I failed a rescue

[PackofTwo]

Today I had to return a lovely little one year old dog that I rescued. He had been in our home a mere 3 days and had bonded to me like glue. He turned out to have a problem with men and charged, growled at, snapped at tried to nip my husband and son. Also he guarded me very strongly. He did not have this problem in the foster home he was in prior to arriving here, and in fact was bonded with the foster dad very well.

It got to the point this morning where I became very concerned that someone was going to get bitten, and called the rescue and they agreed it was time to bring him back. Although I am an experienced dog owner, I am not equipped to deal with aggression issues in a dog and would never be able to live with a dog that might bite.

I feel horrible about this, he had bonded with me so well and I loved him dearly. But, I didn't feel like I could live with a dog with such a trigger for men. They are going to place him in a foster home with an experienced foster family that can work this out for him. I feel so sad that I failed this little guy in this manner.

All I can see in my head is the sad look in his eyes as I drove away. Abandoned again by someone he trusted.

[dobermom]

I'm sorry it didn't work out. I know how you feel.
Feel better knowing you gave him a chance and a wonderful 3 days! There is a home out there for him, he will find it. Some take more time then others.

what kind of dog was he?

[2ndchance]

You didn't fail! you tried and that's all we can do.

[pomlover80]

You didn't fail and you should feel good that you unlike most people tried and did the best you could. You can't save them all as hard as it is to accept.

[Aria]

you didn't fail, if anything you made the dog stronger. The dog will soon forget about his abandonment, and consintrate at his new task at hand, trying to get along. Besides, if he succeds at this task, than mabey his chances of adoption will increase, and you can take him home with no worries. Thing always have a way of working themselves out for the better. Remember when one door closes another one opens... this aplies to both human and animal alike. So don't think of it as a closed door, think of it as a new beging for both the dog and you. =) Chin up!

[Rusty-Buck]

At least you gave him a chance. I bet his previous owners didn't even give him that. Sometimes things just don't work out. A dog needs to work out for everyone. The rescue will be able to find him another home that can cope with his needs, and his new family/person will be able to know and understand this.

[IcyMist]

I know it must have hurt deeply having to return the dog to the shelter and you didn't fail, you protected your human family from possible injury. Think how bady you would have felt if your son ended up terrified of animals because a pet that was suppose to be a companion for your son bit him. I feel like everything happens for a reason even if we don't find out what the reason is. You will find the perfect pet that desperately needs a family to love. Don't be discouraged.

[Blaze]

I'm sorry it didn't work out! Don't feel that you failed him because you didn't, you gave him a chance and then you did the right thing by giving him to an experienced foster family. He will be well taken care of and I'm sure the right family is out there somewhere!
Sounds like you gave him a great 3 days and tried your best!!

[SalemWitchChild]

I think you did what was best for the dog and your family. Therefore you did not fail. You recognized that you were not the best candidate to help him along his journey and you spoke up. You should be proud of yourself. So many other people wouldn't have.

[PackofTwo]

Thank you all for your kind words and support, I needed them.

Blessings to you all.