Even when things don’t go as planned…
Posted in Mirage on 12/26/2009 05:39 pm by KimYou can still feel really good about the outcome.
Mirage’s hips didn’t pass. To say I was disappointed would be an understatement. She is my ever-faithful, completely unflappable, perpetual puppy syndrome, beautiful girl.
My first major.
My first champion.
I had my idea of a perfect home for her in case this might have happened. My co-worker, partner-in-crime who shares the office with me and keeps me in line from going postal on vendors and employees alike.
I knew he and his wife Karleene were looking for a dog. I think they have been married for 4 years. Late 20′s? and about to start their own family. I was worried the plans to start a new family and the addition of a dog at the same time would be too much.
I didn’t want to pressure anyone into a dog but asked him to talk to Karleene Monday night after I called OFA and got the results. (4 weeks and nothing in the mail) I must have gone downstairs to beat someone up, errr work and came back upstairs to, “How soon can we have Mirage come to stay. Karleene has the next 5 days off and we’d like to see how it goes.”
I took her over Tuesday night. She was thrilled with the idea of being able to race up and down their hallway, fetching the “kiwi”, without anyone biting her pants while she was doing it. The cats were another matter. Talk about intimidated! She’s used to kittehs that wash her ears and snuggle up with her, not stalk her and have staring contests.
I told them she sleeps in a crate at night… she ended up at the foot of their bed next to the cat that night. She wakes Karleene with kisses good morning. She spent Christmas Eve at James’ parents house with tons of children, the crazy Basenji cross and cranky ass snausage Doxie.
Christmas Day was spent with Karleene’s family at James and Karleene’s house.
I just got this note:
So far she obeys “sit” most of the time, she responds to “front” and “down” very well, and she’ll roll over for you even if you don’t ask her to! Oh yeah, she also listens to us with ”kennel up” and “say ooof” really well. I have been feeding her around 5pm every night, fed her some broccoli and carrots, have taken her for a few rides, she went on a walk with the Basenji, Karleene and her dad, and stayed at my parents house with us for Christmas. The kennel is quite useful. We if I do kennel her, we always put it where she can see everyone. She seems to like that. 
I think these were the best gift I got this year: (You can kill me later Karleene)
12/26/2009 at 7:22 pm
Aww . . .
I know how hard it is, even though you can be happy for Mirage. You’ll miss her more than she’ll miss you. But still . . .
12/26/2009 at 7:22 pm
. . . something about one door opening when another closes. Placing a dog we love is just so hard to do, but putting them with the right family makes up for it. I’m sorry her hips didn’t pass, but the alternative for Mirage sounds splendid.
12/26/2009 at 7:58 pm
It’s always so bittersweet, but the payoff is them being loved by someone else as much as we would love them. Making others happy makes it all worth while.
12/26/2009 at 9:23 pm
Aww, so bittersweet for you, but it looks like Mirage is having a great time with her new family. And it looks like she’s got them well-trained already.
12/26/2009 at 10:15 pm
Aw, she looks very happy, all perched up there with the “I got the best spot here,” face on.
I totally, utterly understand your feelings though, and so sorry that she didn’t pass. It is fantastic that there was the perfect home waiting for her with open arms, and that it’s someone close to you. You know she’ll be treated just like the princess and well-cherished member of the family she is…
(Even if their cats never get into ear-washing and snuggling.
)
12/27/2009 at 10:08 am
*hugs*
You know I know how you are feeling right now.
Just remember that what’s best for the dog always has to come first…
12/27/2009 at 4:47 pm
***hugs***
I’m glad you found the perfect home for her…… that at least makes it a bittersweet ending.
12/27/2009 at 5:01 pm
damn…but thanks for not breeding her! How nice that she now gets to be the star at a new hoem, and even better that you get to keep track of her. Good girl, Mirage.
You really have been very good this year. Did you at least find Gerard under the tree?
12/27/2009 at 7:45 pm
**hugs**
Liam says it will all work out Auntie! Things happen for a reason and most of the time we don’t know where or why. Take care and see you in a couple weeks.
12/28/2009 at 9:12 pm
I just want to clarify because it was bothering me. I am in my mid twenties. 25 to be exact. James is the one in his “late twenties.” Once again thank you for Mirage. Now I have a good reason to get off my butt and go for a walk. One more thing, Mirage is teaching James how to eat his vegetables. My parents laugh that she eats them; if only I could get her to wash her hands…
01/08/2010 at 11:35 pm
I’m sad, but after having met James and Karleene the weekend the girls finished, I can think of no one better to truly love her. Hugs to you and Ra-Ra and her new family. We’ll check her half-sister’s hips this spring. Even if I don’t breed her, I want to know before I get too attached to the idea of agility. Hugs to you!!!!!!!