I think I've decided...

[*blackrose]

That I won't be keeping Seabees.

I've been waffling back and forth about it all week. When I made the decision to keep her, I still wasn't 100% convinced. And I just keep getting the feeling that now isn't the time and she isn't the dog. She's brilliant and I have thus far enjoyed having her around (for the most part LOL), but my gut just keeps saying no.

I think one of the main reasons is that she does not like being crated. She stresses the entire time and when I let her out she is in a panic for almost ten minutes - pacing, shrill whining, frantic behavior, panting like crazy...just not good. It isn't excitement, it is anxiety. And with my schedule the way it is, she has to be crated at least 10 hours a day (with a potty break in between "shifts") and I don't feel it is fair to her to go through that stress twice a day, every day.
There are other reasons as well, but they're not as important.

Great dog...horrible timing. And I've decided the timing is more important at this point.

So, if anyone is interested in a Lab mix pup, she's ready for her forever home. 8-9 months old, 48 pounds, UTD on vaccines (needs a DHLPP booster in about three weeks), on Trifexis, just got spayed. Good with other dogs (although she's rough with small dogs), good with caged animals and cats indoors, no phobias that I'm aware of, very smart and food motivated, loves to play, has a brilliant off switch, non-mouthy, non-jumpy (but bouncy!), potties on a leash/chain, sleeps through the night, rides well in a car, doesn't bark (but whines!), not destructive (but gets into the trash if the lid is off + raids counters), no handling issues whatsoever (ears/tail/feet/mouth/restraint/being picked up/rolled over/what have you), no resource aggression at all (even with bones/toys/food). Cries when crated, can't be left loose or she'll mess in the house. Housebroken if taken out when she has to go. Jumps up at/clobbers doors when she wants to go through, but she's getting the automatic sit at doors pretty well now.

Located in central IN, about 40 minutes NW of Indianapolis.

It would be freaking awesome if a Chazzer took her. I'm disappointed that I'm not keeping her...but it just feels like the right decision. And I just have to go with what my gut is telling me.

[Saeleofu]

I know the feeling. I really wanted to keep Tango, but the longer I had him the more it was apparent he wasn't the right fit, or at least not at the right time. I am SO happy he ended up with a Chazzer.

Best of luck!

[thehoundgirl]

I hope she finds a home who really deserves her.

[BlackPuppy]

I know how it is when it has to be right. I was looking at rescues when looking for my third dog. I looked at a lot and I never got that feeling that it was the right dog. For me I think I had certain expectations, and didn't really find that "love at first sight". I hope she finds a good home.

[*blackrose]

This is really hard for me. She's SUCH a good dog. I enjoy having her around. I don't really want to find her a home...but I just think that would be the best choice. Which is really sucking at the moment. When its just us sitting at home hanging out I totally second guess myself about rehoming her, but when I have to leave or go to Mike's I remember why I'm making that choice.
If I didn't have a year left of school and Mike and I had a place that could give Gracie and Cooper the space to get away from her...*sigh* A Chazzer totally needs to take her. Otherwise, I think I'm going to be too picky when it comes to a new home. If you're close, I'll offer free dog sitting services. ^^

[Toller_08]

I am really sorry to hear that. I know how hard it is to have to find a dog a new home. I also know how it is to get attached very quickly - we fostered a few dogs who I thought would be keepers, but then we realized they'd be happier in a different home for various reasons depending on the dog/the situation. I hope you are able to find her just the right home!

[*blackrose]

Just wanted to update and say Seabee's has gone to her new home! A family from the Indianapolis area came up to meet her Saturday and they decided she'd be a good fit for their family. So she is now in a home being spoiled by two older boys.

I miss having her...but at the same time, it is such a relief not having to worry about what to do with her during the day/potty breaks. Which makes me even more sure it was the right decision. I'm super ready to have my lab...it just needs to wait for the timing to be right.

[yoko]

I'm glad that she went to a good home! Will they be sending you updates on her?

[*blackrose]

Originally Posted by yoko

I'm glad that she went to a good home! Will they be sending you updates on her?

I hope so! He updated me later that night and said that she was doing well. They renamed her (Lucy, which is ironic because that was her original name - maybe she really does look like a Lucy!) and said she seems like a really smart dog. When he text me he said the kids were about ready to take her for her third walk of the day. LOL He said she had really bonded with his oldest daughter (which makes sense, as her prior owner was female and then she was with me).

I let them know that if he had any issues or it wasn't working out to let me know and I would be more than happy to take her back, so at this point I'm hoping no news is good news. I'm going to get a hold of him in a few weeks and see how things are going.

[~Dixie's_Mom~]

So glad she has found a good home!!