Winter's over ... Going home to Dixie

14 years ago

Well, tomorrow we fly back to Manitoba. We spend our retirement traveling back and forth to Florida for the winter. When we get back it is so nice to be welcomed by the kids and grandkids, and this year, for the first time, our little dog Dixie will be there too.

My daughter fell in love with her when they were going to the pet store to buy some fish. They're suckers for all animals! She was six months old. We think she was from a puppy mill as she didn't even know how to go up the stairs.

Our daughters gave her to us just before we left so we only had her for about a month before our youngest daughter took her to stay with them and their two dogs. Dixie has had a great time with the other dogs, so I hope she won't miss them too much when she stays with us two old f.rts. Oh, we'll, it will get me off the sofa and walking her.

She is not quite a year old, so she is full of energy. We are frequent visitors at our daughter's home, so she can see the other dogs quite often. Hope we are doing the right thing with her, with six months with us and six months with them. Hubby doesn't think it is fair to her but I think that she will get used to that way of life. We can't have dogs at our place in Florida, so this is my only way of having a dog. We love her so much. What do you think?

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Comments (4)

cynic
14 years ago
Much depends on the dog. I think I'd try to do a couple weeks of adaptation. Start with something like 6 hrs at the "new" place then increase it and see how she reacts. It's sort of a shock to her system to change homes and companions. I really don't think I would do it. I'd either find a place that allows pets or I'd go work at a humane society or something to be around the animals. I think I'd have trouble parting with my pets for 6 months. I get very attached to them. Having a pet is a big responsibility and like with children, sometimes you have to think of them over yourself. When I had the dog I had to make accommodations at time when I'd travel and there's places I couldn't stay because they didn't want pets. With a cat, it's not as bad since I can leave for a few days without major issues but there's still issues and responsibilities at times.
joan_mn
14 years ago
Where do you winter in FL?
Enjoy seeing your grandkids and furbaby! And good luck with her moving, maybe you won't have any trouble at all.
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Georgysmom
14 years ago
I'm with cynic about not being able to stand being away six months. I have great problems with two weeks. I'm not sure dogs understand length of time and as long as they are with someone who is very loving to them they are very happy. Georgy loves going to "doggie camp" and she loves coming home, too. I think I miss her more than she misses me. I think Dixie will be fine. Welcome home.
wanda_va
14 years ago
It would break my heart to leave her. You said you can't have pets in Florida. Is that your choice, or are you prohibited by condo/association rules? My brother's second home is a condo on the ocean in Ft. Lauderdale. It has always been a "no pets" building. However, they recently changed the bylaws to allow residents to own one pet (under 20 pounds), and there are, of course, rules for cleaning up after the pet, etc.

He is on the Board of Directors and he said the reason they changed from the "no pets" policy is that most residents are elderly and, if their doctor says a pet would be advantageous to their mental health, the association cannot prevent them from having a pet. I believe he told me that was in accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act. It would be worth checking into, to be able to take your baby with you.

Winter's over ... Going home to Dixie

Comments (4)

cynic

joan_mn

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