No more Ziggy stories for those that enjoyed them - A sad but happy story
By ellie333
@ellie333 (21016)
May 23, 2009 4:06pm CST
Ziggy had to be rehomed this week as he bit me and went for my son, this wasn't because he had an aggressive nature at all but in certain situations he was trying to take control so he had to be removed from them, sought expert behavioural therapy advice and he is now having a great time on a rural farm which is where he will be happiest, tough one for us and have shed many tears this week but right for him and he went off wagging his tail. Have you ever had to rehome an animal you loved but better for all? I am a firm believer in that a dog is for life but at the same time I couldn't put my son at further risk as the trust was gone. Am uploading one last picture of Ziggy having fun with us and I know in my heart that he will have many more years of happy fun but in an environment better for him. Miss you Ziggy. Huggles. Ellie:D
8 people like this
24 responses
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
24 May 09
I'm sorry to hear you had to rehome Ziggy and yes it is a loss, but maybe you could visit him? Yes, I've had to re-home many of my cats some years ago----my mother who had pet hoarder tendencies and created a pet population problem got us in hot water and were threatened with eviction not once but twice---once in 2001, then in 2006---the landlord had put his foot down to the number of pets--only two and you can bet we had a LOT more---in 2001 many of the cats were adopted out to homes and in 2006 a few pet rescuers took in the remainder---I wished I had been able to keep more than just two--maybe two or three more but couldn't---I had to give up many of my favorite kitties like Sherkhan and Bobbity--but at least I still have my Pyewacket and Kissy
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
24 May 09
When I told my story to someone about choosing which two kitties to keep to finally settle on, she equated my story to that movie..Sophie's Choice--did you see it?--it was a gut wrenching time for me that STILL haunts me. Sometimes I'm still haunted by it an still get very depressed by it--I HATED MAKING THE DECISION One of the reasons to this day I HATE my mother who had created the problem--very hard to forgive
1 person likes this
@ellie333 (21016)
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24 May 09
Hi Pyewacket, I haven't seen the film but can imagine what it must have been like for you as I know how I am feeling over Ziggy and having to make the decision and am tearful most of the time at the minute but to have to leave so many, I really feel for you I really do. I am not at all surprised that depression set in after it all. Your mother probably didn't realise all the hurt and pain it would eventually cause though. Sorry to hear that you have had to go through this. Huggles. Ellie :D
@ellie333 (21016)
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24 May 09
Hi Pyewacket, That must have been a really sad time for you too, especially choosing which two to keep. I won't visit him as it will prolong the hurt and upset my young son more., It is enough to know that he is happy where he is bless, even my son have accepted it all easier than I as I miss him so much. He went on Wednesday and it has taken me til now to post about it as I just couldn't before. Huggles. Ellie :D
@mands61123 (2098)
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24 May 09
Oh no babes :( you must be heart broken. I know how much you wanted him then loved him and oh no poor thing was he always a bit snap happy from a pup or is it something thats developed? Chewy bit me once not hard but hard enough but then I took him to dog training and he wasn't getting enough stimulation and I wasn't being pack leader so he's fine now but it's alot different with kids. You can't risk it aww poor babes bet the pair of you are gutted
2 people like this
@ellie333 (21016)
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24 May 09
Hi Mands, Ziggy is the most loving and non aggressive dog I know and even though I had been to training and I even called in a behavioural therapist after he bit last Sunday he was always going to attack me as he was trying to herd and control me, the trust from me was gone and he sensed my fear cos he was vicious with it and bit three times last Sunday piercing the skin on both hands quite badly so rehoming was the best thing to do and then the day before he went he went for my son too but just caught him on the chest so the right decision had been mad. It is very sad but Ziggy will be happy where he is and my son understands the reason why it had to happen bless. I feel like I am grieving though as I can't stop the tears flowing. Huggles. Ellie :D
@mands61123 (2098)
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24 May 09
you've done everything you could possibly do chick and it's whats best for all of you if thats what he's doing the more you resist the more confused he'll become because it's natural instinct for him. I'm not surprised your grieving it's like loosing one of your kids!! Nothing i say will make it better but you know in your heart whats best and he'll be fine and eventually so will you. Just take time thats all plus with all the other shite at the moment i doubt you needed any additional stress so that won't have helped. You have lots of friends on here don't get disheartened we all love and care about you but offline life often gets in the way were always here for you just have to say and we'll be there! big kisses *mwah*
