Babe Returning to Owner...

[M101]

My Aunt has returned home w/ a live-in woman not trained in nursing. My parents visited her yesterday and said although she did not mention the puppy he would be returning back to her.

Babe has bonded w/ me. He now finally using the reward system w/ food during grooming is cooperating easily. :)

He will only eat when I'm w/ him. Loves to play. Crawls now in my lap. But cries if I leave the house for even a short time. And understands his schedule. He tries to talk also--or I think.

My concern w/ all this is: The caregivers w/ come and go. My Aunt is difficult to get along w/. The puppy becomes aggressive w/ others except me--biting; jumping; barking. Not everyone likes pets. And he does require someone to watch him. Placing him in a playpen is fine, but he will become lonely. My Aunt will again put him outside all day; and at night he will be alone in a room. He requires the human touch--cuddling; speaking to him; etc.

Again, suggestions to make my parents understand his needs and entitlement to a happy life? This puppy requires one trainer--me.

My heart will break. His heart will break. And I don't think he will ever be happy if he does go back to her. Or will act normal--whatever normal is...

I discussed w/ my Mom that to keep him we (I) required her to sign documents releasing him to me...my Mom that I was nuts.

Suggestions again, pls!

[I Found Nemo]

:( I would run away with Babe:( Just kidding !:(
Linda try to make your parents see that this will not be good for Babe:( You have been doing so well , can they see that? I don't think Babe will do well at all with your aunt. Im sorry but the nurse is there for your aunt not Babe:(
If I may ask, how old are you? I sometimes feel like your a princess trapped in the castle:( I wish I could help you.I would really sit your parents down and just talk, stress how important this is to you and that you will take full responsibility for Babe..
I wish you all the luck and prayers I can..
ANDREA~:smlove2:

[Kanga]

Oh, dear I am sorry..... Poor Babe :(

[M101]

Dear Andrea: I live on the property ONLY because I have a life threatening bone disease. My age 21+. My Father is jealous of Babe. I continue on w/ Babe's care because in his case everyday counts. I can't say this has been easy on me. But I'm making the time for him and shelving what I need to do.

My parents feel the care for Babe will be too costly; so I've been paying for everything.

My Aunt does not have a nurse--a live-in woman. She won't last long...my Aunt is bull headed. Babe is capable of biting someone; and he bites hard drawing blood.

Babe is a like a puzzle--a person caring for him needs to understand him--no one is going to take the time. Puppies/dogs require more then a dish of food and a bowl of water. I don't want to see him abused.

The info. yesterday was that the bushes in the yard were to be trimmed and the gate fixed...meaning Babe would be in the yard again all day. He was getting lost in the bushes before.

I've taken him in our yard...he has shown no interest in the yard. And our yard is clean and well kept.

I know I'm being over protective, but I see a puppy that is delicate. He is docile w/ me--sometimes stubborn, yes. But I've started to train using the reward system w/ his food--sometimes the food is not necessary. And he is trying so hard. He's on a schedule. And I'm strict w/ the schedule.

I know the layout of my Aunt's house...he was allowed to roam the entire house. He does require limits (zones).

This reminds me of having an infant shuffled around...it doesn't work.

The only issue he has--he still burps (joking-but true).

[bbry]

I would just ask my aunt if I could have him, purchase him, gift, whatever. If she says no, then I would ask her to promise me that if at any time she was unwilling or unable to care for Babe, that she would let you have him. Good luck.

[M101]

My Aunt can not care for Babe. She is 96 w/ a broken hip confined in bed. As I've posted before he was left outside all day in the yard; and at night placed in an empty room. She did not feed him an appropriate puppy diet. Never trained him. Played w/ him; etc. The puppy w/ me has received attention. Someone to fed him properly; play w/ him; groom him; etc. If he returns to her he can not come back because all my training will be forgotten by him.

I have done everything to provide him a secure home w/ love; etc. And he is trying very hard to permit me to train him; and trust me.

