It still seems very strange for you to send your dog to a rescue centre. Did you not consider that that your dog will miss you even more than you miss her. If she was very I'll it may have been best for all to consider euthanasia ! I appreciate that you miss your dog but my original comment still stands - when you let a dog into your life you take on the commitment to look after it for ever. Please don't get another pet unless you can make that commitment.
@fernrn1 I totally agree, it's the worst thing she could've done, for her and the dog !
@fernrn1 said in Experiencing Anxiety Separation from my Basenji girl:
@allanc Yes I read the post twice, I just wasnt sure I was reading it correctly. Confused myself on why a dog would go back because it is having health problems.
On a forum such as this, one only ever knows what one is told. I, too, read the post twice.
What we were told was that an elderly, sick Basenji had been sent back to a rescue home. That fact, as it stands with or without any unknown background, cries to Heaven for vengeance.
Let's not be too hasty, I said I was confused as to why such a thing would happen. She said the dog was ill, it had behavior changes. It could be the dog was aggressive. I know when my dog gets her heart worm medication she doesnt want to be bothered at all for the day after, and will give a soft growl if you get too close. Maybe this dog was becoming a little aggressive and snapping because it wasnt feeling well. Maybe the treatment is very time consuming and best for the dog to be in a place where there are people who can provide that kind of time, and care. This I would understand, Havent we all had to leave an animal at the vet for the day so they can run test/provide treatment???
The confusing part to me is that she sounds like she will not get this dog back.......maybe the illness is terminal and they are making the dog as comfortable as they can until the dog passes? Some would say it would be more humane to put the dog down if this were the case, but I know some people just cannot do that. So let's not be too hasty. I am not judging, or at least trying very hard not to.
I don't want to be judgemental, however, on the face of it she took in a 4 year old dog, kept it for ten years, loved it to bits then handed it in to a rescue centre when it became ill and difficult and now wants a puppy. This more equates to owning a second hand car than a dog so I'm afraid I will never understand her reasoning. A dog which you've lived with and loved deserves so much more.
@mvdperez said in Experiencing Anxiety Separation from my Basenji girl:
This will be my last post. It is apparent you will NEVER understand what has happened
You never really explained what happened. Just that you gave back your dog and wanted another one.... which left us all to our own imagination. So, I appologize if we let our concerns run wild. Please understand, it was concern. We all love our dogs, same as you.
Having more of the story filled in, and IMHO, it sounds like your B was asserting dominance in your relationship. Basenji's really aren't a good breed for the timid. I do not know you personally, so I have no way to assist you in finding a more appropriate breed. But please take the time to evaluate a variety of breed options, matched to your specific needs, before you rush off to get a new puppy.
I only wish you the best.
(we really aren't a horrible group)
@mvdperez said in Experiencing Anxiety Separation from my Basenji girl:
Bakagi was my 'Comfort doggie'. We were getting ready to go out together to spend time with some of the traumatized children (AND Adults) to whom I knew she could bring so much comfort just as she had brought to me.
You do realize what a strain it is for a dog to absorb emotions at that level, right? I mean, yeah... dogs provide comfort, but you can't expect any dog to be right there to make you feel good every minute of the day. And the idea that she would go, from being your companion, into an environment where she would be expected to comfort dozens of strangers (all of whom would be invading her space)? Basenji's are typically fantastic within the family structure, but exposed to that many strangers? And you were expecting her to let them pet her and be "in her face" when those very strangers were traumatized themselves? Your poor dog was probably scared to death. I don't think Basenji's are the right kind of dog for that type of environment.
IMHO, this isn't about you. It's about how you are treating the dog and what your expectations are. Perhaps you could get a dog (that's not a Basenji) to take to your workplace? Lots of dogs would be great with that... I just don't think a Basenji is one of them.
