My first really tough parenting decision

Tonight is our last night with Larry David, our dog We rescued Larry David 5 1/2 years ago from the NYC pound in Brooklyn. He came with quite a few issues, mainly fear-aggression related, but it was doable when it was just us.

Unfortunately 2 years into my kids and it's more and more obvious every day that we can't continue on. He's visibly angry and is not a fan of my oldest. The final straw, besides all the spiteful peeing and pooping in the house, was when Colin walked past him about 3 weeks ago and Larry David stuck his face out and bit him on the foot. It wasn't that hard or even broke the skin but that was the moment I realized we canNOT be that family on the news that people say "how could they have let that happen??".

So, Larry David will be rehomed with a wonderful Shih Tzu rescue up in Orange County. He'll live with the director until she can place him in a suitable adults-only home.

Just 2 years into this parenting gig, this is by far the hardest decision we've had to make but we know it's the right one for our family.

Has anyone else been in this position, once the kids come? I'm actually curious to see if Colin even asks for him after tomorrow. Not sure how to handle that since how much can he even understand??


Here are a couple of pics of our 'first kid'

Message edited 12/11/2009 1:35:07 PM.

Re: My first really tough 'parenting' decision

I'm so glad you found a rescue group for him. What a hard decision that must have been.

Re: My first really tough 'parenting' decision

I'm so sorry. That is such a hard decision but it's for the best. Many

Re: My first really tough 'parenting' decision

I'm so sorry you had to make such a tough decision. As much as I love my dog... if he did anything serious to my son I'd have to make that choice you did.

What a beautiful dog. I hope he finds a good home soon

Re: My first really tough parenting decision

Im so sorry. that must have been a very hard decision for you.

Re: My first really tough parenting decision

Thank you guys I've been ok with it all until about an hour ago. That's when I sent Colin to watch Gabba and sat on my kitchen floor with the dog crying my eyes out for about 20 minutes

Re: My first really tough parenting decision

ugh I'm so sorry Just seeing his face makes my heart break for you! You definitely did the right thing!

Re: My first really tough parenting decision

Life is unpredictable and things happen. Keeping your kids same is your top priority!

Re: My first really tough parenting decision

Oh No! Sorry you had to go through this tough decision but you have to put your "kids" first.

Re: My first really tough parenting decision

I know what you are going through. I have 2 yorkies that are extremely spiteful of my DC's. They all pee and poop in my house. yesterday alone my female dog pee'd on my couch and on my bath mat in the bathroom I keep them in their cages as much as possible to retrain them but that is hard with a newborn because their constant barking wakes him up.

My male dog growls everytime my older DS goes near him, doesnt even have to touch him. He has thankfully never bit him and never has tried to but I wonder if I am playing with fire.

Thankfully you were able to find a good rescue group and they will be able to find him a good home.

Re: My first really tough parenting decision

I am so sorry. I know how hard it is. We had to rehome our youngest cat a couple of months ago. She had been very spiteful since DD arrived. She was peeing in her room, on her clothes. She was openly hostile to her. The last straw was Maddii was sitting on the top of our couch. Kaydyn was standing on the couch (not touching or doing anything to the cat) and Maddii reached out and scratched Kaydyn on the head and tried to bite her. This was the last of many incidents involving her and Kaydyn. That night we found someone to take her b/c we didn't want to wait and see what might happen.

I was really upset that night b/c we had Maddii since she was 4 weeks old (we rescued her) and I was soooo attached but I knew I wouldn't forgive myself if something worse had happened.

Re: My first really tough parenting decision

I am soo sorry ~ It is a tough decision! No experience but here are some

Re: My first really tough parenting decision

I have not been in yours position but my friend was in a similar position. Her dog was very family possessive. Liked very few people outside her and her DH. Then she got pregnant and she was terrified, crying constantly at the thought of what might happen when hte introduced the new baby.

Then one day the dog got out in the neighborhood, and headed towards the park. Her DH was following trying to catch the dog...it was at that moment that they realized it was time.

They had to put the dog down because in the end he was not friendly to adults or kids.

My heart goes out to you I know this is a tough decision but it is for teh best.

Re: My first really tough parenting decision

awww I'm sorry you are going through this

His picture is breaking my heart

Re: My first really tough parenting decision

What a tough decision to have to make.

Re: My first really tough parenting decision

I am so sorry you have to make this difficult decision.

Re: My first really tough parenting decision

That is so sad, but know you are doing the right thing. It's always been a fear for us too, it still is.
You are being extremely responsible and rehoming him correctly and that's really all you can do. My heart breaks for you though...I dread having to make that decision.

Re: My first really tough parenting decision

Re: My first really tough parenting decision

Such a tough decision but the right one- your child's safety has to come first.

I love his name! And so glad there is a temporary place for him to go.

Re: My first really tough parenting decision

We had to make the same decision when my first DD was diagnosed with a cat allergy. I had to rehome my two persians Suki and Deisel.

It broke my heart and I miss them terribly, but I had to think of the health of my child first. Thankfully my parents took them in and they are living the high life now.

Re: My first really tough parenting decision

Re: My first really tough parenting decision

I can't imagine how hard that must be but kudos to you for making the effort to place him in a good place until he is in a new home. I feel like so many people just abandon their pets.

Re: My first really tough parenting decision

I'm holding tears back reading this...I dread the day I'll have to do the same with my dogs..... Its tough being mommy

Re: My first really tough parenting decision

Thank you guys so much!! I was a little afraid I'd get flamed (though I guess I posted on the correct board for like-mindedness ).

Re: My first really tough parenting decision

I'm sorry. that must suck. and seeing that sweet face, it's hard to imagine the need...let alone having to do it.

where in Orange County is it?