Some of you may have read my following thread re: our golden retr. cross Angel, which we were having increasing problems with possessiveness and territorial aggression. We had come to the conclusion that due to our kids safety and all their friends, we would have to find her a new home.

My girlfriend with no kids had considered it but was a little leary so I decided to talk to the people at the SPCA about have a temperament assessment done on her. We had adopted Angel one year ago from the another SPCA 45 minutes away in Burnaby. An awesome girl named Christina asked me a lot of questions re: Angel's problems and had me fill out a questionnaire.

She told me honestly that based on what I said, with Angel's growling at strangers, growling at dogs and at people approaching our house, Christina strongly doubted Angel would pass any kind of testing. She said Angel was not the kind of dog that should ever be rehomed. I asked if she would phone the Burnably shelter to see if they had any info on her that was missed.

This is the part that still turns my stomach. Clearly stated on Angel's file on their computer was the following info:

ANGEL IS A VERY FEARFUL DOG WITH MANY ANXIETIES AND DISPLAYS SUBMISSIVE AGGRESSION. SHE SHOULD BE PLACED IN A QUIET, ADULT ONLY HOME WITH AN EXPERIENCED DOG OWNER. SHE SHOULD BE THE ONLY PET. ANGEL WILL REQUIRE EXTENSIVE SOCIALIZATION AND TRAINING TO HELP HER OVERCOME HER FEARS.

Wow!!! Overhearing Christina saying this had me in tears because I knew what this would mean for Angel. Not only had none of this info been passed on to me, I even went to the shelter with my kids!!! I must have asked the girl at the front 10 times at least "Are you sure this dog is okay with kids?"
I was told there were no issues, and even their ad on the website said Angel was happy and friendly and would make some lucky family a wonderful pet.

Finding this out gave me a lot of mixed emotions. First, I was furious with that shelter for having put my kids and others at risk. Secondly, I was grief stricken because we'd become very attached to Angel over the year and now she was going to die. I also felt very disgusted that we all had let this dog down. If the shelter had only adopted her out to the proper home, maybe she would still be alive and thriving in a different environment. I also felt guilty that I had held on to her for so long despite seeing problems. I knew she was difficult from day one but every single person I talked to said she just needs more training, obedience is the key. Christina told me that she's learned over the years, you can never train the aggression or anxiety out of a dog, you can just learn to manage it better.

The Burnably Shelter, if you can believe it, said that at that point they did not want the dog back and she was our problem. By this time I was bawling at the desk and Christina said we could leave Angel to be PTS by them or take her home and to my vet. I was so emotionally distraught that I knew there would be no way I would have her put down if I took her home. I walked her back to a kennel, sat with her just holding her and sobbing. I'll never, ever forget as long as I live, the look in her big brown eyes as I left.

The only happy thoughts I have about any of this are that we gave Angel an awesome year in a happy, loving home. I have so many good memories of her because she had an extremely sweet and loving side. She loved to cuddle on my bed or the kids beds. Would paw at you if you hadn't petted her enough.Loved to watch for us out the front window. Could always warn us about Copper's seizures long before they happened. Always had a cute way of sticking her head in the fridge while you had the door open as if to check out what was in there. I've posted pics of some of her many happy moments.

I spoke with the manager at the Burnaby SPCA who apparently feels awful at everything that happened. Somehow that just isn't making me feel any better.I had blasted him at the time because I was so furious. I could hear that he had small kids in the background when he phoned me and I asked him if he would have liked to take Angel home and raise her around his kids? He was speechless. He's assured me he will investigate what happened. I want 1 question answered "Why, with that info clearly on the computer, no protection was taken against her going to a family with children?" I said I never wanted another family to have to go through this heartache.

Angel....I'm sure you will find peace now and no longer be tortured by your fears. We'll miss you baby girl!!! Jan.03 - March 05


http://www.picvault.info/images/59436_small_BROOKLYN,ANGEL,AND TY.jpg

http://www.picvault.info/images/59369_resized_ANGEL AND COPPER.jpg

http://www.picvault.info/images/59432_resized_resized_Smiling Angel.jpg

http://www.picvault.info/images/59371_resized_Please Hurry!!!.jpg

http://www.picvault.info/images/59417_resized_P1250613.jpg

http://www.picvault.info/images/59419_resized_P1250580.jpg

Angel.....you look so peaceful and happy here.....this is how we will remember you!!!
http://www.picvault.info/images/59373_resized_Angel At The Park.jpg

http://www.picvault.info/images/59525_resized_ANGEL FACE.jpg

I am so sorry that you have gone thru this. Our Storm was a lot like this, and we had to be careful with her. The only difference was I didn't have small children. Just know that you did the best you could with her and you gave all the love that you could.

She is up there with Storm and Joe Maringo's Maggie and they are the best of friends. {{{{{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}}}}} to you. You are not alone.

Wow! I didn't know that she has only been with you a year. And here I thought that she grew up with your kids. Sorry for what you went thru.

OMG, Karen. I'm so sorry and want to send {{{hugs}}} your way and just know in your heart that you did everything you could. I, too, would be so angry at that shelter but then would look at it this way.... If that shelter never gave you that information they would have never given it to anyone. If you didn't take her and give her a good home for a year, then she might not have had it as good if someone else had gotten her.

