[*becky*]

I need to vent this or its going to eat me alive.

We got another dog (Charlie) in May to keep Sebastian busy and entertained. Sebastian used to mope around the house all day and was gaining weight...so we thought getting him a playmate would be a good fix.

Charlie was a stray, for how long, I don't know...but he is a very sweet dog. The problem is that he likes to chew on things. Pretty much anything...shoes, toys, blankets, etc. I got him some doggie toys, but of COURSE he doesn't want to chew on them.

We put him in a crate during the day because he was chewing on everything...well that made him really REALLY hyper in the evenings because he was couped up all day, so starting last week we let him run free in the house.

I went home for lunch today to discover that he'd pooped on the carpet, somehow found yarn and had it strung all over the place, somehow managed to get in one of Bailey's toy bins and chew up a toy...AND then decided to eat half of one of Steve's books.

My mom had previously offered to take care of him (my parents live on an 11 acre farm) until he's through his chewing phase..plus my dad is home all day with the other dogs. I called her and told her that I was at the end of my rope and she needed to take him for awhile.

I feel like such a bad fur-mommy. He really is a sweet dog, I just can't have all this extra stress right now.

(thanks for reading...I feel a little better getting it out)

[Hopingfor1soon]

Oh Im sorry Becky!! I know how it hard it is to go through that. We adopted a stray about 2 years ago now and she went through the same thing. I think they are just so used to fending for themselves that they chew everything. We actually used a spray bottle to break all her habits! It worked wonders!! I hope things get better!

[sethsgirl]

Aww don't feel bad! I'm sure he'll love running around the farm! Plus he'll get the attention he needs right now since your dad is home all the time! Don't worry, he won't hold it against you!

[snsgirl336]

I wouldn't feel too bad! I think the dog would love having the attention and the freedom to run and get rid of that energy! I know it's hard now, but in the long run, you're probably doing the best thing for him! Let him get all the craziness out of his system in a place where you know he'll be loved and well taken care of and then when he's ready and you're ready, you can bring him home! I think you'll all be much happier in the end even though it's hard now! Sending you lots of

[SavaAngel]

I have been there. Sienna was a chewer as a puppy and we would block her in our kitchen in our apartment when we went to work. Well when contract ended when I was 9 weeks pregnant with AJ our cabinet doors were already noticeably chewed. We repainted them before we moved out so the apartment manager was none the wiser.

[Hoosier Kitty]

AAww I know the furstration. I'm a cat and dog rescuer. First thing I do when I find a stray, I take it to the vet to get spayed/neutered and get all the shots then house train the dog. I do not know your situation in the beginning. Just helpful tips for next time someone finds a stray. Many of times dogs and cats get terrorital and destroy everything. Did you use the crate overnight?

[babyblue]

don't feel bad!! We recently gave our sweet dog Molly away b/c she was doing the same thing. It was so hard b/c DS was so attached- heck we all were, she is so gentle and so loving. We had her for 2 years.. but she was just so destructive, and we couldn't cage her up. It IS very stressful, but dogs are tougher than we give them credit for. Don't beat yourself up over it; Charlie will be just fine and happy and it will be a lot less stress on you!! You are still a great furmommy!!

[Ash]

Just my 2 cents...

Many times dogs chew and are destructive because the are bored and have lack of exercise. I learned a lot from watching The Dog Whisperer, and he strongly advocates taking a dog for an "exercise" walk everyday. I know it has greatly made a difference in my two. Also, keeping a dog in a crate during the day is the best thing for their safety. They eat/chew things that they do not know are harmful. Anyway...just a suggestion for the future when your furbaby comes home.

[*becky*]

Thanks ladies...I appreciate all your kind words and advice.

Luckily we have only had him a couple months and so Bailey wasn't too attached to him. She hasn't even noticed that he's not here.
Sebastian is a little sad, but I think he'll be fine when he realizes he can actually rest some - Charlie was always picking on him to run crazy and play all day long.

I really think its the stray lifestyle, he's used to doing whatever the heck he wants. My dad is very good with dogs (he used to train hunting dogs) so I'm hopeful he can work his magic on Charlie.

I'm feeling alot better about the situation. He will get spoiled at my parent's house...plus they have 2 other dachshunds to keep him busy and out of trouble.

[samspain]

It sounds like hes just gone to summer camp!!, I bet hes having a great time on the farm, with loads of attention.
My DH keeps joking we´ll send our kitten to "wimp camp" she is so nervous and backs away even from stroking!!. I think you´ve done the right thing, you can´t dread going home and always wonder what they have done.