I need some feedback from the BC community...

[SincereArtisan]

I was approached not too long ago by one of our customers who put a bug in our ear about dogs with high ball-drives being fantastic candidates for drug-dog training. Initially, I tucked it aside for future reference, just in case we should get in any rescues from our metro shelter we could refer to him. But the events these past couple weeks has really had me thinking about Idolon's future.

 

She's been good with her IBS (Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome) mostly due to a new diet and new meds. We've had no flare ups for two months, she's been staying home from daycare a lot, and she's finally at a healthy and stable weight.

 

However...this has cost me, SO much more than I could have ever imagined. I think I presented you with my issue before with the low residue adult food not putting any weight on her, even though she was eating 5 cups a day. Well, we switched to puppy, and she does great on about 2.5-3 cups a day. Thats awesome, except the puppy formula ONLY comes in 8lb bags. I've visited 3 of the best local vets, and finally called eukanuba personally to see if it came in larger quantities at a cheaper cost, and it doesn't. The cost per bag is $20, and I go through about a bag per week. *sigh*....That, coupled with a monthly vet visit and prescription to keep her 'stable,' well...its far more than I bargained for. And those three vets I visitied also assured me that I'm doing the best I can for her, and I shouldn't change a thing if this is the diet thats keeping her steady.

 

I'm affording it. Barely. But I worry about the outcome should something really bad happen to one of them. Idolon's vet problems have eaten away at my savings. Also, all these vet costs keep me from the agility lessons and training I wanted to persue with Rune, and those herding lessons I was looking into. And then I hear about this drug dog training program...

 

There is no doubt Idolon would be a good candidate for it. I called the guy up a couple days ago, asking him questions about what they look for, what the training is like, etc. I started to tell him about Idolon, and at first he stated she'd be too young for the program. But I started to explain how when you hold a ball the whole universe around her disappears, she's extremely focused, and if you toss the ball into a field of tall grass she doesn't give up the search...all these, great indications that she'd make an awesome drug-dog. Add to that that she's very petite and can fit many places larger dogs can't, well, he was impressed.

 

It would be a working home. She'd be doing work she'd love, she'd be doing a good service, and unless I'm mistaken, she'd be covered by an awesome insurance plan that would take care of her medical needs no matter what should happen, special diet and all.

 

Its a really tough decision for me. Ever since she tumbled into my life and kinda wedged herself into my heart...well, I don't know what Rune and I really would do without her. But, I couldn't stand the thought of something happening to her, or Rune, and being unable to pay for it. It makes me nervous, seeing my funds depleted so, and knowing there is some one out there who could better afford her care, and who would put her to work doing what she loves--fetching.

 

I even looked into pet insurance, and for Rune it would be do-able, but Idolon and her medical history hiked the cost up far too high. I wish I'd gotten her signed up BEFORE we'd recognized this IBS problem....If it weren't for this IBS, we'd be fine.

 

Like I said, its tough for us. We love her dearly. But what would you do?

[RaisingRiver]

It sounds like you have already decided. And from the beginning, Ido was supposed to be just a foster dog. I think you make a good case for finding her another home, a place where she will have the care, companionship and a 'job' - guaranteed.

[smileyzookie]

IMO it comes down to where would Ido be happier? Im sure she loves you and Rune to death, but getting a working job AND all the medical she'd need sounds a pretty good arguement to me. I know it must be really hard for you, but I think it sounds like a good opportunity for her, and for you. Its really a responsible thing to do if you dont think financially (in another emergency) you could support Ido. I wish you luck whatever your decision.

[INU]

what would happen to her if she didn't make a drug dog?

