THAT'S IT!!!

I HAVE HAD IT!!! I once again awoke to garbage strewn throughout my beautiful home...and everything smelling absolutely rancid!

Someone had left the door to the laundry room open this morning, which gave Sumo just enough time to scatter the remnants of yesterdays fridge cleaning from one end of my living room to the other. GRRRRR!!!!!!!

At any rate, it was the straw that broke the proverbial "camels back". I decided then and there that this would be the morning Sumo made his way to the POUND. I had indeed had enough.

So I jumped in the van, with Sumo at my side, and off he went. With a kiss and a wave I was rid of this daily pain in my arse. Of course I was sad. And yes...I missed him ever so slightly the very moment I drove away. But I reminded myself of the damage he had already caused to the yard...to the porch...to the door...to the chairs. I remembered all the times he has managed to seriously injure himself escaping from kennels...garages...bedrooms...vans...and planes because of his debilitating separation anxiety. Sumo needs a home where the occupants are rarely away. He needs constant attention and I simply cannot provide that. Sumo would be fine...just fine.

Now...this really should be the end of my story...but unfortunately it is not. Doest this surprise thee? *sigh*

After work I called my mother, my husband, Kim and Tofu. I shared with each of them my news. "It's definitely for the best" they all told me. They understand his destructiveness.

The kids were not so thrilled. 'A' yelled, ALOT. 'T' was upset...but told me she was going to pray about it. The boys all said they would miss him but understood (they are good about that). and 'M' told me she would keep the photos of her beloved dog. Good...they would cope. *whew* This was going well!

Too well.....

Dinner time. 'T' came to me visibly broken hearted and bawling. Someone else would adopt her dog, she told me. Someone who wasn't her. My heart ached. I am a wretched mother. How could I do this to my babies? How would I ever look them in the eyes again? I hate me.

"I need gas," I told the kids as I snatched my van keys, "I'll be back in a few."

The entire drive I struggled with myself. 'This really is for the best...Sumo is better off...WE are better off.' Maybe Sumo was long gone. Maybe I wouldn't even have the opportunity to get him back. No such luck...there he sat waiting, as if he knew I would return for him." I gave him a hug...put him in the van...and drove home.

The kids were thrilled to say the very least. We bathed Sumo (strike that...I bathed Sumo), towel dried and then blow dried him, brushed his fur and his teeth, and fed him his favorite doggy treats. After all of which I decided...if this dog was to stay with us some things would definitely have to change.

Off to the computer!!! I researched dog training & separation anxiety. Found reputable training facilities in Tacoma and filled out a detailed application for entry into a program that looked promising.

I feel ridiculous. Especially after the lengthy discussion with Tofu as to how I considered it frivolous to pay a small fortune to keep any animal. That I would never ever be one of "those people". Yet, here I am, prepping to pay upwards of $100.00 an hour to help this mutt with his psychological issues. I think I'm the one that needs mental help.

I'm an idiot...but I'm an idiot with a dog.