Very Sad Day

[checkers g'mama]

I have observed Cheyenne over the years. She is a very well mannered dog, but, and I have to say this, "Cheyenne has more of a wild dog attitude towards people and children". I love her to death and it hurts even me for Cheryl to be forced to this decision. I would give her a home, but she does not do well with small dogs either. The more active the young dog or child, the more standoffish she gets until she feels she is backed into a corner. We all know how animals act when they are cornered and have no other way out. For some reason - puppies and young children bring out the cornered, I must protect myself reaction from Cheyenne. She would be perfect in a home that is much quieter. She is a good watch dog and as Cheryl says - well trained. She tells you if she needs to go out - with that "look" and loves to go on walks to the park. Travels well for short trips - like to the park, etc. Don't know how she does with long trips, or I would put her on the truck with Cheryl's step-father. If anyone is hurting here, it is Cheryl. This has been the roughest thing she has had to face. Cheyenne would not do well with a muzzle or being locked up. Just having to sit behind the baby gate and watch into the room is hard enough! BY THE WAY - Justin started pulling up on the furniture this last week - I expect he will be walking very shortly.......G'mama

[Dillydoodle]

In my humble opinion, The one who will hurt the most will be Cheyenne as she will lose everything she knows - her family and her home and this is IF you can find a home that will take an elderly dog that is proven to be not good with children or with other dogs and has some health issues. I hope for her sake that a good home can be found, but it is a tall order considering all these issues. I am sure that checkers' mom feels horrible for having to give her up and I do feel for her as well, but my heart goes out to Cheyenne because she is the one losing her home.
Em

[Checkers]

I appreciate the input from all of you. I understand the distaste my decision might leave in some of your mouths.... however, in the end it boils down to being my decision. I have owned Cheyenne since March of 1996... I know her personality very well... including what she is, or is not capable of doing. She is not a mean or viscious dog, but she is also not tolerant, either of other dogs or of young children. Also keep in mind that there is a pretty decent possibility that she could be a part coyote mix. We don't know since she was a rescue but she demonstrates the same gait and personality of a coyote and even several vets have mentioned it as being likely. She is a 50lb dog... it would only take one slip up... one snap in the wrong place to kill our son. It is just simply a chance that I cannot afford to take. I couldn't live with myself if Justin were hurt or worse because I couldn't do what I had to when I had to.

I wish I had family to give her to. I used to think I would give her to my dad because she loves him and the farm where he lives. But the sad reality is that my dad remarried a woman that hates dogs and we've already taken one dog (my sister took him) just to get him out of a bad situation there. My brother has four children... all young, so he is not an option. Mom and my sister both have chihuahua's that would be put at risk so they cannot take her. That cover's most all of my relatives right there. There is nobody I can trust to take her for a short time... and I don't think even if I could that it would be a viable option because until Justin is old enough to really GET that he can't go anywhere near her it wouldn't work to try and bring her back.... and in reality she will have probably passed from natural causes by then. Either way... I will not continue to jusitify this decision. Take it how you will but I feel this is my best option given my circumstances. I have a tough road ahead to try and find a good home for her and my hope is that I will be able to stay in touch with her new family and help them with any adjustments or medical costs.

I'll update when a new home has been found for Cheyenne.... but otherwise this is the last time I will post or attempt to defend myself on this post. And please understand that I am not upset with anyone for their opinions...

[Checkers]

Final update:

After being advised by several local rescues, including the shepard rescue that I was best off to just euthanize Cheyenne because of her age I decided to go with the lesser of two evils. When my mom drives back to Mississippi after Thanksgiving she will be taking Cheyenne back to live with my dad on the farm. This was not my first choice because of some issues I have had with his care of his dogs (they are fed, but he forgets to give them heartgard and shots). However, Cheyenne is familiar with the farm because that's where I was prior to getting married.... she also likes my dad a lot. I figure that is much more optimal to just putting her down. At least this way I can keep tabs on her... and just hound my dad when it's time for shots, etc. I feel good overall about this decision and I hope it will benefit everyone. I think even dad's new wife might get along with Cheyenne because of her laid-back temperment. Besides, in a year they are planning to sell that farm and get a bigger one farther north (i.e. Alabama instead of Florida LOL) so she'll have lots more room to roam then.

-Cheryl

[fido]

Cheryl--so glad you had such a good option for Cheyenne. Our vet has a free service that reminds us each month to give his heart guard through an email service called Pet Portal. Additionally, they will remind for shots or appointment reminders through the service as well. Maybe you could find a vet in your father's area that has such a service. Then, either your dad or his wife can just follow through. It's quite convenient and the vet staff just needed our email address and they took care of the rest. We all wish Cheyenne well and know it will be a big change for your household.

Take care...