Gary's new life

[Zumie05]

For those of you who have been following along with Gary's story, you know that from the time I have pretty much had him he has shown all the signs of HD and that he became painful at 6 months, and was officially diagnosed with HD at 8 month. Because of my boyfriend's and my financial situation (in the middle of buying a condo, yay!) we were not able to deal with a dog who was going to end up needing surgery in order to stay comfortable. We were prepared to let him live out a life on supplements and pain control, but realized that it is not a cure for his situation. His hips are pretty bad and will require surgery if he is to have a quality of life.

My boyfriend's parents who love Gary have decided to adopt him from us. They are in a better financial situation and have already schedule Gary an appointment with an orthopedic specialist for him on the 19th! They want Gary to get the surgery that he needs ! This weekend they borrowed him to help get him used to living with them (they have a cabin up in the mountains that they have converted into their house which they are going to retire at) since they have goats, chickens, guinea hens, much larger yard, etc... So my dog is going off to live at a farm pretty much and is destined to get a new hip, or something to relieve his pain.

It has been quiet here, and I find that I often turn my head to try to see what he is doing. I am so used to having to keep an eye on him all the time that it's weird not having anything to take care of now...but I know that what we are doing is probably for the best. Otherwise it would be to keep him on pain meds, give him to an adoption agency who will fund raise for his surgery, or to put him to sleep.

I will update when we hear how his specialist appointment goes.

[TrinaJ]

Thanks for the update on Gary.

Sounds like he's going to have a wonderful life with your boyfriend's parents and he will still be a part of the family so you will get to visit with him. I am happy that you were able to sort out something for him and that he will be getting the treatment that he needs.

Please keep us updated on how he is fitting in at his new home in the mountains.

Good luck also with the purchase of your condo....how exciting!

Trina

[gmo1379]

Sorry to hear that you had to part with your puppy but at least you know he's in good hands :)

Just wondering, could you not just keep Gary yourself and borrow the money for his costs? Or is that not an option?

I know that I also will be in a tight squeeze myself if Daisy (4.5 months) has HD, I won't know until I get her hips x-rayed in a month or so. As a preventative, thanks to these forums, I decided to get her insurance that will fully cover her HD (up to 12k.)

I hope everything works out for the best with Gary, I can see you just want whats best for him :)

good luck with the condo as well!

[SABELLESMOM]

I'm touched by Gary's story. Absolutely everyone who matters in Gary's young life has his best interests always in mind.

You cared, and were already doing the best you could. Then, as the shining personality of Gary came thru, he enticed parents to love him as you do. And it is with love that he's being forwarded to a situation that ultimately the best of all options.

He sure has a wonderful family on all sides. Thank you all for sharing this story, which, even now is making my eyes moist!

[Nishasmom]

That must have been the hardest decision of your life ...Gary will be truly happy with your in-laws. What dog wouldn't love a farm ! I am so happy that his parents are going to be able to help Gary. Now when you see him running after those chickens it will be with a new hip . You made the right choice...but you better keep us updated on how he is doing!!

[Diva Satanica]

This must have been a terribly difficult decision for you. No matter how wonderful the new home is, its always heartbreaking to give up a dog. Kudos to you for having Gary's best interests at heart!! I'm so glad to hear that you will be able to see him and check in on him whenever you want! Thats great.
Congrats on the condo as well.

[Zumie05]

Originally Posted by gmo1379

Sorry to hear that you had to part with your puppy but at least you know he's in good hands :)

Just wondering, could you not just keep Gary yourself and borrow the money for his costs? Or is that not an option?

I know that I also will be in a tight squeeze myself if Daisy (4.5 months) has HD, I won't know until I get her hips x-rayed in a month or so. As a preventative, thanks to these forums, I decided to get her insurance that will fully cover her HD (up to 12k.)

I hope everything works out for the best with Gary, I can see you just want whats best for him :)

good luck with the condo as well!

To tell the truth, we weren't sure if we were going to be able to bring Gary with us to the condo anyways. The rules say that the dog has to be 20lbs and under BUT I remember when I lived with my parents and we had a condo (I was maybe 10) that their association also only allowed small dogs, but in fact one of my neighbors had a rottweiler! That gave me the hope that I could ask about having him come live with us. Plus at our condo I have already seen 3 people with dogs that are larger than 20lbs...but in the end we still decided that even if we had the largest house or if we were able to bring him with us that we still couldn't afford his surgery.

Borrowing the money? My boyfriend's parents feel that if they are going to spend about $6k on a dog that he rightfully belongs to them..and I couldn't agree more. I would feel the same way, especially if I had already formed a bond with the dog.

Like everyone else has said, I am at least happy we didn't end up giving him to a shelter because he gets to stay in the family . The shelter would either raise money for his surgery then adopt him out, or worst case put him to sleep because he is "unadoptable". And that is if I even had found a good rescue.

Thanks for all your kind words

[AngelBunny]

Gary is an extraordinarily lucky dog to have people in his life who are willing and able to help him. If only all dogs could be so lucky.

[webangel2b]

I'm inspired by your selflessness in this matter.

You did what was right, right for Gary! He's one lucky pup to have so many folks who will love and do what's right for him always.

Best to you, maybe you can get a small (condo approved) dog some day when finances allow. You're a wonderful pet owner.

[tla0126]

I can tell from previous posts how much you love Gary. This only goes above and beyond proving that love you have for him. I'm so glad someone so close to you will be able to provide that same love!!

[observer]

What a wonderful thing you all have done for him by coming to this solution together. And, he will still be "in the family"!

[psychosid77]

I think everything turned out for the best. And you still get to visit gary.....and it's great knowing that he is in warm hands!

Definitely keep us posted..........and hopefully you visit him when you can!

[daiseymae]

Sorry to hear you had to give up Gary, well not really. You know he went to a good home and can still go see him. How great!! This sounds like a happy ending!
Congratulations on your condo.
And in the future, I'm sure you will get another one to love.