Last week I followed up with the rescue organization about Mya. We had found out just before we left Canada that she had been adopted by a family with 2 kids – and she was doing great – getting even more walks than we had been giving her.   Gregory asked to connect with them – so that we could see her, send her birthday cards…etc. We explained we needed to wait to hear from them as not everyone may want to do this. When we followed up the response was not what we had hoped for. 

Supposedly Mya’s new family were afraid we may want to take her back. When I explained this to Gregory – he did not understand and asked why we could not just tell them we wouldn’t.  We explained that they must love her so much that they did not wish to loose her. I responded to the organization with a note stating we understood where they were coming from – even if it was disappointing. I put it out of my mind – like Gregory said before, remember her with smiles not tears. 

Well tonight I got choked up…ok, I admit it…I blubbered!  

We received an email from Mya’s new family.  I read it first to myself, then shared it with Walter and then when Gregory got out of the shower I passed him my phone telling him there was an email he needed to read. He asked “good news or bad”.  I explained that if I were to state either of those, this would be an opinion – we wanted him to make his own decision on what it meant to him. 

He read it.  I cannot include the actual note, as I do not have permission from the author…but I will try to include the gist (and one excerpt) as they relate to Gregory’s observations. 

The first thing he said after reading a bit – was “We do not ‘not like’ them” – and then he commented aloud  this was a strange way to say it positively.  He then wrapped up by saying did not understand why she had said we were selfish.  So his overall impression was so-so.  

I explained Mya’s new owner was sharing why she had not written since she had adopted Mya over a month ago. She had been afraid (she used apprehensive) thinking we may not like her and would try to take Mya away.  This was just an explanation – not that she was saying we did not like her. 

The second part was because she commented “I cannot even imagine how hard it had to be to decided to give her up.  In the short time she has been with us it makes me tear up at the idea of not having her anymore.  It was a very selfless thing that your family did for her.”  He did not understand selfless – we explained it was the opposite of selfish. He had chose to think of Mya first not himself – and that is what she is complimenting us on becuase she loves her so much now…she could not imagine how hard it was for us.

Gregory’s last play time in the back yard…

After a better understanding of the email terminology used I asked Gregory what he thought. He gave me his over-the-top-goofy-pleased smile – and put two thumbs up.  He then asked if we could email them and ask them if she was doing all the silly things she did with him – like going through his legs and looking up, and…maybe we could have a zoom call (video call) so we could see her.  I explained we needed to take it easy.  A week ago she had not wanted to reach out to us – because she did not know us. She now had and that gives us the opportunity to respond and allow her to slowly get to know us.  To which he exclaimed “Build Trust!”  (as he had read about in a local book about a young boy and a monkey becoming friends – they needed to go slowly to build trust).  

Walter and I made a point of letting Gregory know we were very proud of him – for understanding what it took to be a great dog owner – in that doing what is best for the dog is not always what is easiest for us – or feels the best.  We are also proud of how he has handled this news.  He commented that her new family may even love her as much, or possibly more, than we do.  

Walter observed that when we had adopted Mya – we became a family who loved her deeply – positive people who gave her the home and love she needed. Then this family has adopted her and felt the same way about her so quickly. He asked “Do dogs have karma?”   If so, Mya is a perfect example.  

Thanks for sharing!

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