[SincereArtisan]

If it turns out she doesn't make the drug dog cut, I don't doubt I'd have some help through people on here finding her an appropriate working home. There is also a co-worker of mine who loves her dearly, and whose mother is a vet, therefore they get free vet care...but I would rather see how the drug-dog training panned out before seeing how she'd do with them, not because I don't think they'd be good to her, but I know Ido and I feel she'd be happier in a working home with a job to do. She is an incredibly intense pup, and serious about her 'job' when it comes to fetching frisbee/balls. A working home would be ideal. But I can't imagine her working sheep, simply because ot only is she small but there are too many things in a pasture--sheep poo--she'd find irresistable, and her tummy just couldn't take it. I think she'd even be an incredible agility dog, for some one looking for that small, lithe, fast BC, but as I mentioned, there is little in the way of lessons/training we have been able to afford. Although, I have wished to dearly.

[Maralynn]

Does he know about and is okay with Idolon's health issues?

[MaggieDog]

I hate to say it but no drug dog program I know of would accept a dog with the health issues Ido has had - not to mention that the insurance rarely covers pre-existing conditions. You need to come clean about her health issues with your contact before you make up your mind. And be sure that she'd come back to you if she doesn't pass the course if you want to have a hand in her placement. Many orgs I know that do work of the sort you describe have their own placement programs...

[stockdogranch]

If they are aware of the health problems and are Ok with that, then it sounds like this might be a good thing for her. Part of really loving a dog is recognizing when they would be better somewhere else and letting go...

Anna

[SincereArtisan]

They are fully aware of Idolon's issues. He told me they RARELY take dogs with known health issues, but they HAVE been known to make exceptions. This facility, or organization has trained dogs for Louisville Metro, and for cities all across the US. Even if the facility wont take her, he may know of a drug dog trainer who would be willing to train her himself (and pay her medical expenses.) The guy I've talked to has a belgian malinois (sp?) with the same condition as Ido. He even has to wear a muzzle when he goes to the bathroom so he doesn't eat grass, because a single blade will flare up his IBS.

 

In no way, shape or form did I mean to imply that I would hide her medical history or issues. Her health is the key to my concern over this entire issue. I wouldn't dare endanger her like that. Like I said, I've done a lot of talking about this, and a lot of thinking these past two weeks. If it didn't work out with the drug dog acadamy of COURSE she'd be back with me, I'd make sure of it, so I could place in her a home of my careful choosing.

[Alaska]

Is this just about money or is there more to it than that?

[SincereArtisan]

Money is the main issue. She is beautifully house trained, crate trained, good with dogs and cats alike, and a ball freak. Everything I could ask for and more. She's wonderful, and this is why it pains me so. I just can't stand the thought of not being prepared, or capable, of handling an emergency should something happen to her or Rune.

 

This concern was recently highlighted by an incident with a friend's dog, who went out to potty and came back with a gash on her leg. We had to rush her to the emergency vet, and though the wound was minor, it hiked up about $390. This dog must go out in the back yard 5-8 times a day, her entire life, and they still don't quite know how she did it. Accidents like that happen, though, and it made me realize that with all the expenses I've been paying towards Ido, the drain its had on my emergency savings, I'd be very hard pressed to cover such an emergency expense.

 

If I could somehow fast forward two years, when I'd be out of school, in a real job, making more money, this wouldn't be an issue, we'd have the money. It kills me that this should happen now. I've even considered getting another job, but I work my my doggy daycare/boarding job more for the dogs than myself, so they have somewhere to stay for free, somewhere to play, where they can be with me all day long during the crucial stages of puppy developement. Without my job, I'd spend less time with my dogs, and they'd spend more time crated, and thats unacceptable to me.

[Rebecca, Irena Farm]

Last summer, I had to choose between my family and farm, and two of my dogs, both of which I'd raised from pups - but who were both completely without purpose or meaning here other than the love I have for them. My choice allowed me to bring another dog here who needed me almost as much as I needed him, and allowed them to find their niches working jobs they adore with people who worship them as they always felt they deserved.

