My fault

[Eiros]

I lost my beloved 9 month old Jack puppy and it's my fault. I had to move back to my parents house after my breakup with Jeff over the summer and they didn't want to take Jack because of their pets. Jeff had him at his house with a backyard and I tried to come over and see him. I took him to class and I came over and played with him but it wasn't enough. I didn't want to have to see Jeff anymore and couldn't afford to move back out right away.
Last month Jeff gave my puppy away to a kind family who lost their GSD puppy to a seizure. He told me they were happy to have him but my heart is broken. I know it's my fault. I should never have gotten Jack if I couldn't make it work in the event I had to take him away. I'm an idiot and I'll hate it forever that I did this to him and myself. A month has gone by and I just now got the courage to say something to you all about my awful mistake. Every time I see a GSD my heart breaks all over again. I miss my Jack so much, I only hope he is happy and safe because he deserves the best life possible.
I've missed talking to everyone and the help I've recieved from all of you on this forum. Thank you for teaching me how to be the best person I could be for my pup, and for all the countless hours I spent with him learning about him and bonding with him. My heart goes out to anyone who has lost a dog they loved.

[Emoore]

At least he's gone to a family that it sounds like will take good care of him. The way you started this thread, I thought he had passed away.

I'm so sorry this has happened to you and Jack though. Sounds like you've learned a lesson the very hardest way possible. I hate that you're going through it.

[mysweetkaos]

Very sorry you are so sad. Could you possibly go over to visit him....maybe seeing him in a happy new home would ease your guilt/loss. I wouldn't beat yourself up too much. No doubt you have learned a lot and I am sure you will make sure you are ready before entering into another commitment with a dog. Take care

[JeanKBBMMMAAN]

Yes, I moved this thread from In Loving Memory to here because I thought the same thing too.

Sadly, very few dogs (I think it's like 1 in 5) live their whole lives with the family that purchases or adopts them. This is a story of one of them that we hope will always have a happy ending.

If it's okay, I would see if you could contact to let them know that if they ever need to rehome him, that they should contact you.

I have a foster right now who is under 1 year and has been in at least 6 different places. We are working very hard to stop that cycle and ensure that her next home is her forever home.

[Rerun]

So I will likely be the one who goes against the grain, but IMHO as much as we would like to plan out lives down to every possibly scenario, something I've learned in the last couple of years that I never believed is that you just can't prepare for everything. Not knowing all the details, the simple fact is that you didn't get rid of your dog because you were tired of taking care of him or too lazy to train him. You were in a relationship, in a house from the sound of it, and when you broke up couldn't afford to live on your own (?). Therefore, you moved in with family who had the right to be, but were unfortunately not accepting of your dog. You left him with your ex and I can understand not wanting to go over there to visit the dog given that it's the ex's house. Most people don't have great relationships with their ex, that's why they are the "ex." I realize some people somehow befriend their ex and custody share the dog, and if that works for them - great. But generally, it doesn't work! This doesn't make you a bad person.

I'm sorry he was given away, and hopefully it was to a good home and you weren't lied to about where he went.

This is not your fault. Life happens.

[Eiros]

Thank you all for the kind words I tell myself that someday when I'm ready I can get another GSD when I'm in a better place in my life. It's hard to lose him though, I really did care for him so much. I thought about him all the time.

[fuzzybunny]

Originally Posted by Rerun

So I will likely be the one who goes against the grain, but IMHO as much as we would like to plan out lives down to every possibly scenario, something I've learned in the last couple of years that I never believed is that you just can't prepare for everything. Not knowing all the details, the simple fact is that you didn't get rid of your dog because you were tired of taking care of him or too lazy to train him. You were in a relationship, in a house from the sound of it, and when you broke up couldn't afford to live on your own (?). Therefore, you moved in with family who had the right to be, but were unfortunately not accepting of your dog. You left him with your ex and I can understand not wanting to go over there to visit the dog given that it's the ex's house. Most people don't have great relationships with their ex, that's why they are the "ex." I realize some people somehow befriend their ex and custody share the dog, and if that works for them - great. But generally, it doesn't work! This doesn't make you a bad person.

I'm sorry he was given away, and hopefully it was to a good home and you weren't lied to about where he went.

This is not your fault. Life happens.

I couldn't have said it any better. Hugs.

[Holmeshx2]

Sorry I know the feeling of having to give a pet up and it really doesn't go away. I would however advise against seeing him. Maybe contact the owners and just ask how he is let them know if they ever need anything or to give him up let you know but seeing him will ease your pain not his and will likely make it more difficult on the dog.

[Bridget]

I agree with what everyone else said, and with Holmeshx2 about maybe it is better if you don't attempt to see Jack, but do call if possible. Please try not to feel so guilty, life does happen and sometimes there is just nothing we can do about it. Jack is at least still young enough to be rehomed to a good place without too many emotional issues about it. Dogs are quite adaptable.

[Stevenzachsmom]

Rerun is absolutely right. I have dear friends who lost their home last summer. They had four dogs and were homeless. They were able to find loving homes for two of them and loving friends who were willing to take in the people and their two remaining dogs. They were heartbroken. Life isn't always fair. I am so sorry.