My heart rules most of my decision making, it always has, but there are times you have to listen to that Jiminy Cricket voice in your head and decide just why it is there. Over the week that nagging voice has plagued me regarding Olive’s planned arrival and before the weekend I had made my decision not to take her, albeit one with a heavy heart.
The memory of Winnie and Dorothy celebrates everything that’s good about bulldogs and the thought of the stories of a new character is tempting and honestly addictive to be sure, but I work full time , depend on Trendy Carol’s hubby too much for dog care and have Weaver to consider. After all this is the only home she has ever known after a start that was somewhat fraught and stressful.
There are other reasons too personal to be shared here, which need to be considered and I know that I will disappoint many here with today’s choice but I have made the decision and have deliberated about it carefully.
The cats enjoyed the spring sun in the cottage garden this morning
As did I
You know what is best for you and your little gang of animals. I'm not disappointed at all.
ReplyDeleteDear John, your decisions are your own and let no-one tell you otherwise. You are a most wonderful human and as you say everything in your life is considered carefully for the good of both yourself and all other life forms in your life, much love to you🙏. Jan in Castle Gresley
ReplyDeleteI am happy for your kitties! My heart melted over your post about giving them “ me time” when you, well, temporarily stashed your lovely pups and had a few cat only hours.
ReplyDeleteYou are a smart man, John
Also been there and also had to do that. When the internal voice is saying "Stop" with such clarity it has to be listened to, debated and obeyed. Especially when it is not normally in your nature to change your mind once committed.These things are always about doubt, looking into possible futures and about timing. And the timing now is not right, for as many reasons as have prodded you into action, and are really the business of no-one else. So don't now start kicking yourself about it!
ReplyDeleteYour are wise in deciding now is not the time for sweet Olive to join your pack because your jobs take you away from home for too many hours each week for her to settle in and feel safe. Hoping you'll find the right bulldog at the right time sometime in the future. Fret not.
ReplyDeleteHugs!
This sounds sensible to me (a cat lover admittedly). You are already responsible for 4 animals who depend on you. Perhaps you'll get another bulldog when you retire? Something to look forward...
ReplyDeleteAwww! Sounds like your heart made the right decision. My guy says no more dogs for a bit once our aging, deaf, pit-mix with a bum leg leaves us. I love having dogs in my life, but I also recognize that it makes certain logistics more difficult.
ReplyDeleteNothing wrong with changing your mind.
ReplyDeleteYour home, your little family who already live there, your decision.
ReplyDeleteA difficult but right decision and made considering not just your family but also Olive.
ReplyDeleteI think you made a sensible decision.
ReplyDeleteYou’ve made a difficult decision, doing what you know is best for all involved. It wasn’t easy but you are a wonderful, loving, critterkid dad! WI Dee
ReplyDeleteI believe you did the right thing g for all concerned.
ReplyDeleteA difficult decision. All pet people understand.
ReplyDeleteYour decision respected. No more need be said.
ReplyDeleteHas to be what is right for you
ReplyDeleteAlison in Devon x
I'm glad you gave it careful thought and were able to opt to change your mind. I usually had misgivings but forged ahead over what I later recognized as the most disastrous decisions I have made in my life.
ReplyDeleteNina
Totally agree with all the above comments. You've deliberated carefully and not rushed into things. If you're anything like me, there will be a sense of relief, too. If it doesn't feel 100% right, then it's probably not. xx
ReplyDeleteJohn sometimes things are perfect as they are and you have to have a cricket in your pocket to let you know that. Glad you can hear his chirping.. nice of you to consider Weaver.......Hugs! deb
ReplyDeleteGosh, never ever worry about disappointing blog readers, you after all have to live your life and you know what's best for you and your furry family. I know lots of my readers expected me to dash out and get another dog after we lost first Suky and then Mavis last year, but in my heart of hearts I knew I wouldn't. I won't be swayed either, I know for sure what's right for me now.
ReplyDeleteHey it's important that you kook after yourself first of all. When you feel good the 4-legged types feel good. And I also think it's wise of you to think about Weaver. Warm thoughts to you!
ReplyDeleteA carefully considered decision is always the best one to make. You are wise to have thought this through.
ReplyDeleteSuch a difficult decision. Good to always think these things through.
ReplyDeleteThe time is not always right.
ReplyDeleteUltimately John, the choice is yours to make, and only you are qualified to make the decision. Cheers to you for making the right call for yourself and the rest of your household.
ReplyDeleteNot disappointed in the least. Wishing you, Mary, Roger, Bun and Weaver a lovely Spring! Hugs to all!
ReplyDeleteYou faced up to a tough choice. It takes a lot of inner strength. Well done you. There will be another dog for you at the right time.
ReplyDeleteThe choice is yours. The right dog will come along at some point. Meanwhile, enjoy the spring. Jxx
ReplyDeleteSmart decision, it seems to me. -Kate
ReplyDeleteNope, as the person on the spot you know best! Congratulations on hearing that little voice.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Ceci
Not disappointed at all. I totally agree with all the comments. You know what is best for you and your pets and it's very sensible on this occasion not to let your heart totally rule. I think it's the right decision and you will know when the time is right to add another dog.
ReplyDeleteA new animal is a huge responsibility and expense ! And you would only do it if you could commit 100% . If that’s your gut feeling your absolutely right .