 

I guess it's the long time foster care giver in me. I don't think I'm the best place for all dogs that end up here. Even if I meant to keep them, dreamed of a future together over their little puppy breath scented heads, agonized over a name, and put my heart and soul into their upbringing and training, I don't have the heart to look in a dog's eyes and say - "Even though you don't fit in here, and I can't quite give you everything you need, you are stuck with me forever." With two children, a husband, and five adult dogs, and two puppies, and seventy sheep, and foster dogs, and a business, and other concerns, both my time and money are spread very thin. That's the stark reality, bare of any romance.

 

Dogs will put up with a lot of active abuse, but it is very hard for them to adapt to even the tiniest shades of neglect or malaise, and imposible for them to understand it. I don't ever want to find myself in a situation where we are so overwhelmed that their health or mental well-being suffers.

 

By the way, it is possible to do the stock training muzzled - and you never know how distracted a dog will be, if at all, until it's fairly turned on. And size certainly matters nothing at all. In working sheep.

[Alaska]

I dunno, SA. You're rehoming a dog you love because you might have to go into debt a bit for the next couple of years if she gets an injury? Somehow this doesn't seem like you. I haven't followed Ido's story, so maybe there is more to it than that, but if it's just about money management, you might put some more thought into how to manage the financial burden.

 

A loan?

A vet that will take payments?

A benefactor?

Borrow from a relative?

 

If you want to rehome Ido, that's your choice, but if you want to keep her, the amount of money involved doesn't seem out of reach. College is all about going into debt anyway, isn't it?

 

This is one of the red flags I noticed: "I feel she'd be happier in a working home with a job to do." Most of the time that's just something people tell themselves to make them feel better about rehoming. Maybe not in your case, but if I were in your shoes trying to decide, I'd settle the main question first: is there or is there not a way that you can handle Ido's financial burden? If you decide the answer is no, only then would I start considering who to shift that burden to.

 

ETA: Wishing you had the money to take agility lessons is another red herring. You and Rune can get started in agility with a book and a handful of PVC. You'll make lots of mistakes that you'll swear you'll correct with your next agility dog, and you may not become world champions, but you don't *need* an instructor as long as you can accept those limitations. Another way to read what you wrote is "I'd rather spend my money on agility lessons with Rune than on Idolon's food and vet bills." There's nothing wrong with feeling that way. I just think it brings your question into clearer focus, and isn't that what you came here to get?

 

ETA #2: (since I posted at the same time as Becca) I don't mean to suggest that rehoming is never the right choice. That's why I asked if there were more issues than money. I guess my point is just that money is one of the easier issues to deal with (compared to, for instance, a dog who has SA, preventing you from being able to go to work at all, or a dog who is on the verge of attacking your child at any moment).

[Zoe]

I agree with what Rebecca wrote here:

 

By the way, it is possible to do the stock training muzzled - and you never know how distracted a dog will be, if at all, until it's fairly turned on. And size certainly matters nothing at all. In working sheep.

 

I thought it was strange that you said what you did.

 

I also agree with Alaska's last post.

 

I read your initial post this morning and have been worrying about it today. Just had to say.

[laurie etc]

Going to throw in another line of "opinion". I've had a couple of dogs with "IBS" that "outgrew" the problem. I'm not a vet, but my personal opinion, (and that of some vets I've talked to) is that some young dogs who have been loaded with worms or had intestinal damage due to medication as pups have such gut damage that it takes up to a year for them to get normal. It's like a self pertuating occurance, until it gets under control and the gut has time to repair itself - which can involved building a whole new mucosa (intestinal lining). My one BC boy that I got as a 7 month old had apparently never been de-wormed, he had littermates that got really sick, too, but they went to new homes sooner and got treated sooner. He was the last pup to go. My guy had regular nasty blow-out episodes, and was on and off of Metronidazole, until he was about 1.5 years old. Then, all of a sudden, I realized he was normal. He's almost 6 now, and still fine. So, I guess what I'm saying is that maybe your girl will come around, and you are worrying over something that will never happen. I would also explore feeding differently - do some internet research and I'll see if I can find some links for you, too. (Metronidazole is cheap and easy to come by, by the way.)