:tissue: I' so sorry you had to go through this. :hug:

So very sorry for you and your family. The pics are beautiful. Find peace in knowing you gave her a good life while she was with you.

:hug:
Karen I am so sorry. Your photos of Angel brought tears to my eyes as well as reading everything that you had to go through.

Your post made me cry. I feel so terrible for you, your family and Angel. But you are right, you gave Angel a wonderful year and for that I am sure she is very grateful. :hug:

Rest in peace Angel. :angel:

:hug: what a beautiful girl

This is awful. I am SOOO sorry you had to go through this, I cannot imagine your pain.
:hug: :hug:

You did everything you could and worked as hard, no harder, than most people for your sweet little girl. As you said, she was very lucky to have such a great home for a year.

Thank you for sharing those pictures, she truely was a beautiful gal.

Karen I have no words! I am so sorry! :tissue: :hug:

kathy

Karen, I'm so sorry. Your heart is broken I know. Think that you were her hero for the last year that you gave her love and attention no matter what her obstacles. If you hadn't come along, she may have had an early end not knowing all the love you showed her. Everyone needs to know love and she did. Things happen for reasons we don't always know, as hurt as you are, maybe this was for Angel and Angel alone...to know love. warmest hugs and peace for you heart.

I am so sorry for you and your family. I have been there and had to make the same decision about a dog, it is so hard and my heart stil breaks when I think of her but the saftey of humans does come first, you made the right decision. My prayers will be with you and yours.

Thanks everyone for your hugs and kind words. It really helps having the support of a group like this at such a tough time.

Miriam....your letter made me cry all over again, just when I thought I couldn't anymore. I do feel honored to have been chosen to love her even if only for a year. Angel knew how much she meant to us all and was adored by all of us, especially our kids. I'm glad that I was able to touch her heart.....I just wish it could have been forever.

I feel the pain and hurt you and your family are going through with your words (as I cry). Please always remember you made the right decision, which was probably one of the hardest you'll ever have to make. Your family gave Angel a full, happy, loving home. This would have never happened if you weren't choosen....things happen for a reason. Sending love and prayers to you and your family.

:hug: I have no words except to hope time will heal your pain.

Thanks Brigitte and Rosie. :hug:

Karen,

:hug: to you and your family. Just remember that Angel got to know love and kindness in your home with your family.

:tissue: I am so, so sorry!

I'm so, so sorry for you & your family, and for Angel...I'm sure you're all heartbroken. I don't know what to say, except that sometimes I think about adopting a rescue (someday in the future--right now I have 2 dogs & other pets keeping me busy) but the thought of what you have just been thru just scares me. You can't really know what you're getting. Most people seem to have positive experiences when they adopt a rescue, but then there are the unfortunate people like you, who try to give a needy dog a loving home, but then it just doesn't work out. Angel was lucky to have you give her a loving home for a year--I guess her spirit just couldn't be mended. Again, I'm so sorry. Mollysmomma

Ohhhh I am so sorry. I hate shelters that do that. My friend went through a similar situation. The shelter didn't tell her all the probs with this dog and they get it home and have it for a couple months, every one gets attached to it and this dog turns out to be vicious and unpredictable with many people. I am sorry you have to go through this. She is in a better place and at least she had that time with you. That time may have been the best she ever had, may that ease your pain. You did all you could under the circumstances. You take care. Let me know if you want to talk.

Mollysmomma, usually rescues are better (depending on the rescue) most rescues match the dog to the person, not just trying to get the dog out of the shelter. Most should disclose all info about the dog. A lot will not adopt a known abused dog or a dog showing signs of abuse to a family enviorment, one with young kids. So please don't put rescues out of your mind. Just do your research carefully.

I am so sorry to read this.

You are truly a good hearted person that did everything you could for Angel. I'm just so sorry you had to go thru this, it had to be very painful for everyone involved.

Angel is in a better place. and she loves you for all you did for her.

Karen, I am so sorry that things turned out the way they did. It really is a shame, but you did the best you could. Just like you said, Angel has no worries, fears or anxieties now. Hang in there ... you know we're here for ya.

I'm so sorry :hug:

I am so sorry, Karen. :hug:

I am so sorry for all the heartache you and your family must be going thru. You did the only thing you could do for everyone involved. Take care. :hug:

Oh I'm so sorry...what a heartache. Take care Karen.

Thanks... :)

:tissue:
No words, just this poem for you:

Home At Last
------------

The trees were blowing in the gentle breeze
the sun was shining; thru the leaves on the trees
The meadows are green; and the grass grows tall
off in the distance; you can see a waterfall

Over the falls; down through the creek
the water flows gently; as a rabbit sneaks a peek
Far up above; in the deep blue sky
the birds soar high; as they fly by

The animals play; at the bridge by the waterfall
chasing each other; and just having a ball
They play all day; from morning to night
there's no more rain; just warm sunlight

Off in the distance; the trumpets would blow
all would look up; and notice a bright glow
The harps would play; and the angels would sing
as another pet has come home; who had earned his wings

John Quealy

That is a great poem Deb!

Beautiful poem.....thank you so much. It makes me feel better to think of Angel in such a happy, peaceful place. :hug: :hug: :hug: