Feeling helpless

Not sure where to start with this, but here goes nothing.

My three kids are all grown up now and living in their own homes. I feel very lucky that they all own their own homes and have jobs they enjoy. They have grown into lovely people. What more could a parent ask for?

We were vey late in bringing the joy of a dog into the lives of our children, but it has paid dividends. All three of our kids have dogs of their own and love them dearly. Our eldest and his wife have been the latest to bring a dog into their lives and, as luck will have it, they will soon be welcoming a new addition to their family too.

Our two dogs are rescue dogs from the local pound and I wouldn’t get a dog any other way now. There are so may beautiful creatures out there just desperately waiting for someone to offer them some love and a stable home. I have never quite understood the way some people neglect, abuse or abandon dogs, and condemn them to an uncertain future, or even euthanasia.

Two of our children have also rescued dogs, one from the pound and another through a work colleague. Our eldest child is going through a traumatic experience that, as a parent, I just want to rescue him from – but I can’t. His beautiful dog, a Labrador cross, is deeply anxious and has obviously suffered trauma in the past. They have tried desperately to provide him with a loving, stable environment but he has nipped a few people and has now bitten both my son and his wife. The main problem is that he has latched onto Nathan’s arm and just wouldn’t let go – thank goodness he was wearing a leather jacket! I am almost 100% positive that this is all connected to anxiety and his need to protect, but with a baby on the way it is a major concern. Try as he might Nathan has been unable to find anywhere that will help to rehouse Buster, and everyone he has spoken to has advised euthanasia.

Needless to say Nathan is distraught – Buster is his best mate. When he isn’t stressed he is an absolute delight! So tomorrow they have an appointment with the vet and will be saying goodbye to the beautiful Buster.

So, Nathan is a grown-up now, he’s a big boy, but all I want to do is take the hurt away and make it all OK again. I know I can’t but that doesn’t help. It makes me so cross that this could have been avoided if only Buster had been given proper training int he first place. Maybe there’s still a chance he could be rehabilitated but with a baby arriving in six weeks timing is not good, and nobody will take him on to rehome him until he’s been rehabilitated. A vicious circle!

All we can do is be there for my lovely, sensitive boy at this stressful time. The joys of being a parent and a dog lover!