The other thing I'm thinking is that "Ball Drive"and her size might be suited to a flyball home, where someone is more likely to put up with a health issue and dote on the dog more than a "working drug dog" person would. I have a friend who worked for a bomb detection agency in the DC area. I can't imagine that anyone looking for "professional sniffing" dogs would want to take on a dog with IBS. Those dogs spend a lot of time waiting in crates, and alot of time in public places where an "accident" would be totally unaceptable, and seen as a liability or a human health hazzard.

I have nothing against placing a dog if you can find a suitable "forever" home. Like Rebecca said, we have to realize sometimes that we are not the "be all, end all" home for every dog we have. I'd worry that the stress of sending one away for training could kick the IBS into high gear; so if you still want to place her, maybe looking for a less "stressful" home would be more appropriate.

Just my 2 cents worth....

Laurie

[PSmitty]

I can't add anything really, but I'll second what Alaska and Laurie just said.

[kaos]

I think your mind is pretty much made up. If you go back and look at the posts about Ido from the last while, you have queried giving her up at least once a month for last few months... I think you should probably just listen to what your heart is saying and stop looking for every ones approval. Provided you rehome the dog sensibly and I don't see you being ousted by the group.

Sara

[Maralynn]

The other thing I'm thinking is that "Ball Drive"and her size might be suited to a flyball home, where someone is more likely to put up with a health issue and dote on the dog more than a "working drug dog" person would. I have a friend who worked for a bomb detection agency in the DC area. I can't imagine that anyone looking for "professional sniffing" dogs would want to take on a dog with IBS. Those dogs spend a lot of time waiting in crates, and alot of time in public places where an "accident" would be totally unaceptable, and seen as a liability or a human health hazzard.

 

I'd disagree with this. Drug dogs are used in a wide variety of situations, and many are much loved family members in their off time. A good detection dog can be worth it's weight in gold to an agency, and I can see someone being willing to work with Ido's health issues provided she is very well suited in all other areas.

 

SA, I think it's really going to come down to your gut feeling about it. You have some legitiment concerns, and it's a tough decision either way. I do think Ido will do just fine with whatever choice you make. So you need to make the decision that you feel will be best for yourself and your dogs.

[bcnewe2]

I think your mind is pretty much made up. If you go back and look at the posts about Ido from the last while, you have queried giving her up at least once a month for last few months... I think you should probably just listen to what your heart is saying and stop looking for every ones approval. Provided you rehome the dog sensibly and I don't see you being ousted by the group.

 

I think what Sara said bears repeating. The quilt of placing a dog in a better situation than you have to offer is a hard thing to swallow. Most of us start out with the idea that we love our dogs and will be their forever home. Somehow having to place a dog says to us we must have failed this dog or be bad doggy owners or we wouldn't be in this situation. I have learned from personal experience that this is not true. Even knowing it's not true, the decision to place a dog is never an easy one. The best part about it is when you have done your best in finding a better home, then through updates you find you made a perfect choice.

 

Sara, go with what your brain decides is best, not your quilt. Won't make the quilt disappear but in the end you'll have done right for both you and Ido.

 

Trying to get "permission" or alleviate quilt with others opinions in a situation like this never makes it easier for me. I get so many different opinions that it flusters me more.

Good luck

Kristen

[shelb'smum]

I think what Sara said bears repeating. The quilt of placing a dog in a better situation than you have to offer is a hard thing to swallow. Most of us start out with the idea that we love our dogs and will be their forever home. Somehow having to place a dog says to us we must have failed this dog or be bad doggy owners or we wouldn't be in this situation. I have learned from personal experience that this is not true. Even knowing it's not true, the decision to place a dog is never an easy one. The best part about it is when you have done your best in finding a better home, then through updates you find you made a perfect choice.

 

 

That brings tears to my eyes.... almost like a Finally someone understands...

