Really solo!

[Bowser]

I gave away my dog today, it was long overdue, and now I'm truly solo. He was a wonderful guy, devoted, not a mean bone in his body. He was just too high-energy, a Golden Lab - Golden Retriever cross who was 3 1/2 and had never calmed down. The guilt of not being able to exercise him as much as he deserved and needed finally overcame the selfishness of keeping him.

He went to a fine home. That helps. Sometimes, though, doing the right thing isn't easy.

I'm just writing to kill time, I won't sleep well tonight, and appreciate the kind thoughts I'm sure you have and would rather not discuss the matter.

Thanks.

[njs42]

I'm sorry you had to give away your dog. It would break my heart to do the same and I am sure you are down hearted about the choice you evidently had to make.

If it went to a good family then the dog will adapt. Dogs live for the moment they are in and can adapt well as long as they are treated well and cared for.

You will find peace and your dog will find happiness in time in a good home.

[beachboy27]

Having taken part in two rescues over the years, it may be comforting to know that dogs adapt very readily to new 'good' situations. In both cases, a boxer and a great dane settled in to become loving and devoted companions.

[SarahW]

You did an unselfish thing.

[Mekanic]

Sorry to hear you had to give him up. I'm sure you will blessed in some way.

[LisaP]

Sorry to hear about you needing to give away your dog. But he/she will be happy in a good home. Maybe in a little while you could consider getting a smaller, calmer dog to be your new companion? Good luck.

[frankdamp]

Our two Yellow Labs are both rescues. Bailey is a bit of a mix, possibly with some kind of terrier, and came from the Humane Society. Angus is a pedigree and we got him through Seattle Purebred Dog Rescue, from a family whose elder statesman (his owner from a puppy) had developed Alzheimer's and the remaining family couldn't take care of the dog.

We're big fans of rescuing. Our last Lab, a female chocolate, was also a rescue, from a family that had broken up, leaving the dog with a dad who worked 6 16 hour days every week. She lived to 14 with us, even with Addison's disease from about 8 months on.

[StevieG]

I had a golden and she didn't calm down until she was about 5 years old. IMO, you did what was best for both of you... I know it doesn't make it easier, and I'm sure you feel lonely now too... If I were you, I would go to a shelter and adopt an older dog. There is one waiting for your love right now... Good luck!

[okmunky]

You did a good thing. May it feel good as well, soon.

[Bowser]

Thank you all for the encouragement and support. I cannot adequately express how much it's meant for me and how much I've leaned on them for support for a difficult time.

I'm in the Florida panhandle now, in a small place called Perry, at Rocky's RV park, a new, superb facility, almost empty, been here a few days getting more routine maintenance done on the RV, and, frankly, malaise. Beautiful area. (Muffler, tires rotated.) By the way, I'll append the story of the muffler on the bottom. It's slightly amazing.

I think of Kirby often, still, selfishly and kind of berate myself for being so self-centered. I think of another dog, older, more mature, calmer and will do that sooner or later. I drive by the local animal shelter on my way too and from town, stopped in today. Looked at the dogs, talked to the officers, left abruptly rather than break down.

Must be old age. I've never been this way before. Dad died, I was OK. Same with Mom, beloved sister and respected, admired brother in law. The hospice, fine. But missing the mountains, trails, nights with whichever of the dogs I've had the privilege of sharing with, Kirby being the latest in a few, is, I guess, an exercise in self-pity I can't seem to shake.

So, thanks again. You've all been great. I think I'll troll my way back to Oregon looking for the right companion pet over the 'net as I go. Mature, calm, reasonably well trained, no pedigree.

And my experience with shelters has been mixed. They seem to try to pass off pit bulls as almost anything you want. My, and my dogs, experience with pit bulls is abysmal, I don't care if it's the breed or the owner. But the dog is just being the dog.

Thanks again, I'm just rambling again. I did want to thank folks. And, oh yes, the muffler story.

So here I am. My Falcon 190 is showing it’s age, in that various things need maintenance. I put a “bandage” around my recently cracked muffler and it did cure the noise. However, the sheet metal is thin and rotten and this is purely temporary.

Went to the local gas station, the folks didn’t know who could do anything more permanent in a 40 mile radius. One old guy there said “Cripps”, 4 miles away, always did a good job, the girl says it’s just past the first light, the guy says the second, and off I go.

My exhaust system is home-made, no catalytic converter, the guy I got it from removed everything. I explain that to the counter guy, he calls the exhaust guy, he listens to my description of it and says the muffler will have to come from Georgia.

But he heads out and looks at it. I described it wrong, and he thinks he has one in stock. He does, but apologizes that it’s a bit higher quality than a standard muffler. I brace myself for the “small town – tourist” shaft.

He swings the computer display around so I can see it. Sure enough, the description says “TURBO”. He immediately swings the display back, apologizes that the price reflects the quality.

“Of course”, I’m thinking and wondering about maybe driving 50 miles out of my way, and hear “It’s $49. And $21 to put it in.”

Wow! ”But I can’t do it until tomorrow at 1:00 PM.”

Gee. Another whole day of good food, non-resident fishing licenses are $17.50 for three days, and I’m in a beautiful area.

Have I ever said I’m the luckiest guy on Earth?

[okmunky]

"Have I ever said I’m the luckiest guy on Earth?"

Could be, or it might be that you are living your life as it should be. I firmly believe that when you live your life in accordance to the way you are supposed to live, your life is a breeze. But, when you are walking the wrong path all sorts of obstacles start getting in the way. The further you stray, the steeper the path becomes.

Bowser, I think you did a good thing and are now finding the path easier to walk.