I had THE phone call the other day.
A tearful, slightly upset plea from a concerned bulldog owner
Could I rehome another lovable middle aged bulldog bitch who possessed her own set of problems that needed ironing out by someone with patience, some time and and a love of the breed.
I discussed it with Chris and have thought about it for an age, and today I rang the breeder back with my answer.
My answer was a reluctant "no."
This evening I found myself telling fellow chicken keeper, Margaret the news as she walked her terriers past the field and she nodded in that understanding way only a dog owner could do
"I am glad you've said no", she said after a pause "Your heart is far too bruised"
and do you know what?....... she's right.
Sometimes "no" is the right thing to say....but "yes" will come one day in the future. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteYes she is - a heart rendering decision to have to make but John you can't put yourself through all that pain again, you can't.
ReplyDeleteI totally get it....but it's still not easy to say no...that's why I have 9 cats and 6 of them usually throw up as soon as I feed them......then there hungry again! Time for healing...
ReplyDeleteSometimes no can be the hardest word, even if it's the right thing to do...and in this case I'm sure it was
ReplyDeleteIt seems like a heartbreaking breed.
ReplyDeleteBest not, like you say.
ReplyDeleteI know less than nothing about dogs and most other animals. But I do know that there comes a time when however generous you are, you begin to recognise that that are limits to what you can do to save the world while still saving yourself. I salute you and your generous heart. Cx
ReplyDeleteI have always had trouble saying 'no' to rescuing creatures but you cannot always put yourself through the stress of rehabilitating them. Lily. xxx
ReplyDeleteWe all have our limits and you can't save the whole world all by yourself.
ReplyDeleteI think NO must be the hardest word to say but sometimes we have to think of ourselves first.
ReplyDelete((((HUGS))))
ReplyDeleteWell restrained John. 'No' is a very hard word to say indeed.
ReplyDeleteA wise decision John, but not easy. Well done.
ReplyDeletemy darling man...too much too soon...
ReplyDeleteI can't believe you said no, you big-hearted lug, but thankfully you did. :)
ReplyDeleteIt would be so hard to say no, but I totally understand and totally agree with you. Sometimes, "just say no" is impossible when it comes to animals in need. But you know what? The right one will come along at the right time. This one just wasn't "yours". :-)
ReplyDeleteI agree, you have been through the works over your bulldogs.
ReplyDeleteThey do seem to carry more than their share of problems.
I hope she is able to find the dog a loving home.
~Jo
Margaret sound like a very insightful person. Good person to have advising you.
ReplyDeleteSometimes now is the right answer for sure.
ReplyDeleteI totally respect and understand your answer John, I really do. Sometimes those wounds on your heart need a time to heal--Although there are those wounds that don't, no matter much time passes.
ReplyDeleteNo is difficult when your heart is so large.
ReplyDeleteJane xx
I'll bet Chris is relieved. So am I. I'd have to worry about you and your middle-aged bulldog. Perhaps it's time for a tortoise?
ReplyDeleteIt is hard to admit that there really are others out there who can do good deeds as well. I have a tendency to say yes to too many extended family needs and then very little left for myself or my own long suffering hubbie. An occasional yes is good too.
ReplyDeleteDear sweet friend,
ReplyDeleteYou have been through enough this year and your heart needs to heal. You did the right thing.
I hate to say it, but it sounds as if someone was trying to pass on their problems. I suspect your decision was absolutely right.
ReplyDeleteFind a bulldog puppy that will be with you for long time. I'm sure there is one somewhere looking to find you. One can only take so much heartbreak.
ReplyDeleteSaying "No" can make us feel sad, but it takes power to use the word when properly needed. Good job.
ReplyDeleteLana
I have ten puppies looking for a home...
ReplyDeleteI thought you might have a lot of comments for this one! It's so tempting to take in a lame duck and mend it. I probably wouldn't have broken my back last year if I'd resisted that temptation with my pony. I saw the psychological damage and vulnerability, felt empathy and took him on thinking I could fix him. You did the right thing; I'm impressed! Em
ReplyDeleteGood on you, John! Margaret's right; you need time for your heart to mend.
ReplyDeleteSo then, 'no' is in your vocabulary! Smart move John!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you were wise enough to say no. (But I'll bet you've had more than one second thought about it since you declined...)
ReplyDeleteI'm also so glad you said no, but I can only imagine how difficult it was for you to do so. It's good to see you DO take care of yourself every now and again.
ReplyDelete