My husband and I have come to the difficult conclusion that Toby will need to be re-homed. I love him to death and I'm crying as I write this, I really don't want to give him up after all I've been through with him but I feel its necessary.
Toby has been much more than we bargained for. We'd thought we were adopting a relatively stable dog who needed only basic training, instead its been a constant struggle to deal with his anxiety.
I've done most of Toby's training and rehabilitation on my own without the help of my husband, who doesn't understand how to deal with Toby, and its just become too much. The emotional stress of dealing with Toby has has been detrimental to my own health issues and is also putting a strain on my marriage.
My own health is not good and my treatments are costly so in addition to the emotional stress, the training costs and cost of his medication and treatments have added to our financial strain and to my stress.
At this time Toby's anxiety is considerably better than it was. He gets 10mg per day of generic prozac and 100mg a day of l-theanine to keep his anxiety under control. He's also undergone some homeopathic treatments which have helped him considerably. In the right environment it may be possible for him to be weaned off of the medication entirely.
Toby is currently up to date on all of his vaccines.
Toby used to be shy with some people but has really come out of his shell. He loves all people, but especially women. He's very affectionate and playful and great with kids, pets and other dogs. Toby has excellent house manners, is very obedient having completed several basic and advanced obedience courses and is typically good on leash. He's easy going and laid back and a clown. Toby has a great sense of humor.
Toby would do best in a quiet residential or rural area, as he has the most difficulty dealing with the sounds that are associated with living in the city. Toby's biggest triggers are large trucks/construction equipment, pickup trucks pulling trailers and any sudden metallic banging noises.
If you'd allow me to, I'd really like to foster Toby until a home is found for him. I've put my blood, sweat and tears into his training and finding relief for his anxiety, if you'll allow me to I'd love to be a part of finding the perfect home for him.
I've contacted two families I know who's shelties died of old age. They've both expressed interest in owning a sheltie again. With your approval, if they're interested I thought they might be good alternatives.
Please call me soon so we can discuss this further.