 

SA, I know how you are feeling and what you are going through. If you do what you believe is best for Ido, then you will get nothing but support. but even if you aren't getting the support or the "ok" from others, do what is best in the long run for Ido, Rune and yourself. don't let anyone else make the decision for you. it is yours to make. just take in the advice and use your judgment. I had adopted my last dog from a shelter that she had been in for most of her life. I loved her very much... and got alot of crap and bulls*** when I ended up rehoming her. But I did what I felt was best even though it broke my heart. I cried for days and I still miss her and cry when I think about her. but I couldn't at the time afford to keep up with her physical therapy she needed for her hip/leg and well the fact that she disliked my finance ALOT. But now she is happy and she is making her new owner happy. and I was able to save Wicket and well shelby is just a pain in the @$$ ( I love her )

 

but also think about how many other animals you have, could you possibly re-home any of your snakes and rodents (you have rodents right?) and sell the tanks, I am sure you'd re-amp your emergency savings with that, I see all that stuff going for quite a bit around here.

 

 

 

ETA: and what about budgeting, and cutting out other things not needed. my trade off on adopting wicket was starbucks, smoking and purses.... which saves me a TON of money over all.... $5 dollars a day for starbucks $5 dollers every2 days for smoking and well purses .... I save about 300 a month!!

[BustopherJones]

So you need to make the decision that you feel will be best for yourself and your dogs.

 

I could never visualize myself giving up my Annie for any reason, and I am sure that there are others who reacted the same way to your post. With that said, I must also note that I am not in your position. You unselfishly give of yourself to facilitate better homes for many dogs. Where people like you are involved, there is seldom consideration for what is best for yourself; you are motivated by what you feel is in the best interest of the dogs. I admire your altruism and your commitment to what too many of us take for granted.

 

Whatever decision you make, it will be the right one.

[ShoresDog]

What a difficult decision. You obviously love Idolon dearly. As you consider rehoming her, of course you're considering her needs and won't make any changes that won't be good for her. But give yourself permission to consider your own needs and limitations too. Studying, working, taking care of several animals, it's all a lot on your plate. If you are doing more than you really can do, then ultimately it will be to everyone's detriment. I hope a creative solution is found that takes some of the pressure off of you but allows you to still be in Idolon's life.

[SincereArtisan]

Thank you guys, for all your helpful suggestions, questions, and reassurances.

 

Alaska, I truly don't mean it to sound like I'm giving up on Idolon because I'd rather spend the money on Rune's agility lessons or training. Rune was here first, Rune was my 'recovery' dog, after I lost Pi, Katy and Raven a little over a year ago. I never thought I could bear to own another BC again, until Rune came along. And she has SO much potential, oh so much potential. I wanted to get her thrilled about agility, adicted to it, and I wanted to start her on herding, because I know our simple day-today routine just isn't enough for her. She's developing obsessive behaviors at home, 'herding' the cats...which we've been working on, and have since reduced her to simply staring at them....but I don't think its healthy for her, and if she's going to obsess and get excited over something, I'd rather it be agility and/or herding livestock. I think the connection we can build through these activities will help with understanding what one wants from the other, and her issues herding cats and other dogs at work can be conquered.

 

I don't feel comfortable going into debt. I have a scholarship for school, luckily. I had a savings account braced for an emergency, should something happen to either myself or my dogs, and its been that savings account that has made it possible for me to get idolon at the place she is now. I just simply don't feel comfortable knowing that should something drastic happen to either me or my dogs, I wouldn't be bale to cover it, and be forced to go into debt. I'm done borrowing from relatives. I don't mean that to be a proud statement, but my parents have their own problems, and enough of them, to not be worrying over my dog's stomach issues. They're of the mindset that a dog is perfectly happy with a dog house and a tie-out, and a bowl of Ol' Roy anyway, its pretty difficult explaining why she needs to be on a special diet in the first place.

 

I have exhausted many food options, and when I finally hit a diet that worked, I've hung on. This is what does her body good, this is what she needs, I don't want to put her through more sick days than I abslutely have to. And who knows? Maybe 1-2 years of being restricted to this diet will cure her of her IBS. But there is no way of telling that without time. This is not just a broken leg, some emergency surgery that may only put me in debt for a few months. This may very well be a life-long issue for her, something its much harder to consider going into debt for, especially when things like broken legs and intestinal blockages can still happen out of the blue. I don't feel right taking the risk.

