The Great Reunion

What a day I had yesterday! I never got around to posting it on my blog last week, but A went back to her owner last Wednesday. The owner had had enough of being in the refuge and managed to rent a private flat which allowed dogs. She's sharing with her friend.

She didn't tell Dog's Trust that her friend also has a dog and didn't think that A and the other dog would need to be introduced to see if they would get on.

They didn't get on so I got a phone call yesterday morning to ask if I could have A back. The poor thing has spent the past week being snapped at by the other dog. The owner was lucky that I hadn't already had another dog placed with me as a lot of foster carers can't take on a staffy.

She was brought back yesterday afternoon and apparently was more pleased to come back here than she was to go home, which is a bit of a worry. Bryan was beside himself, he was so pleased to see her.

Anyway, it's like she's never been away. She remembered the usual routine, stayed in her own bed all night until quarter to five this morning when she wanted to be out in the garden.

She's lying on her duvet in the sunshine and snoring her head off. I hadn't realised how much I missed her until I saw her again. I'm pleased to have her back, but I'm really worried about her going back to her owner.

Oh, what mixed feelings you must have.

For A's sake I hope it was only the other dog that was making her unhappy back with her owner and that once her owner finds somewhere else to live, she'll be home with her again.

It must be so tempting to want to keep her though, especially when you hear things like this.

Now that her owner is in accommodation of her own, is it not possible for her to come and visit you so she can take A out for a walk? That way she's doing something positive to rekindle the bond with her dog again.

Heidi

Unfortunately, she can't. She doesn't know where or who I am. The service is completely in anonymous to all parties because of the domestic violence situation. Sometimes the girls have to go with police escorts to pick up the dogs.

Poor A, I really hope it works out but like Hali says - I would want to keep A.
Well done you and Bryan for making A happy again

Sarah you are clearly doing a wonderful job with A - I am so impressed (and believe me, at my age, I do not impress easily!!)

Reading between the lines I would say that A might be with you for quite a while, the owner really needs to have her own place and a bit of stability in her life before taking A back. Just my opinion of course.

Yes, I think you're right Losos. Alas, it isn't my decision whether or not A goes back to her owner. I think if and when the owner asks for her back, then she gets her back (I will check this out, but I'm pretty sure that's how it works). I would love to keep her, but I think it's more useful for me to be available to foster other dogs that are in the same situation as A (and I don't have room for 3 dogs, unless I kick the OH out!).

Im sure you will continue to do well for A,, hugs hun, I know how hard it is to hand a dog over,, but at least shes back for now,, xxx

Sarah - You are of course quite correct - A does not belong to you so I think you could be in trouble if you refused to hand her back when requested to do so. I still think you are doing a wonderful job and making a difference in both a dog and a human life