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@littleowl (7157)
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23 May 09
Hi Ellie, that is such a crying shame, am glad Jacob didn't get hurt and hope you were alright and didn't get bitten badly. It is nice to know he will be happy in his new home. I know the pain of having to let an animal go and the tears and upset, although it was a little different for me as it was my boa constrictor snake...she grew to 13ft long and the vivarium she was in wasn't big enough to hold her, one day she nearly got out and I was up all night with her making sure the breeze blocks on top on the cage kept her in..the following day she was taken to a reptile shop where I left her..she was re-homed but I was upset for weeks after..she had been part of the family for years and to this day I still remember her...Huggles LoLo xxx
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@ellie333 (21016)
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23 May 09
Hi Littleowl, I am still sobbing now, I made my son his packed lunch yesterday and automatically turned to tell Ziggy to sit so he could have the crusts and he wasn't there it was horrible. I'm okay, it was my sons chest he got but next time it could have been far worse but it is not in his nature to be aggressive so have given him the freedom he deserves on a farm where he belongs. As you know I am not to keen on snakes but can appreciate the hurt you went through having to rehome your. Huggles. Ellie :D
1 person likes this
@littleowl (7157)
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24 May 09
Hi Ellie, it must be so hard for you especially after looking after him as a pup etc and all the happy times, but you have dpne the right thing hun..love you littleowl
2 people like this
@gitfiddleplayer (10362)
• United States
24 May 09
I've never had to rehome a dog, sorry to hear that you had to but you are right in thinking of the safety of your son. I'm sure he will be happy and think of you often when he misses you. Arf Arf.
2 people like this
@greeneyedlady (1439)
• Netherlands
26 May 09
Hi Ellie, I came here as soon as I found out. Leenie sent me an e-mail telling me of this news and I am so sorry to hear about this. I know you and your little one love Ziggy very much but you were absolutely right to do what you did. You could take no more chances. I am so happy to hear though that Ziggy has gone to a nice, big farm where he will be in his element and have lots more fun and happy years.
I too had to re home some animals when I moved from L.A. to Holland. 2 dogs and 3 cats, fortunately for me some of the neighbors that I had known for years and knew the animals for years took them and I know gave them excellent homes as they loved them as I did.
A back neighbor of mine with the same name as me oddly enough took one of my dogs, a cockapoo and she had a couple cockapoos also, she loved them. Then I had a beagle, the same lady belonged to a club for beagle lovers and she knew someone from there that she had known for years and Knew he would give her a Very Good home so I met with him and I agreeded, he was a delight and was delighted with Jodi, (the beagle), as well, so he got her! As for the cats, they were very easy. My best friend and next door neighbor loved cats with a passion and he wanted them so bad, I Knew how he treated the cats he already had so there was no question about that one, it was a real no brainer!!
I was very much like you, very sad but happy knowing that they had very good places to go!
So in ending this Ellie, you and your little one are of course in my heart and thoughts and I hope things get back to normal or as much normal as they can be very soon!
Love and Hugzzz to both of you!
@ellie333 (21016)
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26 May 09
Hi Gel, That must have been a traumatic time for you also especially as there were so many other changes going on too and to rehome five beloved pets ust have been awful but like you say you knew they also went to good loving homes which is the main thing. Bless Leenie for letting you know but having lost Bogey and then debating over whether to get another and have having Dexter she understands also. The decision I made was the right one for all concerned as I had to think of safety for my son and Ziggy and his happiness too, if I had not taken action he may have bit an outsider and the law would have had him put down and he isn't an aggressive dog but just tries to lead the pack in certain situations. It still feels strange without him but I am crying a lot less, think it affected me more than my son and my girls are coming home at the weekend to cheer me up and we are doing a carboot weather permitting which should be fun to take my ind off of it all really. Huggles. Ellie :D
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@greeneyedlady (1439)
• Netherlands
26 May 09
Hi Ellie, yes anytime you have to get rid of any animal for any reason it is very traumatic especially like you said, with Ziggy, he is not a particularly aggressive dog, but things could have happened in the future and like you said, maybe the law would have gotten involved and then you would have lost him for good, had no say over what happened to him And he would probably have lost his life also in the process.
I am so happy to hear that your family is rallying around you and trying to keep your mind off of things and soon it will not be so painful as it is now I promise you!
