Hi, before I dash off to Sacramento tomorrow to do a wedding (I am really thrilled to be invited to do this wedding. it is for the granddaughter of a dear friend,a practitioner from Agape that I have known for years. ) I wanted to share some information with the Community.
After two weeks of prayer, I have come to the difficult decision that Sammy needs to go back to his previous foster parents. This is not an easy or overnight decision but the situation has clarified itself this week.
It seems that ever since I took Sam sheep herding, his instinctual responses and almost feral nature has heightened. His "shark attacks" (where he comes up behind sheep AND now, people, and snaps at their legs or heels) have increased. the episodes go beyond the folks around the church who know him and ignore it; but to guests, strangers, and particularly, men if they get around me too closely. I am concerned that he will put the church in a comprising position.
Also,I realized this week, the hard fact that the church is moving on June 4th to a new site where I cannot take him and won't have my own office onsite for him to be while service is going on. Sam is not the type of dog that can sit in my car for two hours. He is after all, a Border Collie, a WORKING dog. He needs his space and place to do his work.
I realized since I am the CAO and I would be the one asking someone to take measures to address the issues. I have to be the one to make the hard decision.I could not tolerate this of another staff member or congregant's dog Nor, can I keep him at home for protracted lengths of time since i do not have a yard and being the breed he is, he can't be dormant. He would not be happy cooped up at my little house with nothing to do, no one to herd.
ARGH.
Never would I have thought that the Animal Kinship Queen would be 'returning' an animal. Yet, I know it is the right choice; I know I am being directed but damn, this ain't easy being so mature and I am going to miss him. He is soooo special. I am ever grateful that Uncle Roger has welcomed Sammy back home and that Sam has a yard and two dog buddies to harass and herd.
whew.
That's more than enough for now. I will write on my return.
Wait a minim.....
Tonight, we rented the new film, "The Fabelmans" and loved it. Incredible performances, screenwriting and story-telling. I espec...
4 comments:
I think that Sammy needs to be in a place that allows him to be free and do his "job". How great is it that you were able to introduce him to his calling and now he has the chance to find that right place that will let him be just plain old Sammy. I guess you were just one more step for him and I know that he found his confidence and now can love others because of your work. Nicely done.
Johnny Kurko
Sam was shown so much love. He has that foundation now. He is much happier from his experience with you.
This took courage, but I agree that it is the right decision for Sam. He really bloomed under your care and love. I know I love him too and will miss him. He is a good boy. Thank you for bringing him into our lives. Leadership is tough sometimes, huh?
Don C.
What a difficult decision to make. Yet it does seem to be the right one. My family had a border collie who exhibited similar behaviors-- snapping, over-protectivess. And he did actually bite family members and guests several times over the years. My parents were unable to make the difficult decision to place the dog elsewhere. Yet keeping him turned out to be a source of discomfort for the household, and an area of contention between my parents, for years. You deserve a lot of credit, Rev DD, for doing what was best, and heading off a situation that might not have been good for both you and Sammy.
Phyllis Y.
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