The last rescue I did was for a pit bull pup (wow - hard to place!).
He was with me for almost 6 months before I found a suitable home. Never have I had a rescue take so long to place. Im very lucky in matching pup to person in a short period of time.
Well - this one was different. And in the back of my mind - I had accepted 'no one wants a pit - they have a bad rep' and he will probably remain with us. Then one day at the beach a guy came up to the boat to adore him. Long story short - he adopted him as he was a perfect match and checked out A-OK! He wasnt married and wish he were but couldnt hold that against him. I just wanted Bo to have a Mama and a Daddy like here. He was a Mama's Boy.
But I digress. That experience taught me: Im not cut out to be a breeder - EVER. I simply couldnt take care of those precious babies then see them go. (Not that I would want to breed - ah nah)
I commend you and sympathize with you completely! I cried over Ol Bo for days then one day I went to see him. It KICKED ASS! It was so great to see him with his new Daddy - playing and showing off for me. He was so happy. The fella that got him was so happy (but I scared him when he saw my truck because he knew I was having a hard time).
First thing I said was No! Not coming to take him back - just to love on him! The fella - Bo and I hoped in his boat and we went out to Bo's new favorite spot and I watched him romp and play in the surf - like he use to. Shew - k - getting all emotional again.
My point is - I now know my boundaries with rescues. I am going to continue to take them in - always will. HOWEVER - if they dont place in a month or so they will go to my grown son for a bit - then back to me. We are going to share the time so I dont have to go through this again.
Because - as you can see - I still cry about it - 6 months later. I COMPLETELY think the party is a GREAT idea! I screwed up and told the guy 'just drop by then I wont know and be sad'. HUGE MISTAKE!!!!! As I didnt have time to detach thus I miss him terribly. Despite the fact he is so happy and the match was so perfect. I didnt take the time I needed so Im still paying today. DONT MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE I DID. Have the Party! 