Oh no! I'm so sorry you have to give him back, but yeah, it's best for Bella.
Hydrogen Peroxide will get that blood out. I've had to clean up enough blood in my time to know how effective it can be (quicked nails, split paws, life is lots of fun with dogs).
Aw, thank you. We rented a rug doctor last night while they were at the vet. Between that and some stain cleaner, we were able to get the blood out. I went through 8 magic erasers on the walls. The spatter was unbelievable. I felt like I had walked into a tv crime scene. I'm sure we'll still be finding blood droplets on stuff for a while yet.
Probably. My Mom's cat got the tip of his very long tail caught in the hinge side of their bathroom door. That was 2 years ago and they are still finding dried blood from it.
I'm so sorry this happened. If I were in your shoes I'd be doing the exact same thing. You're doing what's best for both of them. I hope your Bella heals quickly and Hobbs finds a great home.
I'm sorry for the severity of the situation, that is a really hard position to be in. I hope Bella is ok and that Hobbs finds his forever home as an only pet.
It's the severity of the situation that so saddening to me, esp since op was so excited when Hobbs joined the family recently. I don't think anyone, even the most experienced doggie parents, would ever expected to come home to find what op found. OP, I'm really sorry this situation is playing out this way, but it does really sound like Hobbs needs to be an only doggie. He'll be much happier that way. King of his own little hill.
Post by sapphireblue on Jan 19, 2014 10:47:25 GMT -5
Lurker here.....but I had the same experience. You are absolutely doing the right thing!!
I adopted a second dog years ago, partially because my shepherd mix loved other dogs so much. My dog and this dog were getting into little scraps and they were escalating. Then there was one legit fight, it was scary but thankfully I was right there. I eventually became convinced my dog was going to get hurt, plus also live a life of stress, with this other dog around.
I brought him back to the shelter. (ETA--It was what they wanted. I offered to help find him another home, pay to board him near me and visit him while a home was found, etc., I didn't just drop him back there cavalierly).
It is a tough thing to do but I feel that you have to look out for Bella.
Post by RoxMonster on Jan 19, 2014 10:48:39 GMT -5
I'm so sorry That has to be such a difficult situation, and you did nothing wrong. The hope with having more than one dog is that they can keep each other company while the owners are gone and play together well. I totally get that. You had no indication the other fight wouldn't be an isolated incident over food.
You want to give both dogs a good home where they are most comfortable and where they are happiest. For Hobbs, it sounds like that might be in a one-dog family. For Bella, it's with you. You are a good dog owner for getting each of them what they need/want.
Post by Jalapeñomel on Jan 19, 2014 11:41:20 GMT -5
Some dogs are just meant to be only dogs, and it sounds like Hobbs is one of those types of dogs.
I'm sorry you had to go through this type of ordeal. When we adopted Camote, it was almost a year later, and she started fighting for dominance with Miranda. It was scary. Thankfully, it worked out, but sometimes it doesn't and you have to do what is best for you AND the dogs.
zoidberg, yes, they gave both dogs an injection of antibiotics last night and they both have a round of pills to take at home.
carrotsmakemefat, I got both dogs to the vet the moment I got home. Bella needed a couple wounds stapled, but they left others open to help them drain and prevent infection.
My granddad adopted a lab beagle and she's an only. My parents have had tons of beagles in our house growing up and they've always been the ones to assert dominance over the other breeds. We had one beagle that would bite and break skin on any new dog and then she'd leave them alone.
Just a quick update for you guys. The rescue organization is trying to get in touch with Hobbs' former foster home. They offered to pay for us to kennel him, but I just don't feel right about doing that. Thankfully, I can be home over the next several days to keep the dogs separated. We're hoping to get Hobbs back to his foster mom today or tomorrow. The adoption coordinator apologized profusely and is clearly very upset. She has promised me that they will make sure to find a home with no other animals. They also offered to help with Bella's medical expenses.
I think everything is being handled really well. I'm still so broken up over all of this and am really sad, but I know we're doing what's best for Hobbs.
Post by mirandahobbes on Jan 19, 2014 15:31:45 GMT -5
I'm so sorry. Such a sad situation all around. Hope Bella heals quickly and Hobbs finds his dream home. You are doing the right thing. I know you need to hear this, and it is the truth.
Sorry, that sounds like you're just exchanging them or something, which obviously isn't the case. Lol, I hope you understand what I mean.
I understand.
No, they do a limited number of rescues and only have a few dogs at a time that need homes in specific areas, so there aren't any other dogs for us to take in. Honestly, we are probably going to let go of the idea of getting another dog until Bella is gone. She deserves to live out her life in the manner she is accustomed (I.e. Princess of the kingdom).
We just dropped off Hobbs with his foster family. He was so excited to see his foster brother. It made things a bit easier. I think the rescue is going to let us be involved in vetting his next family. I'm a mess, but trying to feel positive about what he has ahead of him.