What do I do?

[rosemarythyme]

My husband and I deal with the nips, but our 5 year old jerks her hand back even though we are trying to tell her to touch their back and not their face so they don't nip...but yes...difficult.

I see adults doing that too with dogs, the jerking the hand back thing. The dog doesn't even need to bite to do damage. A hand or finger accidentally too close to teeth as the dog bounces around + a quick pull back = torn skin. So regardless if you end up keeping the pups or not, I'd definitely work on teaching the 5 yr old how to pet a dog safely.

 

[Aquatic_blue]

Took the puppies back this morning to the shelter.

They didn't judge me for it and said not to worry about it. They said people have been calling to see if those puppies are still there so I am sure they will get picked up quickly.

Made sure to take care of the dog that had split skin at their incision site last night before she went back. The vet gave her staples to hold it together, poor thing.

Especially in light of a confirmed case of coronavirus in our area, we figured it may be now or in 4 weeks to take them back if the shelter were to close. If they can find them a home quick then they would be in a new home instead of in the shelter if it had to close.

I still feel ashamed of myself and we will wait many many years before even considering a dog again. I think we would end up getting a young, house trained dog when that time comes around.

Thank you everyone for your advice.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I still feel ashamed of myself and we will wait many many years before even considering a dog again. I think we would end up getting a young, house trained dog when that time comes around.

So sorry it didn't work out. At least you gave it a lot of thought and made the decision while the pups were young so hopefully they can find new families ASAP (in my area puppies are snapped up in 1-2 days). Don't feel ashamed, it might've worked out if a few things were different (maybe 1 pup instead of 2, maybe the kids being slightly older, etc) but with all the circumstances right now, now wasn't a good time. I also considered returning the last 3 dogs we'd adopted (all for different reasons) so I know the amount of time and work needed in order to make things work out can be way more than most people can deal with, and you've got kids and a pandemic to worry about too!

 

[Halfpasthen]

*hugs* you made the best decision given the circumstances. Times are so tough for everyone right now. I definitely think a slightly older dog would be a much easier transition when you are ready to try again. Don't give up hope because of this heart wrenching experience. Dogs are the best. Not all dogs are right for all situations though. You'll find the right fit for your family when you are ready. I pray you have peace of mind and know that you did the kindest thing you could right now.

 

[Halfpasthen]

Foster to adopt is a really wonderful opportunity to find the right pet without the guilt or obligation!

 

[Aquatic_blue]

Foster to adopt is a really wonderful opportunity to find the right pet without the guilt or obligation!

Might try foster to adopt in the future. Not sure if this particular shelter had a program like that. It seems like a good idea to get to know the dog first on a multiple meet and greet basis.

 

[Halfpasthen]

Might try foster to adopt in the future. Not sure if this particular shelter had a program like that. It seems like a good idea to get to know the dog first on a multiple meet and greet basis.

Yeah, most kill shelters don't have the time or resources for fostering but a good adoption agency will. It sucks but a lot of shelter just really don't have the resources to make sure every dog is going to the right family. It can take some trial and error to find the right fit. Some dogs are incredibly low maintenance. Others ...not so much. You'll know it when you find it. Best wishes.

 

[Aquatic_blue]

Yeah, most kill shelters don't have the time or resources for fostering but a good adoption agency will. It sucks but a lot of shelter just really don't have the resources to make sure every dog is going to the right family. It can take some trial and error to find the right fit. Some dogs are incredibly low maintenance. Others ...not so much. You'll know it when you find it. Best wishes.

Next time I will be sure to ask!!! =D

 

[Folly's place]

You did the right thing for you and your family right now, hard as it has been. So sorry, but those cute puppies will find other homes, so it's good.
There are busy labs, and quiet labs, and very very few quiet terriers. Two super busy puppies at once, with everything else, just too much!
All the best,
Mary