ReplyDeleteHow could anyone be dissappointed in a well thought out decision? You need to do what is best for you and your current pet family. It is finally sunny and warm in Pennsylvania. Bun
ReplyDeleteThis seems well thought out to me and you've come to the right conclusion. That's not to say when you retire fully that another bulldog can't join the family.
ReplyDeleteGood for you…sometimes it’s not meant to be. If your heart wasn’t quite there it’s not the right time.
ReplyDeleteI think you have done the right thing for Weaver. I had my doubts about Alice but also had faith you would pull it off
I type this whilst watching Melania on Prime - vacuous. I gave up counting how many times she takes off her sunglasses.
Update…have finished the film. Good production quality but OMG for the content. A couple of hours of someone in very high heels talking about her veeesion for a couple of hours. No wonder people involved in the filming didn’t want their name in the credits. Truly awful.
DeleteNIl points
You made the right choice for you and your fur family and were thoughtful about your neighbor doing the burden of animal care while you work. We are not disappointed and it wouldn't matter if we, your readers, were. I hope Olive is adopted soon to a loving home.
ReplyDeleteOf course you know best how to navigate your own life! Well done John for listening to your inner voice and working it through. So many times I regret not stopping to search the reason for the nagging voice. There will be the right home for Olive, it’s just not yours.
ReplyDeleteThere are many considerations and it is best to make the decision now that is best for everyone. It certainly sounds like that's what you have done. Hard but the right decision. xx
ReplyDeleteI stand with the choir. Everyone has a right to change their mind and only you know what is best. XO
ReplyDeleteMaybe another time will be the right time…
ReplyDeleteI was worried that you were taking on too much, especially while still working. Glad you listened to that little inner voice. You must do you as you know best. Olive will find her forever home where she will be loved. You have 4 to love who love you, even Weaver. Gigi
ReplyDeleteKnowing how you would have loved her and have already pictured her in your life, you made the courageous choice.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry it was necessary to be brave 😢
Trust your self.
ReplyDeleteagree with everyone..... the decision is yours, well thought out, and it is yours alone. Who would I be to judge you or be disappointed in that? I applaud you for thinking of *you*
ReplyDeleteSusan M/ Calif.
You dont t disappoint .John . You have an house full of love including the irrepressible Weaver. After a lifetime of 2 dogs we decided to just have one. Then our beautiful girl died quite young last year. . I thought she would see me out .Her breeder offered us a boy who came with medical issues. We cannot imagine a household without a dog….Sigi came to us at 5 months . now almost 9 months $1000s later a healthy boy and we adore him …even at 79 we can learn from dogs and he is the love of two old lesbians lives
ReplyDeleteIt would be nice for you to have another bulldog..but you already have your hands full. It wouldn't be fair on anyone concerned.
ReplyDeleteA hard but fair decision
Everyone is right:
ReplyDeleteI 100% agree that you are wise—
…but I will admit to being sad, nonetheless, to miss out on the adventures of Life with Olive.
Luckily there are plenty other adventures Chez John Gray.
—Fresca
Your decision totally and we understand! Best wishes!
ReplyDeleteLinda from Alabama
I’m glad …….
ReplyDelete5 martinis in
Lee
I'm sure you weighed up all the variables before making such a tough decision. You must do what you believe is right for all concerned, especially you.
ReplyDelete❤️
ReplyDeleteKeith here
ReplyDeleteI’ve told you before that you take on too much, I think a pause here is wise
Tell me more about the German ?
Xx
I’m sorry for me ( I love bulldog stories) but not for you
ReplyDeleteMore bulldogs will come
It’s not an easy decision, I’m sure. But you’ve given it a lot of thought and no one knows better than you.
ReplyDeleteYou always seem to try and follow your heart John and I give you full support and understanding. Sending comfort and hugs. X
ReplyDeleteHugs and love John
ReplyDeletePets are a big responsibility, which so many people fail to realize. You do realize that, and that's to be commended.
ReplyDeleteYou know best John. Full support!
ReplyDeleteSydney
I have always let my heart rule my head, often with dire results, so I admire that you are able to be sensible and logical xx
ReplyDeleteThose are excellent reasons and I am glad that you can move forward, albeit with regret.
ReplyDeleteHmm. This internet stranger had wondered if it was wise for you to take her but kept my mouth shut as none of my business. Still none of my business but I think that was a good decision. For whatever any portion of my opinion is worth to you; exactly nothing, I should think!
ReplyDeleteIt'll be the right decision John.
ReplyDeleteIf you were unsure then it is the right decision and Mary is elderly now You have a full house,especially with Weaver,the wild one. Enjoy your time off.
ReplyDeleteYou've made the right decision and I salute you for it.
ReplyDeleteJohn, you take stewardship of your animals very seriously, and well know what it takes to care for them. You're thoughtful and thinking ahead about what life would be for all of them. I've seen what happens when people don't consider this and then people and animals suffer needlessly. Perhaps Pat was helping you make this decision, with her gentle nudges to your heart.
ReplyDeleteWe always know the right thing to do, don't we? Our biggest trouble comes when we simply ignore our misgivings and proceed forward anyway.
ReplyDeleteGood on you John.
ReplyDeleteHard decision but you know it is the right one for you and your fur babies.
ReplyDelete