Sophie's Adoption Dilemma

On Wednesday at 2:30 tears flowed when I received a frantic text from Sophie's original owner asking if I wanted to adopt Sophie, who is 13 or 14 years old. 

Sophie was one of my first clients and also one of my favorite friends. We walked together several days a week along with going to Dunkin Donuts, the retirement home, the dog park, and to my home for four years.

When her original owner told met that if I or someone else couldn't adopt her she would be euthanized at 5:20 p.m. the following day. 

I, of course, asked what went so horribly wrong and this is what happened:

Sophie had been living in her dad's home for most of her life and was as happy as could be until she moved into a new home that included three min pins and that was when Sophie got grumpy. 

Five months ago Sophie was re-homed with a nice family who eventually brought a hyper dog home and the fighting began. Clearly, she needed a different home.

Two weeks ago she moved into a perfect home until one of the owners tried to get Sophie to move off the couch and she didn't like that and she bit/nipped him or her. Needless to say, her new owners were concerned for their safety so they began to think Sophie would be better off in a different home and that's where I came in.

Out of desperation I offered to take her. I knew it was the best solution because Daisy loves Sophie and became friends from the moment they first met.

She's also stayed overnight with me on several occasions and it was adorable to see how sweet they were together. Many thought Daisy and Sophie were sisters and many thought Sophie was mine. Sometimes I went along with both assumptions because I figured, "Why not?"

So by Wednesday afternoon Sophie was all set to take a ride to my house and walk up my stairs at 6:00 last night. 

A few hours beforehand I received the news that the landlord changed his mind about having her live with me. His only concern was that my one bedroom apartment was too small for two dogs. I pleaded and even offered to pay a pet deposit to no avail. When I got off the phone I cried and panicked. The questions I asked myself were: Would Sophie be put to sleep? Was this my fault? Would she find a new home? Would she be able to stay in her current home? 

I am convinced that if Sophie knew she was very close to being adopted by me but not work out she would be as sad as she looks in this picture. 

Within hours of receiving this heartbreaking news her current owners decided that Sophie's feet should remain planted in their (and her) home vowing to continue to try to help Sophie and their puppy to get along. 

Selfishly, I'm disappointed that she's not sitting on my couch but she's been in three homes thus far and it has been confusing for her so uprooting again will be tough for her.

Needless to say, Sophie's adoption dilemma has been emotionally exhausting but the stress and tears were worthwhile because we can all rest assured that she will live out her golden years on the couch where she belongs.