About a week ago, our neighbor called and said they may be interested in buying Charlie. RJ and I had mixed feelings. We were just getting used to the idea of keeping him around {kind of}. They came and met Charlie the next day and called the next day saying they wanted him. I hadn't said anything to Abbey at this point, just in case it didn't happen. I sat her down and explained what was happening and she CRIED and YELLED and CRIED some more. It was awful. {I'm not going to lie, I shed a tear or two also}. Then, after a good cry, she said she could let him go...but she needed a few days with him. So we called back our friends and told them that Abbey needed until Tuesday to say goodbye.
Tuesday came, all too quickly, and they headed over to take Charlie to his new home. We spent the evening out playing with him and preparing the girls for their goodbye's. I was getting so nervous. But when they pulled up, Abbey and Makayla had ran over to play with the neighbor kids {and I think it was a good distraction} We called them over to say goodbye. {I had held myself together until this point} And Abbey did wonderfully. She hugged him and kissed him and ran on her way. I couldn't hold the tears back anymore.
It wasn't for the fact that I love Charlie. It was for the fact that Abbey loves Charlie. A lot. and taking something that your child loves, that much, away from them, is NOT an easy thing to do. Even if they handle it better than you thought they would {which I am so thankful for}
Charlie's new family is darling and they were so excited to take him home. They were really cute with Abbey, telling her to come see him anytime {they live around the corner}. We also told them to let us dog-sit when they go out of town. That will be fun for the girls.
So, in short, it wasn't easy. It was a lot harder than I thought it would be. But Abbey handled it like a champ. And it is a relief. The kids have played non-stop in the backyard for the past two days.
Will we ever have a dog again? I dare say, we will. It will be awhile. But I think, with a child that loves animals as much as Abbey does, it is inevitable.
We hope Charlie loves his new home!
5 comments:
So sad but happy at the same time. Next time get a Maltese they are the best dogs ever!!
Wow, what a learning experience for you guys. I'm glad Charlie found a new happy home, and I'm glad you're not going to have to worry about all the stress he was causing, especially with the new baby coming. (Congrats on that, by the way)
Your girls are so cute, I love the dancing pictures.
And thank you for your comment on my blog earlier this week. It was so sweet and really made my day.
oh, charlie. It's better to have an adoptive pet--like we adopt the neighbors dogs when it comes over, then we let it go home. We don't have to fee it or clean up poop. It's great you blogged about it so the girls will always remember him and they will see the sacrifice YOU made. Glad Abbey's not all torn up about it.
So Sad. We said goodbye to a Charlie a few years back as well. Maybe it's all in the name? Next time name your dog something else!
i (almost) hate to say it but getting rid of our dog and kicking the cat outside were the best decisions i ever made. does that make me a mean person? i don't know, but i certainly feel your relief!
Post a Comment