It sounds like this rescue is a good place for him.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with admitting his behaviors were too much for your current situation and responsibly rehoming him. It was the best thing you could do for him, honestly.
It’s still hard, I know. Hugs to you!! We all got your back!

Connie,
Thanks, I can't tell you how hard this is...

Cheri, Kelly,
They have him flagged as very aggressive and he is not with a foster (probably because of that?) It looks like they are keeping him crated from the pictures they posted but impossible to know for sure. I am very worried because he is not an aggressive dog, unless he is just extremely afraid, only fear aggression. He has never been that way with us or that bad with even strangers. I believe the environment he is in is too much for him. I know he doesn't have a great temperament but that is the worst scenario for him. I have tried to contact them but they are very busy with all the intakes and give short vague responses. What is disturbing is I have not gotten a clear answer on if they are considering putting him down and I mentioned we would come get him asap if it's too much to deal with and no direct answers. They said he was very aggressive to everyone, even worse than the feral cats. It breaks my heart to know he is that afraid and I would rather rehome him myself as much trouble as it would be. I am starting to really regret this.

I can't post anymore!

I am so sorry for your pain, I understand the importance of knowing how they are doing.
I also understand why you made this decision. I have done the same thing, and unfortunately dwelled. It can rip you up.
You were brave enough to take him , braver to see it wasn't going to be the right thing to keep him. Hardest decision ever. But brave nonetheless.
Sometimes you just have to let them take the reins. For their safety perhaps they have to Kennel. He hasn't been there long. Don't dwell on what if.

CONTINUED 4 posts down

Okay, cut my post 3xs, saved it, mod help?

Becky, I sent you a Private Message.

Tresa, I wish I had something helpful to add. I'm so sorry.

Tresa, here's the rest of Becky's post from a couple of posts up:

He may have gotten comfortable with you, and you feel sad, but remember, how quick he triggered, and uncomfortablehe was at the same time.. Now in an unknown environment, he may trigger faster, or shut down for a bit. It's normal. Don't blame yourself, absolutely, ever. You can't control his mind.

Hugs. You are a strong person. Don't even think about doubting yourself.

From someone who has been there, more than once.

(This is BECKY'S post.)

Well said Becky and a big thanks to Connie for bringing it back.

Tresa,

At Leerburg, we would get dogs in that were absolutely not safe with anyone. These dogs lived in indoor/outdoor kennel runs while they decompressed and learned the workings of the environment. As kennel or office staff we were told not to give any eye contact when we passed the kennel runs. They were not handled at that point at all.

They did not live like this forever. They just had to decompress, figure things out. Each dog does this in their own time. Once they settled in, then they were in a mind space to learn, to bond. But that step can’t be rushed. That might be what the rescue is doing.

Sometimes behaviors do escalate due to the drastic change in environment. Dogs take time to learn that they are not going to be hurt. Some take longer than others….

One dog that made huge strides was Nitro the Mal. He put his handler in the hospital, and came to Leerburg rather than be put down. After letting him figure stuff out and not pressuring him, I was able to build a strong bond with him. I never once had a problem handling Nitro for the rest of his life.

Horse rescues do it too. When my new horse Andi was rescued from the auction, her first month at the rescue was in a field with no direct human contact. They need to get their heads on straight before they can learn or accept anything.

Second guessing is human nature. We all do it. Guilt is also ingrained in many of us from birth… including me. As Becky said though, absolutely none of this is your fault. You got him as far as you could, without anyone getting seriously hurt. You did what needed to be done. Period.

Hugs.!