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@cyberfluf (4996)
• Netherlands
24 May 09
I am so sorry to hear this, Ellie. But I am glad that you at least have been able to give him a good home. You are right, you can't put your son at risk but at the same time it tears you apart to have to rehome an animal.
I have had this experience with one of my dogs, like I responded in another one of your discussions, that got a seizure and her character changed after that. She went to a new home without children because after this seizure she could not stand noise anymore (and we have a busy family). She was with her new family for two weeks and then passed away because she a a severe seizure again and this time she did not come out of it. Luckily Ziggy has a better chance of living a happy and healthy live on the rural farm. Take care.
@cyberfluf (4996)
• Netherlands
24 May 09
I don't know how the people who took him in feel about it, but otherwise you might be able to check in after some time. Call and ask how he is doing. This can be a huge comfort. We were about to do so aswell. Unfortunatly our situation was a lot different as we got a call soon after she had moved there, that she had past away. But in this situation, it might be a big consolation to be able to do so.
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@ellie333 (21016)
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24 May 09
Hi Cyberfluf, Oh that is just so sad about your dog bless, yes at least Ziggy has a long happy future ahead running around in the fields bless. We are both missing him so much but even my son understands it was for the right reasons. Huggles. Ellie :D
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@winterose (39887)
• Canada
26 May 09
yes it is hard to get rid of dogs we loved, I had to do that several times, because the dog was causing problems in the housing project, he was barking too much etc. I always hated it and now I do not have dogs anymore, only cats.
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@winterose (39887)
• Canada
27 May 09
nope that was not my story hon, I have several dogs stories but that is not one of them.
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@ellie333 (21016)
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26 May 09
Hi Winterose, I think I remember the story where you hid a dog in the flat without your mother or her boyfriend knowing if my memory serves me well so yes I know the heartache you went through. I think in my response I shared where I had run away with my dog as a little girl and refused to come home until I knew he would be safe after he bit a big boy who had been tormenting him over the gate for weeks and he was rehomed at my nanas house. I am going to stick to my cats from now on also. The main thing is that Ziggy has gone to a home he will be suited for and happy in. Huggles. Ellie :D
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@moondancer (7431)
• United States
23 May 09
I'm sorry to hear this ellie, but it seems you have done the right thing for all. I have not had this problem and surely hope I never do.
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@suspenseful (40192)
• Canada
24 May 09
We had a dog called Peanuts, and we had to give him to a farm family because he was more a country dog then a city dog. He kept running away all the time even though we were nice to him. We lived in a residential area but Peanuts was more the open fields, running and playing. We did find a nice home for him and I guess he loves it there. The next dog we had was a city dog and did not like the country at all, and we had her for over twenty years.
So I guess there are some dogs that are suited to the country and some to the city.
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@jillhill (37354)
• United States
24 May 09
Too sad....but I understand your dilemma!!!! You can't have a pet that bites! And I bet Ziggy will be very happy. I have never had to do that but my sister had a cat that attacked everyone but me...she bit people in the ankle when they would pass by...actually she attacked and tore up their socks etc....I bet the little guy is pretty sad! Does he get to visit Ziggy if he wants?
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@ellie333 (21016)
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24 May 09
Hi Jill, Oh yes it is sad but I couldn't risk having him around my son as he was very vicious with the bites I got, the main thing is that we tried everything before hand and he has found a wonderful new home. No we will not visit, it will add to the hurt if we see him again. He took all his favourite toys and although we both upset my son does understand bless. I think I am more upset than he is as children seem to adjust and adapt far quicker to situations eh! I just can't stop crying and will go to do something like make a sandwich and turn to give Ziggy the crust and he not there, house feels a bit empty. One of my own cats bites ankles but not like you describe here, just a gentle nip to let you know she wants some fuss. Huggles. Ellie :D
@GreenMoo (11833)
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26 May 09
Oh Ellie, I'm so sorry to hear that he's had to go. I've not really been online much these last few weeks so I've had to skip lots of discussions unread so I hadn't realised that he'd bitten anyone.
I think you've done the best thing, as your son's safety must always be the most important thing. Sometimes dogs like to think we're part of their pack, but don't quite realise who's boss!
I'm sure he'll be really happy in his new home. It sounds as if he'll have loads of space to run about and use up his energy. He's been lucky you've been able to find such a great new place for him.
