Goodbye Widgiedidge

Last night, as arranged, we met the family interested in Widget at the rec field by our home. We really did want everything to work out but were skeptical. Widget often barks at strangers, he tends to jump a lot, the family might not have the right intentions etc. This may sound silly, but the first thing Adam said as we watched Widget run around with the family's girls was "I'm so proud of him." There was no jumping, lots of licking, giving girls chase, sitting and waiting for commands. The Dad had been looking for a Border Collie mix for weeks at the shelter with no success and was so excited at the idea of having one again. He scratched Widget just so, and spoke to him in that silly "you're my puppy dog" voice.

We all played in the field for about 25min, telling them about Widget and asking them about their yard space, time they'll have for him, etc. Finally the couple asked if we'd be willing to let them take him, and tonight. I don't think either Adam or I had really processed how this would feel. We agreed. This family, they were so wonderful to him, and for him. Property outside town, two kids in love, a man wanting his companion and they were so excited. Widget was just, happy. We drove back to the house and gathered up his things; crate, doghouse, toys, bowl...and I lost it. I was happy we found him a great home, I knew we were doing the best thing for him, the baby and ourselves, and I was glad it was going to be a smooth and quick process but I was (and am) so sad. We gave them Widget's things, and said our goodbyes. The mother in the family began to cry too, seeing how sad we were and continued to tell us "Call us or email us anytime you want an update or anytime you want to see him!" There are some really wonderful people out there. Other people who feel like a dog is a part of the family. Adam had to help Widget into the car, he was confused because we weren't getting in and kept trying to stand by me. The moment he sat down though, the girls cuddled his neck and began to argue over who he was sleeping with that night.

As we walked back to the house, I couldn't stop crying, and when I looked to Adam for a "calm down" he was crying too. We really love that dog, and sometimes doing the best thing for everyone, hurts. A lot. He has left a pretty big hole for now. There's no one bounding through the house, giving Kitri a chase, barking at "intruders" and taking up all the space in our bed. When we pull up in the driveway his face no longer peers around the corner, tail waggling, to let us know he's happy we're home. And it makes me sad. But I know he's having fun, and he is loved, and he'll make that family so happy. Knowing that makes me feel like we did the right thing, and the best thing for him. Even if we only had him for a year, I am so glad we picked him up from the pound and brought him home with us because he's a wonderful dog. And when October comes, and I am swamped with baby and our two tiny dogs, I will be grateful that we were able to find a better home for Widgie.

*Update*
I scanned and emailed Widget's records to the family last night and received this email today.

"Thank you, we were just talking about that at lunch. He is such a good dog, the kids love that he is so playful. My man really is so happy with him, I was so against a dog but decided to change my mind and I am so glad that I did. Anytime that you want to inquire about him feel free please. Once again thank you for the addition to our family, he will so be loved and played with daily..... :)

Diana & Levi"

Widget

Monday I took to Craigslist and several pet re-homing sites and posted the following about our baby Widget...

"We are trying to find Widget a new, safe and happy home before then. He is a year old Border Collie/Lab mix, has all his shots, is neutered and crate trained. He does well in the house and gets along with both children and other animals. We've regularly taken him out to our friends barn where they have horses and cows and he has done quite well. He is very smart, and super sweet. Whoever has a place for him, we will include his bowls, crate, dog house and toys. If you think you may have room for this sweet boy, or know somehow who does, please let us know."

While it's true that we do really want to find Widget a home; we're anticipating moving pre-baby to DFW which would have us back in an apartment temporarily, he takes a LOT of energy and attention we won't have to give with a newborn, etc. I adore this pup and was not prepared when someone emailed me about him an hour after posting. The inquiring couple has two girls, and has been looking for a Border Collie mix like Widget at the shelter with no luck. This would be the girls first dog, and they are very excited. We've arranged to meet them at a closed in rec-field at the school across the street tomorrow evening, and if all goes well Widget may have a new home. I am full of emotions. Relieved that it could be so simple, skeptical that they're good enough for our boy, sad that we feel we can't handle three dogs and a baby, mean for giving him away...Hopefully it all works out. Hopefully they're a nice family who will give Widget a yard to play in, girls to chase, and plenty of belly scratches.