I talked to you last weekend and I know how much you adore this dog. In fact, you stated to me that you are the kind of person who treats their pets, and especially this dog, as a family member, maybe even close to a child. I have heard many people say this about their pets.
I for one KNOW the bond you and that dog have. It is the SAME bond that I have with my S4. Unconditional Love that can never be broken. Just because my S4 is human and your dog is not, doesn't mean that we can't and shouldn't love a being like we do.
With this said, I think it is difficult for you to be away from the dog. I have a hard time being away from my S4 and the twins, but it is something that I have to live with because of this sep. I don't want it to be this way, but it has to be this way, RIGHT NOW.
My S4 is IRREPLACEABLE. Just like your dog seems IRREPLACEABLE TO YOU! I can't go out and find another S4 just because my W feels like she wants to keep him away from me, which isn't the case, but I am imagining it. I would be screaming, hopping mad if that happened.
So, IMHO, the answer is NOT to get another dog.
But the question begs to be answered. What can you do so that the dog is not a bone of contention between you and your W.
It is a craw in both your sides that this dog is put in the middle of your sitch. Its unfortunate that kids have to go through the same thing. So, for the sake of others reading who are still unclear, lets imagine this is a child.
and I know people are going to say well, a dog and a child are not the same. but I am not talking about physical appearances here. I am talking about the bond between two beings.
What can you do to make it easier for the dog? Never mind what W is thinking. What is best for the dog that will benefit both of you? Yes, you think the dog would be much happier with you because you have been there for the dog. But she thinks, and this could be just one scenario, that if she leaves you with the dog, she will come back and the dog, this dog who IMO is the only thing that is keeping her from being truly alone, will shun her away and she can not take that right now. Has she ever told you why?
Lord I hope everyone followed that.
This dog CAN NOT be a topic for contention, nor should it be used as a resource just to talk to your W. I know you can't talk to the dog and my heart goes out to you on that.
But cherish the time that you do have with the dog. Do whatever you need to do to help your W understand that this dog is the world to you. And one day, she will kick herself in the rear for not letting you be the person that this dog needs.
in my thoughts bud!
Triple J
Things were different then. All is different now. I tried to explain, somehow..........
Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam)
