until you are more sure of what's going on? Good luck, and BIG hugs to you and JoJo. He's just too adorable!
__________________ Tracy, Mom to Izzy and Luna |
02-20-2010, 07:43 AM | #8 | |
Furbutts = LOVE Donating Member Moderator | Quote:
__________________ ~ A friend told me I was delusional. I nearly fell off my unicorn. ~ °¨¨¨°ºOº°¨¨¨° Ann | Pfeiffer | Marcel Verdel Purcell | Wylie | Artie °¨¨¨°ºOº°¨¨¨° | |
02-20-2010, 07:57 AM | #9 | |
I ♥ Armani & Chloe Donating Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Upstate NY
Posts: 3,895
| Quote:
Fostering may be a great situation for you... someone to hold on to him until you are more stable. Good Luck, let me know if there is anything I could do to help. | |
02-20-2010, 08:07 AM | #10 |
YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Crofton, MD, USA
Posts: 1,522
| This might be a really stupid question, but would the airline let you take him with you on flights if the dog-quota isn't met? I'm assuming they wouldn't but maybe? Also, the hours of school aren't too long to leave him alone, just the studying hour are so maybe you could do that at home? Sorry you have to go though this and make your decision Hugs! |
02-20-2010, 08:09 AM | #11 |
Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Cranbrook, British Columbia
Posts: 176
| You obviously love JoJo and I know he loves you from the way you talk. I also think fostering would be the best way to go. You will get lots of replies and I am sure everything will work out for you. I hope will all my heart someone close to you can foster him until you are in a position to take him back to your loving arms. |
02-20-2010, 08:09 AM | #12 |
Donating YT 7000 Club Member | Oh man. My heart is truly breaking for you. I had to rehome 2 of my dogs when my mom became disabled and we lost our house. it is truly a heartbreaking experience. I still get teary when I think about it, and it's been 2 1/2 years. Perhaps you could find a YT member in your area who could foster him for you. I know you said your family can't. Try posting in the regional forum! I would suggest that you still visit him as often as possible, so he retains the full memory of you (that way it won't traumatize him more when he goes back to living with you). I really, truly wish you the best of luck. I'll have you in my thoughts and prayers.
__________________ Megan "I have my dreams, I have made plans." - The Pirate Queen All Gave Some; Some Gave All |
02-20-2010, 08:22 AM | #13 |
Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: NY USA
Posts: 1,749
| I feel so bad for you The people that will keep him for you till you get on your feet sounds like a great idea. I hope everything works out for you.
__________________ Ivy, Max, Reggie & Cheryl |
02-20-2010, 08:26 AM | #14 |
YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: canton ohio us
Posts: 1,574
| Okay this coming from a full time student who dose not work is there any why you can leave your job and just go to school full time or maybe switch to part time work and part time school or even part time work and full time school i had a problem similar and i left my job and live off school loans (more money then you would think ) and when i need extra cash im a office temp maybe if you wiggled around your schedule you could make it work how long would you be in school will it be years or a short training program if it will only be 6 months then he could probably handle that he will be lonely but it will be over soon i hope you figure it out
__________________ Don't say I love you unless you mean it, but if you do say it a lot. People forget. |
02-20-2010, 08:41 AM | #15 |
Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Manila, Phillipines
Posts: 72
| If your family is taking care of him now, can they not take care of him while you're at school?
__________________ I MY CHEWIE www.ajdeeandme.blogspot.com |
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