Day 1 Adopting an Abused Dog
Yesterday I adopted an abused pit bull from the local shelter. I already feel lost like I will never be a good enough dog mom to help this dog. Let me start from the beginning. I moved to Florida a year ago by myself. I had a coworker to move in with as my moving was kind of out of nowhere. I lived with 2 people and a beautiful puppy that I fell in love with. Fast forward, and I recently purchased a house by myself. Still pretty lonely with few friends, now living alone was VERY LONLEY. I wanted a companion. After thinking about getting a cat and talking to many people I decided a dog would be good. I went to the local humane society. Seeing all the poor puppys with no homes broke my heart. I wanted to bring them all home. After not knowing which dog I wanted to visit with, I discovered another room of dogs. I went down with my friend and saw a little dog with her head hanging out of the back. I called her name and she came running to me. Once she got close, I saw all the scars on her legs, her ripped up ears, and how skinny she was. Tears hit me immediately and I said I wanted to meet her. After a few minutes visiting, my friend had me convinced she was the one for me. After going to the font and completing a few pages of paperwork, they charged my credit card and gave me the dog. Told me she had heartworms, gave me her meds and sent me on my way. They didn't go over anything with me, offer any support, or even ask many questions. Thinking back now, I think this is a horrible way to go about adopting out animals. After brining her home, I realized she was going to be a lot of work to take care of. She followed me everywhere I went. Got scared when I turned the tv on, she seemed as if she had never been in a house. Things I didn't think about and they didn't tell me. Last night we both fell asleep on the couch. I realized she has heavy breathing, is lethargic and scared of everything. After finally getting her in her crate with much coaxing, she cried all night long on and off. I don't know how I'm going to be able to care for this poor animal in the capacity she needs. I feel like the humane society did not do their job to attempt to match me with the right animal. I work a lot. How am I going to leave this animal alone all day during the week? How am I going to make sure she gets comfortable and can be around people and other animals? How am I going to show her the life she deserves? At this point, she is the most beautiful dog ever, but I am so terrified I don't know how I'm going to do it. If anyone has any advice for me, please please please give it! I don't want to fail this beautiful animal.
