The worst parent in the world.

[missusduray]

My son is 3 as well. If it were me, here is what I would do.
I would let him greive and when that is over let him come with you to pick out a new puppy. You could make it more fun by looking on the internt and researchin what kind of dog he would want and then go get one. That way he knows what it will grow up to be. Maybe a little beagle would be good, something that cant jump a 6 ft fence. Try to make it a fun project for him. Maybe this will perk his interest after while. Maybe when he realizes how many kinds of dogs are out there he will forget about the old one. My thoughts are with you.
Kristyne

 

[schmoo]

All of us parents have to 'decide" what we think is best for everyone in our families (meaning pets too ofcourse) in every situation. It's bound to happen that sometimes uncontrollable situations are going to occur. You did what you thought was best and thats the best that you can do.

The little guy is 3 and although you think his world is crushed he will forget about it before you know it. Your a good parent, don't doubt it.

 

[SpottedCrow]

I have to agree with the others...she was sent to your house to meet this old couple for a specific reason...she would'nt keep going back if it wasn't so...
Three is a little too young for having an animal, any animal...they don't understand that they could hurt it by pulling on a sensitive part.
I like the idea of researching another dog with your son...
I hope that punk that ran over your dog and almost you and your son is rotting in jail somewhere...he deserves it.

 

[Alleyoops25]

did I say he was 3? oops..He is 4 , any way i think I need to clarify a few things. First off when I said replaced i didnt think of the dog as an object like a piece of old furniture. I know they are fur four legged family members. Next I am not going to go out and pack home the first pup I see. We like black mouth curs and are going to hunt around to find a pup.As for wether or not my son is old enough to have a dog or not is debatable. I dont expect him to train, or clean up after it. Insteed he helps us take care of it. My son loves dog's, especially his dogs. So him loosing this dog was like loosing a best friend. I realize he aint old enough to take on the whole responsibility of the care of the dog, but he is old enough to have a fury freind to love and play with. Now I am not trying to start anything, as you guys cant hear my tones, and I do apperciate the comments and thoughts you guys have shared with me. I grew up with a dog and this dog died at the age of 20. And I am a firm beleaver that kids need to have a least one dog in their child hood to be their friend. And I want nothing more than a dog that he can play with and make his buddy. I know Scooby had to go some where because he wasnt filling his duties as a companion, I just wish it didnt bring this much hardship. And as for him being the replacement for the dog that was hit by the car. it was a good 5 months before we got him. ANd by the way the kid that hit our Hunny dog, just got a couple weeks of community service. Aby way I do apperciate you thoughts, and I know what my son is capable of doing. THis dog was his best buddy, and all of a sudden out of no where he got the idea he needed to run loose. I think a big part of it was his hunting instinct, he smelled something and had to go get it. Then he found these people and they were spoiling him so he kept wanting to go back to see what hand outs he could get. There was no way I could let him keep running like he was and I tried every thing. So I knew he had to go. And here a little way down the road we will get him a new pup. In the mean time I have to keep and eye on him, and he really is heart broken.

 

[Cheri]

to you and your son.

 

[Poison Ivy]

Have you tried looking for one on petfinder.com?

 

[SunChick]

Quote:
No one is coming down on you, just offering advice and support--it comes in many forms. So what if he is 4, that doesn't really change much from 3! We appreciate kids wanting furry friends! No need to get your back up. Relax! If you didn't want support and empathy you would not have posted your situation on this board and left yourself open to our helping hands! JMHO

 

[SpottedCrow]

I didn't mean to ruffle your feathers either...I just know that we didn't get a dog until my sister and I were older, like 8 or so...and I was usually the one who took care of him...feed, water, scoop poop...all the fun stuff.
We had a neighbour's kid come over for a birthday party and he got ahold of one of our Hermit Crabs and squashed it, shell and all...that's what I meant about being careful. This kid has since gotten worse than crab killer, he's setting fires and poisoned his dog...but that's another story.
I know how heartbreaking it is to lose an animal, most all of us have at one point or another. Especially when you're little and you don't think of dying as being a permanent condition and you're waiting for your dog or cat or fish to come home.
I'm aggravated that the driver only got a slap on the wrist.
Silly question? Do you of anyone near you who's female might've been in heat? Even a neutered male can lose his mind around a female...
I know that another animal isn't a "replacement". It's not like you broke a dish and ran back to Macy's to get another one...A new animal is just another furry soul to love and to get loved in return.

 

[Queen of the Lilliputians]

First, I'm so sorry. As a parent, I think we all go through periods where we think we just SUCK at it.

At the total risk of being unpopular... I'd call the couple to see if you can have the dog back. (I'm upset that the man grabbed the dog's collar like that.. sounds like he ignored your son. I hope I missed something.. that sounds awful). I'd call and say I made a huge mistake.

Yes, maybe this dog does need to know this couple. Maybe this dog just likes a particular bush in their yard, and it has nothing to do with them, at all. Obviously the dog is attached to your son. And as for your son.. wow. Poor little guy!

Anyway, regardless of your decision, you are doing the best you can. Don't beat yourself up at all! And.. I bought my 4yo son a guinea pig (knowing she was really my responsibility). We've had her for a year and a half, and she has taught my son loads of gentleness and responsibility. He still holds her every day, and she is the coolest guinea pig I have ever seen. I think it's ok for kids to have pets, as long as the person doing the buying knows who really is responsible (which you obviously do!).

Could you guys erect a chain-link dog kennel? What an escape artist!

-Meghan

 

[Alleyoops25]

None of you have offended me, I was merely trying to Converse with you. It is so hard to talk on these things and make the right expersions. Really you guys are all right and I am ok. You are helping me and I understand that. Thanks agian.