He has not been easy to train because he can be stubborn. But I'm trying a new technique.

He deserves an owner that can provide him the attention he requires; and although it is time consuming he is worth it! My Aunt is being selfish.

[Alana]

I am so sorry.
Could you go to your Aunt and explain to her how much you love Babe and how well he is doing in your care? How you will take him over for a visit when you go to see her?

Its just not right that he has to go back to a life of being outside alone all day, then placed in a empty room at night. Why does she want him back if that is how he will live, she would never see him anyway!

Then again, there is her age. Have arrangements been made as to what would happen to Babe in the event of her death? Don't mean to sound harsh here, but she is 96 years old with a broken hip. She will probably never leave her bed again.

I am surprised your parents think he needs to go back to that life.
Poor Babe.

I sincerely hope you can keep Babe. Keep up the fight!!

[M101]

I have looked at the situation both ways: If he could provide her any pleasure at all by all means he should return; if he were an older dog; docile; well mannered; etc., of course. But puppies are like babies. And they require care.

My Aunt has dogs/puppies come and go like a revolving door moves. They are placed outside because she can not handled them; they bark; are destructive; jump on people; bite. She has never trained any dog she has owned.

She just got rid of dog prior to getting Babe. She thinks feeding dogs the same food she is eating is fine. He was having chocolate daily. Cream cheese; etc.

He deserves to live a long life. He's very bright...a clown...and fun to be w/. I would miss him. And he'll miss me. I sat the other day and discussed that perhaps I should find him a new Mommy; tears rolled down my face; he kissed my face and looked so sad. I don't want him to see me cry. Pets sense when things are wrong. And since that day he has been so well behaved. He's trying so hard. It's funny when it's his bedtime (8:00 p.m.) and he goes to his bed and wants his night light put on. He barks once at 5:00 p.m. to remind me it's his dinner time. He knows the words carrots and pineapple--for his teething and to prevent him for eating his poop. He has learned some tricks--basic ones; but it is a start.

To look into his eyes my heart melts. He has freckles on his nose and inside his mouth. He's just so adorable, and needs his Mom (me). We have bonded.

He saw my Aunt in the hospital, but did not know her. So he is not suffering any separation anxiety from her.

The other night he ingested a pill off the floor by complete accident, and I had to save him. He was very brave. But thankfully I did the right thing.

Well, I get a couple hrs. sleep...today's another day...we're baking cookies!

[I Found Nemo]

:confused: I just cant understand this whole "Crazy" situation, oh lord dont get mad but it's just nuts:fainted:
Why would any normal person, I mean a regular semi level headed basically decent person return a dog to a ninety six year old woman:eek: I mean your parents? What does your aunt have to offer Babe??? She has nothing to offer him , except misery. So what's the problem??? Your parents can't see this is not a good idea:confused: Listen if they wont let you keep him, then I would take him (Behind their back, sorry I would) to a Maltese Rescue, they will find him a good home. There is no way I would return this puppy to a life of misery. I'm sorry if I sound upset, well I am :D not at you, just at the whole ((NUTTY))) situation. I would really look into rescue, if you return him and something happens you will feel terrible, I do and I dont even know you or Babe:(
ANDREA~
PS you said you were 21 , right? SO you are an adult so taking him to rescue is the wise thing to do,. I really don't see another alternative, do you?

[bbry]

If Babe has to be returned to your aunt and your aunt lives near you, I think you should go over there daily to be sure that he is getting food & water at least. If when you get there, they have put him outside in a pen, ask if you can take him for a walk. Spend all the time you can with him so that he does not forget your training. Surely, if you care for him & remain active and a part of his life, when your aunt dies, you will be the logical one to get him. :)

[lilybellesmom]

Now, this is just my opinion and I hope I don't hit a nerve. But, I agree with Andrea. Returning Babe to a life he had previously is just as bad as not taking him in the first place. Especially now that he's found someone who has taken the time to care and train him, he has bonded with you and look to you as his saviour.

