Do you think dogs can have broken hearts?
 

Long story, but my 25 yr old son and his gf bought a Yorkie puppy together about 2 yrs ago. Unfortunately because they were in college and also various other problems the dog has spent most of her life with me. She is the sweetest dog in the world and I am head over heels in love with her...and she also seems to adore me. Even though my son has been back with us for the last year and she does like him...it is me who takes care of her, feeds her, walks her, buys her treats, rushed her to the vet in the middle of the night, who she sleeps with. His girlfriend has been living back with her parents, 4 hrs away and has not seen her. She is now moving to our city and they are going to live together and are taking the dog. My heart is breaking but I expected it. After all they love her too and have been paying for her for the last two years (stupid kids bought her from a pet store and paid a fortune which they didnt have). I have offered to buy her from them..my husband would kill me, we have two dogs already, but I feel like she belongs with me, so I would do it. Anyways, they are taking her. I think my son might have been persuaded but his gf said no. As I said I am so sad but will be okay, but am worried about her. Tell me she will be okay and that dogs dont know the difference so I can feel at peace. I feel like I am abandoning my child in a way(I figure only a dog lover could understand this) and am worried they wont take care of her. Thanks for reading this lengthy post. I just have to tell someone.
Laura

Laura, my heart breaks for you! :( I wish that I could say that dogs are stupid and don't have feelings, but that would be lying to you. They do have feelings and unfortunately, sadness is one of them. Sure, this little girl is going to miss you terribly. You've been the one to take care of her and have given her the love she's needed all this time. While the seperation will be somewhat easier since she knows your son, she still sees you as mom.

Maybe you can have visitation rights. Or, you could take them to court and gain custody of this little girl. ;) I have a feeling you wouldn't do that, however.

We're all here for ya. Take it one day at a time.

you could always go out and buy them their own yorkie...would that work?

I'm don't know if dogs get broken hearted, I sure hope they don't a lady down the road from me took Bear my little male I have cryed for days thinking about him the lady has a little girl and Bear loves the child BUT my heart is breaking I hope he not broken hearted to much pain to have to give up one of your furbabies.

Hi, how far away will they be? Are they going to work/school during the day ? maybe you can make arrangements to watch her during the day. It is heartbreaking to have to give her up after 2 years. Keep us posted on the outcome. I hope you can work things out and still be able to spend time with the little furbaby..:Pawprint:

I was going to suggest the same as the previous poster. Maybe you could babysit while they're at work/school so that the dog doesn't have to be left alone.

This must be so hard for you, I'm sorry and hope that you can all work it out so that you can spend lots of time with her.

Oh my... that's a tough situation you are in. Too bad you potty trained her! If she wasn't potty trained I'm sure she wouldn't be gone with your son for too long:D and would be back where she belongs.

Is there someone who can drop hints to your son about how much you love her and will miss her?

Dogs do have feelings and I've heard stories where they get really naughty when they are away from home. Devious little buggers!

This EXACT same thing happened to me!!!!! When I was a freshman in college, my then bf bought me a yorkie. I had her for several months in college, but then my bf and I broke up and I could not take care of her by myself...I just didn't have the time. My mom said that she would take her and take care of her and potty train her and leash train her and give her back when I had more time. Well, I graduated college and got married (to a new person, not the original bf) a year ago and my hubby and I really wanted a dog. I was like, hey! I have a dog! I'll just get her back. Well I had her for a week. She was MISERABLE! She was SO sad and she missed my mom so much. I felt SO bad for her :( So, my mom told me to bring "her" dog home and she would buy my hubby and I a new dog for Christmas. My hubby was excited bc he wasn't particulary thrilled about the dog that my "ex" had bought for me. So, my parents bought us Hobbs for Christmas last year. My mom still has Sophie. Everyone is HAPPY!

I would suggest taking the money you would have spent to buy their yorkie form them and just get them another dog.

aww I'm so sorry! My heart is breaking for you!

I wish I could tell you that dogs don't have the feeling of sadness, but that just isnt' true. :( she probably will miss you and will feel sad. but only for a little while. eventually, she'll be attatched to your son and his girlfriend. I think the hardest part for them is that they don't understand why they're being taken away....they don't know what's going on. but we do.

when we brought Maddie home last week, the look in her eyes was so heart breaking. it was litteraly like, "where are you taking me?" but now, just a few days later, she's happy as a clam!

so, the point of this rambling, is that I do think their hearts can be broken, but I think they're also very adaptable and she'll get used to the change and grow to love your son and his gf just as much as she loves you!

I don't know if your furbaby will miss you. A dog even a Yorkie is a dog and as long as they get feed, get some affection and attention they are ok.

But I know that you will miss her and that I am sorry for you. I know how it hurts. I will pray and hoping that they will understand that it is too heartbreaking taking her away from you.