 

Saying she needs a working home is basically my way of stating that I would accept no less for her. Like I said, I was considering my friend, but I would much, MUCH rather her go to a working home. If her medical bills were of no issue, she and Rune both would be learning and training in agility, if not also herding. She's a high-drive dog, I just can't picture her simply as a companion.

 

Thanks again, for all your responses. I'm waiting to hear back from the drug dog acadamy, and I should know by tomorrow evening. Wish us luck.

[Rebecca, Irena Farm]

The point is very well made about IBS not always being permanent. I had a dog with it and she's fine with just plain old dog food now, at five years old. On the other hand a ten year old dog I raised and later placed, still has to be treated with kid gloves. However, she works on a military installation and they are fine with managing her - she's a valuable asset to them.

 

I see your options as being quite wide open, really - you just have to try to push the emotions aside for a bit, long enough to give complete attention to the reality of your situation.

 

I'd go into debt to save a dog's life, but I'd have to look at other options in this kind of situation. I totally understand your reluctance there. I've been in trouble in that department and have a deep seated horror of debt. I don't even have a credit card in my name (the new VISA/MC debit cards rock!).

 

Budgeting, home cooking, some other way to find the money is one of my "jobs" here. We watch TV off rabbit ears, rarely eat out, see one movie or less per year, and drive old cars, plus we live out in the middle of nowhere so our rent is $200 a month less than my mom's - and we have 60 acres and she has, um, a smaller yard than the shadow of her own house. I sat out from trialing and flyball for years while we tried to catch up from the bills after my car wreck (wasn't enough though). I started a business and had a second job last year. You just do what you can. And then you decide whether that was enough and do what's right by the dog.

 

Good luck!

[kelpiegirl]

Becca

You describe the summers we spent in my grandparent's farm. Yes, it was bigger (120 acres), but we got exaclty one channel, the water was from a stream, and not much, so very little bath water. We drank goats milk, and we ate lots of beef (from the angus cattle), eggs, etc., and drank lots of kool aid. I was happy, because I loved the farm.

 

All that said, when owning animals, sometimes debt is unavoidable. One of my dogs ate an inedible dog toy, and had to have surgery- $1300.00. Before that, much money spent on my Boxer who had IBS, and who is now fine, thanks to canidae dry food- he eats EVERY DAY, and has normal stools- it took years to get to that point.

 

I believe some debt is inevitable, but for each debt, you need to plan to erase it, and it takes time. Money sucks.

 

Julie

ps: money would not suck if I could win that dang lottery!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

The point is very well made about IBS not always being permanent. I had a dog with it and she's fine with just plain old dog food now, at five years old. On the other hand a ten year old dog I raised and later placed, still has to be treated with kid gloves. However, she works on a military installation and they are fine with managing her - she's a valuable asset to them.

 

I see your options as being quite wide open, really - you just have to try to push the emotions aside for a bit, long enough to give complete attention to the reality of your situation.

 

I'd go into debt to save a dog's life, but I'd have to look at other options in this kind of situation. I totally understand your reluctance there. I've been in trouble in that department and have a deep seated horror of debt. I don't even have a credit card in my name (the new VISA/MC debit cards rock!).

 

Budgeting, home cooking, some other way to find the money is one of my "jobs" here. We watch TV off rabbit ears, rarely eat out, see one movie or less per year, and drive old cars, plus we live out in the middle of nowhere so our rent is $200 a month less than my mom's - and we have 60 acres and she has, um, a smaller yard than the shadow of her own house. I sat out from trialing and flyball for years while we tried to catch up from the bills after my car wreck (wasn't enough though). I started a business and had a second job last year. You just do what you can. And then you decide whether that was enough and do what's right by the dog.

 

Good luck!