If he provides her joy but she doesn't give him the quality of life he deserves then something is wrong. I understand you are looking at both sides but you have to weigh the pros and the cons.

If he was fed chocolate daily, I'm suprised his health has not been jeopardized or worse dead. If she has had dogs come and go what makes you think she won't do the same to Babe?

And why would your father be jealous of Babe? I'm sure he knows of the situation and what you're doing to adjust Babe to a life he deserves. I'm sure your father knows that you love him and this is just a time that someone else needs your love and attention.

I generally try to be neutral in a lot of situations but I feel I needed to speak up. I think if you feel you should not give back Babe to your aunt but feel uncomfortable keeping him you should give him to a Maltese Rescue. Your aunt will probably be furious at you but it would pass.


Like I said this is just my opinion, and I hope you don't get angry. We in this forum only want what's best for you and Babe. You're a smart and articulate person and I know that you love Babe very much and are only looking for the best solution to this problem. You did ask for suggestions and this is what I recommend.

[maltesemum]

Linda take him out of your parents house & take him to yours!

They really do not require much space, a little bed space at night or a small crate! You can be with him all day to supervise & you can snuggle with him at night! anyone on here will tell you that they require lots of love not lots of space, they are not big dogs. Often the exercise they get in the house in enough for them!

Please do not return him to your aunt:(

[bek74]

I agree, Take babe to your place. Babe doesn't require much room at all. I would say to your Aunt, that at this stage she needs to worry about herself and not a puppy. I would offer to buy him from her, tell her you love him, tell her you have gotten attached, tell her with your own condition babe helps keep you going.
Open your heart and tell her how you feel, don't let your parents do it for you.
I would face my Aunt and I would pour my heart out and beg if I had to, offer her money what ever it took.

I wish you and Babe all the luck

[Mommyxs3]

I agree, Take babe to your place. Babe doesn't require much room at all. I would say to your Aunt, that at this stage she needs to worry about herself and not a puppy. I would offer to buy him from her, tell her you love him, tell her you have gotten attached, tell her with your own condition babe helps keep you going.
Open your heart and tell her how you feel, don't let your parents do it for you.
I would face my Aunt and I would pour my heart out and beg if I had to, offer her money what ever it took.

I wish you and Babe all the luck
I agree. Other wise tell her Babe ran away, just kidding.

[Kanga]

I haven't read all the replies so someone may have already suggested this....

But why not turn Babe into a therapy dog?

You keep Babe but take him for regular visits to your Aunt so she gets to snuggle and love Babe without all the work.

Babe could become your aunties very own personal therapy dog so that she gets all the benefits of having a dog and none of the responsibility.

I really think this would work.

As for were he lives.......He can live happily in your bedroom while you are not there..... You will find he will sleep mainly while waiting your return as long as when you are there with him he gets quality time with you.

I sure hope this gets resolved in the best interest of Babe.

[Gregswife]

I think Bren gave you wonderful advice. Do you think your aunt would go for that? Sounds like a logical solution. I also agree with mommyxs3, even though she said she was kidding. I would say he ran away and take him to rescue. If she knew you had purposely done it without her permission it could get ugly, even legal problems, but if he ran away, well, accidents happen...

[M101]

Well, what can I say...I heard the bushes were being trimmed (because he was getting lost in them; and wire was being put around the bushes); also the gate to the condo was being repaired.

1. If he was being put outside in the play pen how was he getting into the
bushes?

2. If he was contained inside the play pen then why would the gate need
repair right now?

3. The room he was put into at night is now my Aunt's room downstairs.

4. My Aunt is nearly deaf; so no wonder she plays her T.V. blaring; Babe in
my opinion is overly sensitive to any noise.

A bird flying in the air; a plane; a car; any noise in the last few days
causes him to bark.

5. My Aunt in the past years living in her condo has received numerous
complaints re: her dogs barking because they were all outside.