I do feel for you. Maybe you could have a heart to heart with your son. And suggest that you buy them a new yorkie. This way they start fresh too!
I think it is worth a try??? :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

P.S. My Mom went through the same thing. My sister and her boyfreind moved to Hawaii. They only had the puppy for a couple of months and then my Mom babysat (approx. 7 months) until all her records and shots, etc were in order so that LuLu would be granted Direct Release at the airport in Honolulu. My Mom was very sad, but all in all, it all worked out. LuLu is still in the family, she is now a Hawaiian Blonde Babe (She is a 6lbs. Silky Terrier). My sister and her boyfirend take GREAT care of her.
:)

goodluck and I think if they havent spent a lot of time with her, maybe you could persuade them to choose another dog, you pay for it and then you get to keep this one. That way they would be able to teach a new one their ways and habits because I do believe dogs do take up some of their owners ways as far as know what they can and cant do and doing things like you trained it to do. But if the dog is potty trained and if you paid for the vet bills plus taking it to the vet, buy toys, food and etc. to me your still gonna be losing money most likely after this long of a time. I mean really I think the first year is the costliest of their lives if they dont just up and get sick or something. Maybe you could talk them into picking out a new one and you keeping this one and nobody would have to be so sad. goodluck in what ever yall decide to do and let us know how it ends up.

Watched my mom's maltese when they were on vacation last year. I babied Lily and loved on her just like my own. She was miserable. Then, she refused to eat and got sick and I had to take her to the vet.

Even dogs have feelings and it would take them a long time to get over their "loss".

This summer, I had a friend keep my 3 while we were on a week's vacation. My male stopped eating and my friend had to force feed him. He was 4 lbs when I picked them up. They were so excited to see me.

Well, I feel sorry for her AND you. The poor little thing will grieve for mommy. She's used to a routine that will totally change. Her whole world will literally be turned upside down. I'd sit down with the two of them and try to explain this and ask them if you could get them another doggie so she won't be put through this unnecessarily. She probably won't get the attention or walks and the other things that she has been used to having from you and she won't understand why. She'll probably basically feel like she's been thrown away.:(

I am worried they won't take care of her also. Perhaps you can talk them both into it in the best interests of the dog but don't get their back up. You can always say if it doesn't work out for them which in 90% of these cases it won't once the gf finds out how much work there is to it, you will get her back. Keep the door open but if you can get her back make it clear the dog is now forever with you, they won't be getting her back.
Hard to say, you may get your son back home too after living with her for a while if she isn't very reasonable. LOL

Thanks everyone...your replies touched my heart. I have tried everything to get them to leave her with me,even offering to buy them a new dog,but they said no. I will get to see her alot which is good as my son does intend to use me as her "babysitter" since she cant tolerate being alone. They live in an apartment so cant let her bark, which is what she would do if left alone. They will only be living about a mile away. I just think that will be confusing for her also though. I do kind of have hope that they will find out she is too much work and maybe bring her back to me, in which case, I would say this is it, she is mine. They did have her for about 6 months of her life when they were at school and got her the first set of shots and had her spayed so I cant say they have never done anything for her. His gf also has a cat, birds and fish so she is an animal lover. I know my son (who is pretty cold emotionally to many people) adores this dog so its not like they are evil people or will mistreat her. Its just that as you all have said, I am her mom. She loves all the people in our house, but it is me she follows everywhere. Plus her routine will be completely disrupted. I work a regular schedule and dh is home during the day many times as he has a flexible schedule, plus we have two other dogs who she loves, none of that will be the same with them. They stay up late and sleep late and I know they wont take her out when she needs to go. She has never been great with potty training and has to go out every 3 hrs or so or she has accidents. Like they are going to get up after partying Friday night and take her out at 6 am like I do. Oh well, there is not much I can do at this point. When they did this to me the first time and took her back, I cried for weeks(I know its silly), but eventually got used to it, but this time as I said she has been here so long, it will be harder. Thanks again for your kind words.
Laura

When you mentioned the cat and the birds, it caught my attention. If she hasn't been around either a cat or birds, she is in for a rough time. If the birds are noisy, it will probably scare her. I don't know about the cat. That sometimes can be a very bad situation and other times not.

At any rate, you are right about the house training going down the drain. Didn't you have quite a time when you first got her trying to break her?

If they do bring her back to you or even let you keep her, I think I would want to get it in writing. If things dont work out with them, she may claim the dog is hers since they bought it together and go to court. I'm not saying she is that kind of person but you never really know a person in some situations.

I believe pets can get a broken heart.:unlove: If I told you why i think this it would be to tearful. however with alot of TLC most will snap out of it:hug:

I am so sorry for you and it certainly isn't silly to cry or grieve over missing your baby. When I read your post saying they live in an apartment, is it one that allows pets or are they going to have to sneak her in and out? If that's the case, I'd almost bet you will be getting her back. Even if pets are allowed, I still think you have a good chance. At least, that's what I'll hope and pray for. I know if I suddenly had Maddie at a different home, she would be heartbroken. She can't stand to let me out of her site. I just feel so bad for you and your situation and I will pray that she ends up back where she belongs...with you!!!

that is an excellent idea definitely get it in writing. I will be rooting for you Laura that you will get this girl back again this time permanently.

