So, 6 years ago when I left my Ex, I also had to leave behind my Linus. He is a beagle mix(so we were told...who knows what else!) It was the hardest part about leaving and the hardest thing I ever had to do. The apartment I could afford didn't allow pets. Plus, I felt guilty for leaving the ex (tho I had good reason!) so I left Linus with him.

Now, all these years later, my ex is having problems, which I won't go into detail about. I found this out from a mutual acquaintance, and mentioned that it was in our divorce decree that he could not give him to anyone but me if he had to get rid of him. Long story short, this friend mentioned to the ex that I would be willing to take Linus in, if he is unable to care for him. I found out today that he is willing to turn him over to me rather than take him back to the shelter we got him from about 7 years ago.

I am so nervous/anxious/excited to have my boy back with me! We were thinking it would be after the first of the year before we'd get him, but now the ex is saying I can come get him any time! What?????? So now, gotta actually talk to the ex to get the latest on his temperment, health history, all the general info we will need. My stomach is in knots, thinking about how will he fit in here? Will he remember me? Will the Huskies accept him? "Am I crazy?" is going through my head a lot too! He was such a sweet boy, but I understand he hasn't socialized much since I left. Someone, please, tell me it will all turn out ok?!

He's not a husky. He is a black dog, smooth haired, with brindle markings & ears that flapped back when he was startled! He has the sweetest face. I have never been able to get over the heartbreak of what I had to do all those years ago, and feel this is my chance to make it right. I have pictures of him still. If I had my desktop working, I'd scan and post some of them.

I could not allow Linus to go back to the Refuge after all these years. Tommy is being great about this, and I am feeling blessed right now. He's saying we should try to set the pick up for Friday, so we can observe over the weekend. I will keep you posted. I am so happy right now, but cautious about it all.

Sorry if I put this in the wrong place, but had no idea where this belonged!

Awe, I wish you lots of luck. You are right in being cautious, but I have a feeling it will be fine with the huskies. Just like any other time you introduce a new dog, it will take some time. Next thing you know they will all be inseparable.

Oh, I hope so!

Oh wow, i sure hope everything works out fine! at least you do not need to wait till the new year, i think that wait would have drove you nuts! is there a way to maybe have everyone meet at a dog park before bring him into the home? that way its like hey we met this dog at the park and it looks like he is coming home for a visit as well? i sure hope you can upload some picture i would love to see the little guy!

It is a tricky situation for me. I have not seen the ex in over 5 years, and find that I still fear it. I am hoping to have a 3rd party pick Linus up and bring him to my home. I am thinking maybe we can initially introduce them through Sadie's fence next door? Then, one at a time, let them meet. We plan on keeping him crated and in the living room when gone until they show that they will get along. The minute I have him with me again, I will post a picture from my phone! But, I am having a hard time REALLY getting excited, as the Ex has a history of being an ass, just cause he can.
I have asked Tommy over & over again if this is the right thing to do, and his response is "You gotta get your dog!"

Wow- what a story!

I think you're right to be cautious, especially if Linus isn't very well-socialized. It's NOT going to be easy (I mean, stranger things have happened, but I'm operating under the assumption that Linus isn't socialized with other dogs).

Having him crated while you are gone is definitely a must. I would even crate him in a room away from the others just so that he feels safe. Make sure your ex gives him up with SOMETHING that smells like his old home: bed, blanket, one of your ex's old t-shirts (I know, but it's for Linus). Hailey came here with NOTHING and we had a really tough time integrating her at first because of it. You want Linus to have his space and to feel safe. That's the most important thing: that he FEELS safe. Smells that are familiar to him will help. A room that he can "have" for a little while will help too.

I second the suggestion to meet-up at a dog park first. I think your neighbor's yard is probably too close to home. If there is a fenced in tennis court, baseball field, somewhere that is fenced in and mutual ground so they can meet leashed at first and then off-leash. Dog park is best because they will be overwhelmed with new smells at first and can gradually move in towards each other.

Overall, I think you're doing the right thing and I will keep my fingers crossed and send positive vibes your way. Remember: Linus is nothing more than another "rescue" that you are bringing into your home. If you treat him as such, you will fare much easier. Treating him special will only cause tension.

Good luck!

Thanks everyone for the advice. I am still nervous/anxious/excited!

