I deleted the post I wrote yesterday about adopting Samson because it's not going to happen. The later the night got, the more thoughts of common sense came into my head. Various reasons to adopt him a just as many not to. A few years ago when I was thinking of rescuing a basset hound or bloodhound, I can't remember which, a friend told me "Steve you cannot save all of them". That rang true last night.
The problem was with him, unlike Stella in 2015, Samson has a biting problem. Some things might be consistent in what causes him to turn aggressive but it was said he could at a "flip of a switch" for no reason. THAT would be hard for a non-profession trainer (me) to fix. It would take a lot of time and training to get him past that.
For all the time it would take would be less time I spend with Watson, Henry and Walter. Less attention for them to give attention to the new bloodhound. No matter what anyone says, you can only give 100% and it's hard to spread that out evenly.
Watson has really responded to his new training. I would hate to change his routine right now and have him compete with a new bloodhound that would be in a lot of training. Even if Samson got along with all my hounds and the dog, who's to say one of mine would not like him moving into their territory or want one of their bones. I am afraid it would turn into a hound/dog fight that I could not break up.
This morning I notified the owner and the lady that is trying to place him. I have not heard back from the owner but I have from her. She understood but it was hard to read "you were the best chance he had".
I may have been but those words ring in my head "Steve you cannot save all of them".
Probably the best overall choice for your nice "family".
ReplyDeleteIt is. "We" are pretty well set on our routines. They have their spots to sleep, favorite bones and times to play. Hard decision to make but I think it was the right one.
DeleteAs you will see, I changed my mind ... I "wired wrong", my DNA is messed up I guess.
DeleteA very hard choice but the right one for your family and for you. The biting is a big problem when bringing a new dog into your family.
ReplyDeleteWell I guess I am going to find out about the biting. I am aware of what condition that might happen but some of those past conditions are not here. You will see by the post I just did that I changed my mind and he is off to a good start.
DeleteThinking you made the right decision and yes, you cannot save them all. We have several local FB pages where they are trying to place dogs - quite a problem up here as many are dogs that were dumped here on the mountain by the down the mountain owner. I have been so tempted many times, but then reality sets in that at my age the dog would probably outlive me and that wouldn't be fair to the dog. Though I feel sad for these dogs, I too have to remember you cannot save them all.
ReplyDeleteAdditionally, your "gang" gets along well and has their routines and another dog would probably disrupt what is in place and then you would probably have an unhappy "gang." JMHO
Something told me it would be okay with the "gang" ... and so fare after the first three hours things are off to a great start. I know ... I changed my mind. I couldn't pass him up.
DeleteI'm sorry Steve. I'm sure that was a very hard decision.
ReplyDeleteWell like everything else ... YOU KNOW ... things can change in my head like a hurricane. Or as Tom told me once all my going back and forth about RVs was giving him whiplash. LOL
DeleteLOL ... thought you just might change your mind about this... and glad you did... I remember when you said that Sadie needed a bigger dog to play with and was thinking maybe that would be good for Watson too.... Hope things continue to stay positive for everyone. Bethers
ReplyDeleteIt looks like he has chosen the living room love seat as his bed at night. He has moved from that since he came back inside. Thanks. How's the PNW treating you?
DeleteIt's been a bit cold lately, but at least we've been getting some sunshine... Bethers
Delete