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@ellie333 (21016)
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26 May 09
Hi GreenMoo, He has been gone a week now and still low but not as tearful as I was but it was the best decision for all of us and we have our happy memories and yes Ziggy will love his new home, it is the right place for him bless. My son upset but he does understand. Huggles. Ellie :D
@GreenMoo (11833)
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27 May 09
Kids, I think, are more accepting and understanding that we sometimes give them credit for. I'm sure you've explained to your son the reasons why the puppy needed a new home, and he'll understand although he'll miss his friend.
Hope you're feeling better now.
1 person likes this
@elitess (5070)
• Ipswich, England
23 May 09
Hi there Ellie. I am very sorry to hear about this... really i am, i know how much you loved Ziggy and how many happy discussions he helped you start (and i mean this in a good way, as this could only have been a reason of joy for you).
Let me know where the picture will be uploaded as i don't see it here in this discussion.
Hugs,
Alex
2 people like this
@ellie333 (21016)
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23 May 09
I thought I had uploaded it Elitess, it was one of him on the beach. I feel empty without him but I know in my heart it was the right thing to do for all of us and although it is sad it is happy too as he will love where he is now bless, Huggles. Ellie :D
2 people like this
@leenie50 (3992)
• United States
24 May 09
Sweet Ellie,
My heart is breaking for you. I remember when you got Ziggy. I was so envious because he was so cute and I just loved his name. It makes me want to cry. Once they have become aggressive like that, you have no choice but to find another home. I had to find another home for my little dog I had when my Son was born. Suzie was fine until my Son started crawling and then she tried to bite at his face. That was it. I was anticipating that and knew what I had to do. My neighbor took her.
Sweetie, I'm sending you my love and a big hug.
leenie
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@ellie333 (21016)
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24 May 09
Hi Leenie, Oh Ziggy is such a character and yes I remember I got him not long after you had lost Bogey. I am in pieces but it was the right thing to do for Ziggy, he will be much happier where he is and I feel good knowing that. He has gone with all his favourite toys and with tail wagging bless. How is that Dexter doing, growing fast and into everything too I guess eh! Huggles.
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@mimpi1911 (25464)
• India
27 May 09
I know what you are going through. Ziggy is a blessing to have but sometimes we have to let go. He will be fine and you take care dear.
Will miss you Ziggy!
Huggles!
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@Darkwing (21583)
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30 May 09
Oh, I'm so sorry, Ellie. That can be such a traumatic thing to have to do. I haven't been in that situation but my younger son has. He had a Jack Russell. He and his kids loved the dog dearly but it bit them a few times, and he had to do the same thing. Funnily enough... and another similarity believe it or not... his dog, Sam, is on a farm too. lol.
Ziggy is a lovely dog, but you're right. You can't put J at risk for the dog's sake. You've done the right thing, although a very difficult decision to make.
Brightest Blessings, love and huggggggs. xx
@ellie333 (21016)
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27 May 09
Hi MsTickle, My son seems to have adjusted quicker than I to Ziggy not being here as I am still getting tearful over it all but it was the right decision for us all and Ziggy happy too in his new home, the correct one for a working farm dog eh! Huggles. Ellie :D
@joyceshookery (2057)
• United States
24 May 09
A sad parting of ways indeed. However, it seems Ziggy's nature calls for the wide open spaces and you and son have given him that gift. Hope you find a more gentle doggie for the next addition to your family.
1 person likes this
@guybrush (4658)
• Australia
27 May 09
SO sad to hear about Ziggy, Ellie ... I know you and your lad loved the little tyke. Still, you definitely did the right thing. Once a pup has shown he can't be trusted (especially when there are children involved), it's not worth taking any risks. I'm so glad you managed to find a suitable home for him - bye Ziggy!
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@slimandsexy (53)
• United States
26 May 09
I am so sorry. It is tough and always seems like you are losing part of the family. I know the pain. As a child we had to give up a part German Shepard for the same reason. He was such a great dog for about a year, but he just became too aggressive and destructive. Looking back I have nothing but good memories. Hope you will too.
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@ellie333 (21016)
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26 May 09
Hi Slimandsexy, Yes we have our happy memories and some of his antics are recorded here too in previous discussions like the time he got into the rabbit hutch and pretended to be a rabbit, he was so gentle with them and then the time he didn't want to stay in the garden and managed to jump back in through the kitchen window. It was the right decision for him as well as us and he has gone to a good home. Huggles. Ellie :D
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