If the gf is such a pet lover..I wonder how she would feel if she was in your shoes?? My heart breaks for you...but with them being young and busy I bet you within a few weeks she will be back with you!! I agree with a previous poster..IF they do want you to take her back GET IT IN WRITING!! Its so hard because he is your son I nkow...but God works in mysterious ways!!

Its ok to cry and grieve..you have lots of shoulders here!!

Dawn

I think a lot depends on the individual dog. If this little dog was loved and well taken care of by you - has not become spoiled and dependent on you - and is a well adjusted, well balanced, happy, affectionate pet ------ if it goes to another home where it is loved and well taken care of, I think it will do very well.

I have seen many devoted dogs that have had to be rehomed do wonderfully well.

And - there is no doubt that it is often much harder on us than it is on our pets.

Good luck! Carol Jean

Have you explained to your son about her needing to go out every 3 hours AND every single morning at 6:00am? Did you say that he is living with you right now? Even if he isn't living with you, maybe you can get him to take care of her while he is living with you (or stay with you for a few days) for a trial run. Make her sleep in bed with him. She will obviously be miserable sleeping in bed with him and he will see this. Make him do EVERYTHING for her...take her out every 3 hours, wake up at 6, ect. ect. I think he and his bf are in for a RUDE awakening. If you can make them realize this BEFORE they actually take her, then maybe they will have some second thoughts.

I agree with this. I think, REGARDLESS of how attached a dog is to a person, there are some who, just on the basis of their personality and temperament, can readily and happily adjust to a whole new situation and environment, as long as it is a happy and healthy one.

And then there are other dogs who become sad and confused, BUT, I would think that in MOST cases, they would eventually adjust. Even human children are able to do this when families break up!

I agree that it's actually MUCH harder on US than it is on animals, when they are rehomed. So I in no way mean to minimize your worries or emotions. Any of us would be feeling the same thing.

It's great that you'll still get to see her, and like others, I just have a feeling you may end up with her again! ;) HERE'S HOPING!!!!!! GOOD LUCK TO YOU!!!!

I do believe dogs have very strong feelings and affection for people. Jasmine loves my husband very much as he is home with her all day and because he is not in good health, he sits and plays with her and they sit and cuddle and he takes her for walks, but as he has mentioned, I am her Mommy and noone can take my place not even him. I don't know what she would do if we ever even left her for a few days. We have had her for a year and have never left for more than day. Not one night has she been away from us. We take her everywhere we can.

We have left Duffy a few times with my daughter. She is the one who bought him for my husband for fathers day and she had him for a few days before bringing him to us. He sees them quite often and just loves her and her husband so he is OK with being left although he is really glad to see us when we get home.

I'm just not sure Jas would be Ok if left. She is much to attached to us, but you never know. I really want to go on another 7 day cruise. We haven't been on one since we got her. I've wondered how she would do. I guess I will have to leave her overnight some time and work up from there. I don't want to be gone for 9 days and call home and she is sick from grieving.

Since your son is so close they can bring her back if she grieves to much.
I'm just sorry you have to go through this. Get another dog for yourself if they decide to keep this one. It won't replace her but it will help fill the void her leaving will create.

I do believe dogs have very strong feelings and affection for people. Jasmine loves my husband very much as he is home with her all day and because he is not in good health, he sits and plays with her and they sit and cuddle and he takes her for walks, but as he has mentioned, I am her Mommy and noone can take my place not even him. I don't know what she would do if we ever even left her for a few days. We have had her for a year and have never left for more than day. Not one night has she been away from us. We take her everywhere we can.

We have left Duffy a few times with my daughter. She is the one who bought him for my husband for fathers day and she had him for a few days before bringing him to us. He sees them quite often and just loves her and her husband so he is OK with being left although he is really glad to see us when we get home.

I'm just not sure Jas would be Ok if left. She is much to attached to us, but you never know. I really want to go on another 7 day cruise. We haven't been on one since we got her. I've wondered how she would do. I guess I will have to leave her overnight some time and work up from there. I don't want to be gone for 9 days and call home and she is sick from grieving.

Since your son is so close they can bring her back if she grieves to much.
I'm just sorry you have to go through this. Get another dog for yourself if they decide to keep this one. It won't replace her but it will help fill the void her leaving will create.

OMG YES they get brokenhearted. Before I met my husband - his male cocker passed away - his female walked thru the house moaning and crying for weeks. I never forgot that story - it broke my heart :(

I would prefer to think they don\'t, but i know for a fact they do :(