Question: I've adopted an adult dog and the lady I adopted her from wants to have the dog visit her for a few days from time to time so the dog doesn't feel abandoned. What do you think?
I just recently adopted a 5 year old basset hound from a lady that is getting married and moving in September. She had a special request when I picked up the dog. She wants to let me have the dog but she wants to see the dog from time to time because she is very attached to the dog and she wants to transition away from the dog slowly. To give you a little background, the lady went through a divorce 6 years ago and she was awarded custody of her daughter, but her ex-husband took the dog. That dog is not the same dog that she is currently giving up but she never saw that dog again and she was very saddened because of that.
She thinks it is best for her, her daughter and the dog to spend time together from time to time so nobody feels abandoned. My question is: Is she correct or would it be best to have a clean break and not allow the lady to keep the dog for a few days from time to time?
Cindy's Response:
I think it's best for the dog to not see the previous owners, it will simply add stress and confusion to the dog's life. I believe the previous owner is suggesting this for herself, not for the well being of the dog. I think it would be unfair to the dog to confuse her with a visit once she's settled in to your home. I hope this helps.
Cindy Rhodes
Thanks:
Thanks Cindy. I appreciate you taking the time to answer my question.
Have a great rest of the week.
For more questions on this topic, see our Q&A on Adding a New Dog to Your Home.
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