Cruel to be kind

Such a strange saying. But it seems like that is exactly the choice Robin and I have recently had to make. Last summer we made the (costly) impulsive choice to buy a husky to go with Rufus. He has been a decent addition to our family, but the more we thought and considered it, we didn't think we were the right family for him. We don't have the right yard, we don't walk him enough, we are away from home too much, our neighbor below us is going to have a nervous breakdown because of him, and generally just were not ready to own a husky. So we did what you do when you decide to part ways with something, we put him on craigslist. Within 12 hours I had about 15 emails inquiring about Ivan.

It has been difficult for both of us. We struggle with the idea that we gave up on him. We struggle hoping that the home he goes to is a good one for him. We are sad because we did become pretty attached to him. But in the end, we feel like it will be best for him, and for us to part ways. I would still like to have two dogs at some point in the future, but definitely not a husky. So, goodbye Ivan, you will be missed, but I trust that God will watch over you and over us.

Someone said it must be like giving up a child. No. Not even close. It is like giving up a pet. Sure, you care about it and want the best for it, but I cannot imagine it is anything like giving up a child. I think the other problem is that Rufus just set the bar so unbelievably high. He is an ideal dog in so many ways.