As some of you know, we had decided to "look" at some labs. Well, of course, one got into our heart and we fell in love. I was concerned that it was too soon after loosing our Jack (actually, it was two weeks ago today) but many family, friends and your wonderful support suggested that it was just what we needed.

We had a home visit from Lab Rescuers on Monday and we're an "approved family" which means we'll be placed on the list, etc. We wanted to see the labbie again to spend some more time with him. So yesterday, after sitting in stop & go traffic (horrible San Diego traffic...worst part of town) for over an hour...we get to the foster house and we werent even allowed in the house. She let us in the entryway where she, her husband and 13 year old son were. We kept trying to play with the dog, but the 13 year old kept hugging him and playing with him. The foster mom then said that she talked with our Rescue Caseworker and they both agreed that he probably wasnt the right dog for us. He's *very* high energy and with having a 4 year-old son, they didnt think it was a good fit, that we needed someone a little more mellow. I should mention that we called to say that we were on our way...at that time, her husband said "OK, but careful, there's a dreadful accident and the traffic is bad". Well, gosh..maybe "that" would have been a good time to tell us not to come, that we werent getting the dog.

Sooo....they let us drive in hell-traffic, walk in their entryway, not even allow us all the way in the house, not let us even really see the dog, all for nothing. As I was leaving and having to say goodbye to the gorgeous guy, I started crying. I felt so let down. It was *very* hard to say goodbye to him.

I know that it probably just means that he wasnt the right guy for us...they're professionals and know what they're doing but I cant help but feel so sad and let down...like I lost another dog. To top it off, today is the two week mark of loosing My Jack so I'm just feeling so rotten right now.

Anyway, thanks for the support and assuring me it's OK to get another dog. I guess we'll keep looking and I'll have a pretty stern conversation with my Rescue Counselor.

Dawn

Oh Dawn, I'm so sorry it didn't work out. You are a very valuable adopting family, and eventually you will find a great dog who is perfect for you. Maybe it's a good thing that you have a little more time to get used to the idea of getting a new one, since you were a little unsure about it before.

Best of luck to you. You'll find another *perfect* dog before you know it!

Love,
Jenny

Hi Dawn,

I'm so sorry you weren't allowed to get that Lab.

I don't think I'd exactly call them "professionals" though. As you've already pointed out, making you drive over there in San Diego traffic only to basically tell you to "pound sand" when you get there sounds pretty amateurish to me. (I've driven in San Diego and it's no treat.)

I'm betting they've fallen for the furry and are looking for excuses not to place him. Especially after reading the way their 13 y.o. was treating him.

You'll find another. Maybe next time you'll feel even less concern about the timing after losing Jack.

Tim

Dear Dawn,

I'm sorry you drove all that way...through awful traffic, only to be let down. I agree with Tim...it sounds like the 13 y.o. has fallen for the pup and they were looking for excuses. It would've been nice for them to tell you that up front so you didn't have to go through the traffic and the let down of meeting the pup and then not being able to bring him home.

I'm a firm believer that when the time is right, the right dog will come along and be totally available and totally perfect for you.

Hugs,
Kathleen

Thanks for the support guys...I will admit that the last couple days have been pretty tough and I've been very, very down about everything, mostly just missing My Jack...it was two weeks to the day yesterday (I now despise Wednesdays, LOL).

I talked to our case worker and basically, she said that the foster mom was full of it..."they" never discussed us being turned down, it was the foster mom herself. Our case worker felt terrible about the way we were treated and agreed it should have been done over the phone to save us a long, gruling trip. I discussed her son being there for future potential adoptive parents and she agreed that he shouldnt be there in the future, he takes up too much of the dogs time and doesnt allow potential adoptive parents to see the dog.

As far as them keeping the dog for themselves...I thought of this while we were there and when the kid wouldnt let the dog go and I said "Well, looks like he already has a home here". The foster-mom said no, they wouldnt/couldnt keep him. They already have 3 dogs and one of their dogs really hates Cisco (the dog we wanted) and tries to beat him up, there was no way they could keep him.

Thanks again for the support guys, yesterday was really tough, but today feels a "little" better...again, I hate Wednesdays, LOL!

Dawn

Oh, Dawn...
I can only imagine how heartbreaking this disappointment was for you. I totally agree with everyone who says that the 13 year old had already lost his heart to the lab, but being such 'professionals' (said-with-tongue-in-cheek) they didn't have the guts tell you that the adoption was off.
I ALSO agree with everyone who said that this is all fate, and that the do who is meant for you is right around the corner.
Loads of love,
Amanda

hello

i am so sorry they treated you that way. After my dog picasso died, i applied for several chihuahua's, but was turned down for every single one due to having a cat........... well it was heartbreaking and not fair, and further more my cat now lives with TWO dogs, a toy fox terrier, and a min dauschand, so those pet people do NOT always know whats best .

if you know you can handle it, just apply and dont tell them every detail of your life. after being turned down more times then i can remember, i just left out the fact that i had a cat, and i was approved, i knew what i could handle, and all of my pets love each other........

just some advice

amber