6. A "therapy dog"--an excellent idea, but for my Mom. She has high blood
pressure; she enjoys him and would miss him; he loves to be placed on
a bed where she watches T.V. and kiss her on the face non-stop...she
laughs...then he tries to get in the bed w/ her; or hide under the pillows.
I make sure each night I bring him in to kiss her. He gets comfy and
makes himself at home...no accidents on the bed--he's just well
mannered. Then I take him in for his grooming.

7. My Aunt's house is a 40 mile round trip. She has a granddaughter w/ dogs
that lives closer to her. I don't feel she misses him honestly.

8. The lifespan of the puppy could be 15-18 yrs. under the proper conditions.
I feel he deserves to exist a long life.

9. Babe unfortunately has the streak in him to bite; even me. I'm not
afraid of him. I'm trying to teach him to drop on command, but he won't.
If he bit my Aunt or her live-in--not a good scenario.

10. Food--She fed him everything she ate. Choc. was her daily thing. He
ate sticks in the yard. Plants.

[M101]

I personally feel that it should be explained to her that he is not trained yet;
will bite...that if she loves him at all let me complete training him (stalling time-wise)...where did she intend for him to sleep w/o being in the way?...he requires a Nanny--did she intend to hire one full time? Who would care for him in an emergency? Tell her about his recent emergency.

If able to stall time-wise, then tell her this is a breed of dog that requires attn.; he illustrated never receiving attn. w/ her. That he is happy here--at least she knows where he is. That placing him in the yard is isolating him; and he does not want isolation. That her concentration should be on herself. Let her illustrate to me let she in the future can pick him up; etc. (It won't happen). That toy breeds are fragile...that I have just straightened out his diet, and if he is fed like she was feeding him, he will die.

Finally, if she truly loves him, let him go...stay here w/us or I will consider the rescue shelter.:cry2: :cry2: :cry2: ...that HE is in recovery also.

Brief family background: Why is my Father jealous--because he acts like a child the older he gets. His brother did; his sister does; and he does. This side of the family exists a very long time--Great Aunt 104; Grandmother 92;
my Aunt 96; Father 93...My Father requires attn. all day long. And my Mom is there.

Not to sound evil, but my Aunt is being her demanding self; she is sedated. I'm not trying to take something from her. I'm trying to rescue a puppy that deserves happiness. She's never said Thank You. I don't care, but it's like dropping off an infant and saying I'll return after he/she has graduated from college.

She has a very long history of never keeping a dog until its natural death. She just gave away a Schnauzer (Willie) days before getting Babe. She orders dogs/puppies like we order Chinese food.

Her son the day she broke her hip, put Babe in his tire business garage by himself; and that night went out for dinner--never returning to check on him.

If I felt Babe could not be trained to be behaved, then I would have to consider the shelter ASAP. He's not an experiment for me. But the little guy--today's name "Monkey Doodle" is so much fun; he's happy; feels safe; and is growing up quickly--I'm trying to help him. I have talks w/ him about going home...and he looks so sad; and then I cry; and I tell him to remember everything I've taught him; I'll worry about him; and my heart is broken/breaking. I'm very devoted to him.

My Father is concerned down the road he will be expensive. I've told my Mom he needs a couple metal crates--good sized; a satin harness; and that's it for now. Small investiment. I'll get his grooming items.

Health-wise re: me...I've had Osteoporosis since age 3 1/2 discovered not that long ago. I've suffered 60+ spontaneous long bone fractures...puppy has intruded on my life because I need to exercise daily in my gym in the main house. But I'll put a crate in there. And, I have an injured lt. hand...so I'm limited in my lt. hand use. No don't cry for me--that's life!

And Andrea, I'm 21 +...women don't give out their ages--then I would cry.
And I'm not the Princess in the glass house...I've had a life in a box if you catch my drift?

