I say it's time to take a big breath, write out a pros/cons list and wait a week to think about any type of decision. I often find that when a difficult situation comes up-my desire is to fix it quick-plow into the pain and get it over with.
I hear from you, that your heart is broken at the thought of losing Jo-Jo. I would listen to that and wait a week or two to see if a creative solution comes up. Are you connected to any families or teens in your area? I know I would have done anything as a child to spend time with a dog as I wasn't allowed to have one. Maybe there is a responsible teen that is willing to hang out with Jojo a few times a day for a very reasonable fee. If you don't know any, you could contact a local church or community center. Another option is a homeschool kid-they have the flexibility during the day to check in on him? Many times, leaders in homeschool or church groups may know that superstar kid that would fit this situation. I would get to know them during the time you are home and watch them with Jojo to make sure all is well. I would have done it for free as a kid! Maybe you could look into online school for SOME of your classes so your actual time away was less, I would brainstorm with some friends to see if they have good ideas.
There isn't a right or wrong decision here--you are being loving, making good plans for his transition of care if you decide to re-home him and thinking of him first. Now, think of you. What are your priorities etc? Does he fit in that plan or is it best to re-home? And, if you re-home, you know it's for Jojos best interest. We had to re-home a pet 10 years ago-still breaks my heart to this day, yet, I knew we couldn't keep her due to our job and she would have died of a broken heart had we hung on to her selfishly. She had a very happy finish to her life and while I never quit missing her, her quality of life was better.
My heart goes out to you. These are very difficult and emotional times. Hugs. |