FINAL UPDATE: Just got a call saying the dog has already been re-adopted! They didn’t have to call, but since I was upset, they wanted me to know. The dog even took the stuff I donated with her! She was one of only a couple of fixed, small female dogs there, so her adoption fee was lower.
I feel sad but a little better. Our shelter is amazing!
Thank you to everyone who supported me through this. 🩷
READ THE UPDATE BELOW TOO.
Hi everyone. I already feel horrible about this, and I really need support right now.
Yesterday, I adopted a senior dog from our local shelter. She was so sweet and seemed to settle in well, but the scent of her set off one of our two cats. The cat lost it, attacked our other cat, and bit my son, totally out of character. Now, he’s hiding and terrified. The dog and cats haven’t even been in the same room! We’ve kept them apart the whole time.
I’m a single mom, and my son is shaken. The cats have their own room, but the chaos has been so intense. I plan to return the dog to the shelter tomorrow, even though we’ve only had her for a short time. I’m so scared about how I’ll be treated there. I wanted to keep her forever, but it’s obvious this isn’t going to work out.
I’d love some reassurance. Thank you.
UPDATE: I returned the dog and the shelter was super supportive. I was crying, but the intake worker came and sat with me, gave me a hug, and told me I did the right thing. She even said there were other people interested in the dog. I wrote some positive notes for her next family, hoping it helps. The shelter staff is awesome, and they know the animals so well.
Thank you all for your kindness. I can’t tell you how much it meant to me. For the people who were negative, I hope you scroll past posts like mine in the future. Now, time to comfort my son, get his hand treated, and make sure our cats feel safe again.
Make sure you tell the shelter the dog did nothing wrong. Some places will put down a dog returned for aggression, so be very clear that wasn’t the case.
Toni said:
Make sure you tell the shelter the dog did nothing wrong. Some places will put down a dog returned for aggression, so be very clear that wasn’t the case.
Thanks for the reminder. I stressed that in my email and will say it again in person. I’m also writing a letter about how great she is for future adopters.
@Uma
Totally agree! Just make sure they label her as not cat-friendly but still a great dog. Maybe no young kids either? Some dogs are listed that way, and it’s okay.
Baylor said: @Uma
Totally agree! Just make sure they label her as not cat-friendly but still a great dog. Maybe no young kids either? Some dogs are listed that way, and it’s okay.
Actually, it was the cat that freaked out, not the dog. Just a misunderstanding.
Toni said:
Make sure you tell the shelter the dog did nothing wrong. Some places will put down a dog returned for aggression, so be very clear that wasn’t the case.
Toni said:
Make sure you tell the shelter the dog did nothing wrong. Some places will put down a dog returned for aggression, so be very clear that wasn’t the case.
Toni said:
Make sure you tell the shelter the dog did nothing wrong. Some places will put down a dog returned for aggression, so be very clear that wasn’t the case.
Toni said:
Make sure you tell the shelter the dog did nothing wrong. Some places will put down a dog returned for aggression, so be very clear that wasn’t the case.
[deleted]
Yep, the dog didn’t hurt anyone. The cat was the one that bit.
Hartley said:
You have a valid reason to return the dog. It’s not about not wanting her; it’s about protecting your current pets. That’s understandable.
Thank you. I had good intentions and feel awful, but I think it’s best for everyone. Your words mean a lot.
@Uma
You definitely did the right thing. Keeping the dog could have caused more stress and even health issues for your cats, not to mention the strain on you and your son.
Don’t be hard on yourself. You had the best intentions, and sometimes things just don’t work out. The shelter staff will understand. Your priority is your son and your pets, and you’re doing what’s right.
@Bailey
Thank you. 🩷 I was worried about the dog getting hurt too, especially since she’s small and older. Mittens could really do some damage. I feel so bad about all this.
Uma said: @Bailey
Thank you. 🩷 I was worried about the dog getting hurt too, especially since she’s small and older. Mittens could really do some damage. I feel so bad about all this.
It’s called misdirected aggression, and it’s more common than you’d think. Your cat will settle down eventually, and you did the right thing for everyone.
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