giving up your beloved friend

Question
Hi,
I am from Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia.  I have over the past 4 years had 6 dogs (started with the mom and dad and kept 4 of the pups from the first 2 litters. My intentions were sincere to keep these pups, I never did like to give them away after caring for them, so I kept them to make sure they were looked after.
Unfortunately things have changed. I was in a position before to take care of these  beautiful babies both time wise and financially, but that is not the case now, and I have exhaused every option.  I am able to only care for 2 of them, so i had to choose which 2 were the happiest to be with me (i know that sounds awful but it is a fact), because of the stress of the situation the other 4 are acting out and very misbehaved, they seem nervous and unhappy all the time.Its breaking my heart, i thought i;d never have to do this, but it is better for them. My question is, will giving them away break their heart as much as mine? Will they get sick because of this? Will they remember me and feel abandoned? Please tell me truthfully.Thankyou


Answer
Hi Derek and I'm sorry to hear of your heartbreaking decision. These type situations are always painful, more for us, than for the dogs I believe.

Of course there is going to be an adjustment period for all of you, but dogs do live in the moment and get "over" things quite easily and quickly. I know that our hearts feel as if they (the dog(s) could never get by without us, but truthfully, they can. It is our own guilt that makes us respond with these feelings. You really should not beat yourself up about this because you only had the best interests of your "friends" in mind. It was probably one of the most painful things you've ever had to do and harboring guilt is not making it any easier on you.

If the dogs are seeming unhappy, misbehaving, and generally being a pain in the butt, it could be the person who has them is not setting any rules or boundaries for them. It is imperative that this be done for the stability of the dogs. Can I ask if they are with someone you know (all together) or are they with strangers (and separated)? If they are separated, it may take a bit longer for them to adjust, but if the human maintains a leadership role, it should be an easy transition. Do you get a chance to see them? If so, you have to remember to be positive when you are around them. DON'T send out negative signals, as they will seriously pick up on it. You can cry after you leave, but keep on your happy face (and attitude)

Please, don't continue to feel guilty about what you HAD to do. It's not helping at all and if anything, it's hurting the situation.