I adopted my dog from a rescue centre when he was a year old; he’s a Border Collie/Beauceron cross (and he’s absolutely lovely).
After spotting his previous owner on social media, I decided to get in touch (I spent six months hesitating as I didn't want to bother her...). As it turns out, she was really happy to hear how he's doing, and I found out that she'd had to give him up quite suddenly.
So, I’d like to suggest she comes to see him.
But I have one big question: could this be bad for my dog? Now that he’s settled into our home,
could seeing his old owner again end up confusing him?
Thanks for taking the time to read this.
Have a lovely day,
Lucie
Translated from French
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Hi there,
I wouldn't recommend doing that...
Your dog won't understand; he’ll think his owner has come back to get him. I looked after a dog for over a year, and the day she saw her old owner again, she was the happiest girl in the world and wouldn't leave her side :)
Some comments are mentioning trust... I can see where they're coming from. But a first owner is always important to a dog; they'll always recognise them.
It would be a risk to do that; it would be like they’re being abandoned all over again :/
Keep your pooch with you and make them happy, that’s all they really need :)
Mind you, I know someone who rehomed his dog (on Gumtree) after a divorce and losing his job. When he told me about it, I realised that the "wound" still hadn't really healed; he actually didn't want to get back in touch with the new owner, even though they lived in the same county. I must admit I was surprised—my first instinct would have been to stay in touch.
Yeah, that’s exactly what I was thinking. When I asked the question, I had a feeling there might be a risk, even if it’s only a small one. Since we can't know for sure how he’d react, I’d rather not risk it...
I have sent over some updates and photos, which they really appreciated. I just thought that seeing him again would make them happy as well.
But the dog’s best interests come first 😊
Being rehomed was a difficult time for him, I think. Even though he’d been treated very well. Nowadays, as soon as we walk anywhere near a rescue centre or some kennels, he gets anxious, tail between his legs, and tries to get away as fast as he can 😢
I once sold a two-year-old female dog, who had never left my side, to my groomer, whom I went back to see regularly with the mother and sister of the dog in question. It didn't cause any problems at all, for my dogs or for my former girl. After the grooming, we’d go for a long walk in the park (without her new owner). When we got back from the walk, my dogs would head straight for the car, while Ulka would go to the gate of her new owner’s back garden. I’m absolutely certain that our visits (two or three times a year) didn't upset her in the slightest.
Thanks to everyone for your replies,
She didn't give him up because it was the easy option; quite the opposite, it was for the dog's own wellbeing. It was a really tough decision to make, and she just wanted to give him a better life.
The idea was really for her benefit, in case she wanted to see him again, as I know there's no real benefit for the dog. I certainly don't want to suggest it if there's a risk it might upset my dog.
I'm going to take your advice and not go through with the meeting. Thanks again!
Sure, it happens, but more often than not it’s just taking the easy way out... or a lack of patience or simply not being bothered to look after the dog because of behavioural issues that they've caused themselves...
I don’t see the point in a meeting like that either. Your dog won't get anything out of it and, besides, it's not even like the previous owner has asked for it!
