I really need some help with this one

[Bichonluver3]

Well, now I've really gone and done it. I knew my heart would get me in trouble one day and this is IT.
Short story: Friend at work lost her little dog on Thanksgiving Day. She asked me to look online. You know where I am going.......I saw one little face, badly in need of grooming that looked exactly like my precious Grover (middle dog in Avatar) did when I rescued him. So I called the shelter. I told them I was interested in Fluffy. They told me she had been held longer than most and was out of time. They would hold her until this Saturday. In the meantime, my husband was talking about the dogs and said that one day, when we lost Chloe, we should get a girl maltipoo (that's what Fluffy is). I said "Well, maybe now" and he said "No way". I haven't been able to tell him about Fluffy and we are running out of time. To make matters worse, I am suffering from the worst case of stomach flu EVER. I keep picturing her in that cage waiting for me. How can I call and tell them not to hold her anymore. I just can't do that.
Sobs,
Carrol:(

[labblab]

Oh Carrol. I'd encourage you to be upfront with your husband and tell him exactly what the situation is. It's one thing to just kinda chew some thoughts over in the abstract (which is what he probably thought was going on), but it's a completely different situation when you've already identified a real baby girl whose life is hanging in the balance. So even though, in theory, your husband isn't keen on the idea of considering another dog right now -- he may react differently when he knows about this particular baby and how you are feeling about her. I'll keep all fingers and toes crossed that he'll feel differently, too, once he knows this is her last chance. Please keep us updated!!

Marianne

[Bichonluver3]

Thanks, Marianne,
He is out of town until tomorrow night. But will certainly have to do something by then.
Love,
Carrol (sob)

[Squirt's Mom]

Hi Carrol,

What an angel you are!

Ok, here's a game plan. Get her out. Do it as a "rescue" type situation and let your hubby know it is just temporary - you will find her a home but just couldn't let her die after making contact with the shelter. DON'T tell the shelter you are a rescue, they may require documentation to release Fluffy to you if you do. But take her with that in mind - finding her a home. Hubby may be more willing to accept her in the home that way.

Then tell us all the details on her that you can. Post her on FB or other social sites you may be on. Get her some exposure and she may just find her forever home quickly.

You can also contact some Maltese or Poodle rescues and see if they can take over once she is out of the shelter. Breed rescues often take mixes. Plus there are rescues just for small dogs, any breed.

Who knows? Your friend may fall in love with her once she can see who little Fluffy really is. And that won't happen in the shelter. :(

Above all else, remember we can't save them all. That has been my hardest lesson. I want to take every baby in need. I want to knock on doors begging people to give one homeless baby a safe place to live. We want to save them all, but we can't. We can only do what we can each time. You have already given her more than anyone else - you have given her a chance.

Hugs,
Leslie

[labblab]

I'm so relieved to come back and read what Leslie has posted, because I was thinking the same thing -- and rushing back home from some errands to put it in writing. I also thought about viewing this as a foster situation. But Leslie's suggestions are "right on" and cover all my bases and more...

Continuing to hope that you can work something out!
Marianne

[SasAndYunah]

Oh Carrol,

what an awful situation to be in, I'm so sorry. What about the friend who asked you to look on the internet for her in the first place? Would this friend possibly want to adopt Fluffy? Friend is looking for a dog - dog is looking for a "friend" :)

But that would be too easy, right? Well I agree with Marianne, be straightforward and tell your husband, the entire story :) Is it possible you call him before he returns home, tomorrow? Or mail him...? (be sure to include a picture of that Fluffy face :D) And I agree with Leslie, if he doesn't want to adopt, then at least convince him to have Fluffy as a foster untill you can find her a forever home :)

Wishing you wisdom and a hubby with a huge heart ;)

All our best,

Saskia and Yunah :)

[Bichonluver3]

Thank you to everyone!
The friend who was looking for a pup got a purbred shi tzu (sp?) on the weekend so no hope there. But I'm not giving up. I'll find some way to do this. If I have you guys and all our cush angels to help me, I can get this done!
Love & hugs to you all,
Carrol:)

[Bichonluver3]

THANK YOU Marianne, Leslie & Saskia!!!!!!
Went online to find Fluffy. She was no longer available and I freaked out. I called the shelter. Fluffy has just been adopted. I just knew those cushangels would come through. God bless Fluffy in her new forever home. Although I am sad that I won't be her mom, I can now cry with relief:D!!!

[labblab]

Carrol, this is just the BEST NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

I have to believe that you were Fluffy's most important guardian angel by showing the interest in her that you did -- that kept her with us until her forever family was able to find her!!! :D :D :D :D :D

I am so relieved, as I know you are, as well. :o ;)

Huge hugs,
Marianne

[Bichonluver3]

Hugs back at ya'!!!!:D:D:D

[Squirt's Mom]

Yipee!!!!! :D:D:D:D:D

What wonderful news this is! :D Crying tears of joy with ya! :D

[Roxee's Dad]

Just a really big happy smile...You were Fluffy's guardian angel if even for a little while.... Just more Christmas magic. ;)

[Sabre's Mum]

Carrol ... I read your posts earlier and my heart sank for you! But the latest news is just the best.

Angela and Flynn

[Bichonluver3]

Thanks, again, to all of you. It is so great to know there is a place to come with anything and everything.:D You guys are the BEST. In case I don't run across you on one of the threads before Christmas, Have a wonderful holiday season and a new year full of only good things.
Lots of love and good wishes,
Carrol
PS BTW, do I tell my husband the story now??;)