If we get any more personal, I'll need to start my own web site. I could write many books about my life. Right now I'm just a person opening up my heart to a furry baby that needs a Mom...and I need his kisses:ittykiss:

:bed_time:

:hands: for Boo.

[I Found Nemo]

:( If you don't mind me saying, if you have a "Main" house and a gym inside it sounds like money isn't a problem:confused: in your last 2 posts you have explained yourself, exactly why Babe should not be with your aunt:( I really don't know what else to tell you except I wish you luck and I hope your parents change their mind/ I will be thinking of you and Babe


Best Of Luck,
Andrea~

[maltesemum]

Yes me too, i hope & pray all works out for the best:( little Babe needs you & you him:hug:

[Morkie4]

Sounds to me like Babe is YOUR therapy!!! Keep him if you can! But it will have a negative affect on you if you return him to your aunt! It just will! You don't need anymore negatives in your life! But do what you think is best for YOU and for BABE!

We are not in your shoes............so we can only suggest; you have to decide!:(

[M101]

Dear Morkie4:

You are so right--Therapy for me!!! Babe is a challenge. Yesterday we had a fun day--he does need to stop barking at minor sounds or when I'm not near him.

I am worried I'm not doing things right--like his grooming.

But he is being entertained; and I think having fun. Well fed. And has adjusted to his schedule.

I finished another bed for him that he adores.

So at this point he's still here...we haven't heard from my Aunt.

If I could divide myself into four (4) my life would be easier.

Thank You

[M101]

Hi Maltesemum:

Babe is still here; happy; being entertained; got a new elegant bed; kissing Mom #2 (he makes her laugh); and is now allowed to play fetch in the main hallway.

My Mom did say that when it gets hotter (referring to in the next mo. or two 'til Oct. he'll just want to be on the floor.

I stressed the need of the wire crates in several rooms.

And he enjoys being on the bed w/ my Mom.

So, I'm hanging on to each day w/ him. He's growing up fast.

Thanks

[Ashley V]

Talk to your aunt. Tell her your concerns and tell it to her in a way that won't make her defensive. Even if you want, write out the points you want to say before hand and offer to take Babe down there every now and then and promise to send her pictures. Babe needs you and after reading your last post, you need Babe. I think you two were made for each other and I believe things happen for a reason. Don't give up. Keep trying. And when it comes to your parents, stress to them that Babe is good for YOU. They love YOU and want what is best for YOU. You could even explain to them that they would want to do whatever would be good for you, as their child (no matter how old you are), and Babe is like a child to you, and you want to do what's best for him.

[Morkie4]

Talk to your aunt. Tell her your concerns and tell it to her in a way that won't make her defensive. Even if you want, write out the points you want to say before hand and offer to take Babe down there every now and then and promise to send her pictures. Babe needs you and after reading your last post, you need Babe. I think you two were made for each other and I believe things happen for a reason. Don't give up. Keep trying. And when it comes to your parents, stress to them that Babe is good for YOU. They love YOU and want what is best for YOU. You could even explain to them that they would want to do whatever would be good for you, as their child (no matter how old you are), and Babe is like a child to you, and you want to do what's best for him.
:goodpost: TWO THUMBS UP!!!!

[Ashley V]

Talk to your aunt. Tell her your concerns and tell it to her in a way that won't make her defensive. Even if you want, write out the points you want to say before hand and offer to take Babe down there every now and then and promise to send her pictures. Babe needs you and after reading your last post, you need Babe. I think you two were made for each other and I believe things happen for a reason. Don't give up. Keep trying. And when it comes to your parents, stress to them that Babe is good for YOU. They love YOU and want what is best for YOU. You could even explain to them that they would want to do whatever would be good for you, as their child (no matter how old you are), and Babe is like a child to you, and you want to do what's best for him.

I just thought of this too... talk to your parents first... and if you can get them to understand, then maybe they would talk to your aunt WITH you to back you up. Truthfully, I think this is one of the best options.