I understand about meeting at a neutral zone. The bad part is that by the time we get home & the ex brings him over, it will be late, probably about 6:30. I am racking my brain, tring to figure out how to make their first meet & greet go as well as possible. I will take the suggestion about something that is his. (Even if it IS one of his old t-shirts!)
I feel pressured to get this done & over with ASAP, because I am afraid he will change his mind before it actally happens.
I did talk to the ex today, and Linus has been kept up to date on his vaccinations & exams. (we go to the same vet, so was able to verify) Feel good about that. We will have to go through the food change, as he is being fed Purina right now.
Ohhhhh, man, I will be a wreck by Friday! I just want him to feel welcome here! It will be hard to treat him as just another rescue, but I will do as I must to make it all work!
I am just like a mother who gave her child up, and now has to sort through everything in order to have a relationship with this child! I will not cry....I will not cry... I WILL NOT CRY! (as I sit here balling)
**SIGH**

OH! I forgot to mention one other good note: The ex informs me that Linus is very well socialized with other dogs. That was a concern for me, as he was still fairly young when we split, and I had to idea how that would go. One plus!

Linus is now home with me! He seems so very small compared to the Huskies. He went with for Mika's appt. today, and weighs 40#. He has aged! I knew he would have, but was surprised to see the grey on his face.
He was sad after the ex dropped him off, but for a surprisingly short time. We've discovered he HATES to be crated! Whines & cries the whole time he's in it. Any suggestions to make it a happier place for him? He has his sleeping mat & favorite towel in there, along with a few toys. He is eating well, and will go in the crate to do so.
He & Mika went for a walk together before going to the vet, and they got along pretty well. No problems for the whole trip. He DID try to hump her in the back on the way home, which was a sight, considering she is twice his size. She just kind of looked at him like "Are you serious?" We have an area in the back where none of the dogs go, it's fenced off. We put Linus & Isis on leashes and took them back there together. They did fairly well, too. Then we let them off-leash for a short time. Sisi tried to play rough, as the huskies do together, and Linus wasn't having it! He told her in no uncertain terms to back-off, and surprisingly, she pretty much did. I spoke with the behaviorist at the vets and she suggested gently that because of his age & size, we should never trust them alone with him. I kind of guessed that already, but was sad to hear it.
I am taking it one day at a time. All I can do for now.

great to hear things are going so well! cant wait to see pictures of him

amykmac wrote:

I spoke with the behaviorist at the vets and she suggested gently that because of his age & size, we should never trust them alone with him. I kind of guessed that already, but was sad to hear it.

Just wanted to note, when I moved back into my moms this summer to wait for my husband to get done with all his school and training for the military, I had so many people tell me not to ever trust my hyper, playful husky who is a wrestling maniac with our 3 chis who range from 8 to 10. He has been left home alone with them all the time and there are no problems.. he understands they are not into playing with them and if they tell him to back off he does so and doesn't react. Koda had no previous experience with smaller dogs earlier either. Not saying go freely trusting them all together, but I would never let anyone tell you it should never, ever happen.
I'm happy for you and I bet you are very excited to have Linus back!

Heatherlee wrote:

amykmac wrote:

I spoke with the behaviorist at the vets and she suggested gently that because of his age & size, we should never trust them alone with him. I kind of guessed that already, but was sad to hear it.

Just wanted to note, when I moved back into my moms this summer to wait for my husband to get done with all his school and training for the military, I had so many people tell me not to ever trust my hyper, playful husky who is a wrestling maniac with our 3 chis who range from 8 to 10. He has been left home alone with them all the time and there are no problems.. he understands they are not into playing with them and if they tell him to back off he does so and doesn't react. Koda had no previous experience with smaller dogs earlier either. Not saying go freely trusting them all together, but I would never let anyone tell you it should never, ever happen.
I'm happy for you and I bet you are very excited to have Linus back!

Agreed. I think the behavoirist was right to tell you that, but you will know by the way that they interact together how they will get along, but I would take her advice for the time being and see how it goes Good luck!!

I think she is just taking into consideration the fact that 3 hyper/crazy huskies almost make a mob. And we know what happens with the mob mentality. We are taking it slow, and will worry about that when it is time to consider it. I wouls feel horrible if something were to happen to any of the babies! He is showing that he does not back down easily, which I think will help him handle his own.
Now, I have Acute Asthmatic Bronchitis, feeling like crap, and have pretty much dumped everything on Tommy right now as far as the dogs! So, a slight set-back on the getting together, and Linus will think I stay home all the time, since Doc says I need bedrest until at least Wednesday. Another set-back. Tho Linus did stay in his crate when we went to Medpoint this morning, cried when we left, but sleeping when we got home. Hmmmmmm...all an act?